Used Car Buying Advice

By purchasing a used car you can save a lot of money. You could buy a model that you may not be able to afford brand new. However, buying a used car is still a bit of a gamble as there is no guarantee that the car has not been in an accident, has real mileage, and was properly maintained. There may be some hidden problems like a worn out automatic transmission, or engine problems that may not have been obvious when you test-drove the car. Here are some essential facts you should consider before buying a second-hand car so you won't regret your decision after your purchase.

Your first step should be to read reviews, consumer reports, ask friends and do as much research as you can on the make and model you're interested in. Try to determine maintenance costs and upkeep, etc. Your goal should be to narrow your search to one or two models so you know exactly what you want. This means that later you will be completely happy with you choice and that you can afford it. Narrowing your choice also makes it much easier for you to compare condition and pick the best one. Recognizing a transmission problem during your test drive would be easier to do if you were to try a few vehicles of the same model instead of becoming confused by testing out different models.

Search through car trading magazines such as Autotrader to get an indication of what you need to pay for your chosen car. There should be a very good reason to pay more than the average price. Low-mileage might be one, but you’ll need proof like an old MOT or service bills, to be sure this is accurate. Don’t buy a car just because it’s a bargain because you may end up paying more for it in the long run when things start going wrong.

Seeing the car at the seller’s premises can help to minimise the risk of buying a stolen car, otherwise you could end up with no way of tracing the seller. Ask for a landline telephone number as well. You should get a mechanic to inspect the car before putting down a deposit, but at the very least take a knowledgeable person who knows about cars to check it out. Even if you decide to check the car yourself, a history check by someone like the AA or HPI will tell you if the car has been stolen, repaired after serious damage, or has outstanding finance against it.

Things you should be looking for on inspecting the car are:
Marks around the instruments and dashboard (may indicate that mileage has been tampered with).
The general condition of the car relating to its age and mileage.
Accident repairs- uneven gaps between panels, colours that don’t match exactly, paint overspray on handles and black trim.
Make sure the exhaust doesn’t smoke, the clutch doesn’t squeal when you depress the pedal, the clutch doesn’t slip. Check the performance is smooth and satisfactory.
Ask the reason for selling the car.

Often when you use a proper negotiation technique you can get a reasonable discount. Here are a few proven tips:
1. Start negotiating from the beginning. Try to get a discount from the very first time you phone about a car. If they ask for £2,000, ask them if it's worth to come if the £1,800 is your bottom line. Usually they won't say "No", which means that when you come, you can start negotiating down from £1,800, not from £2,000
2. Negotiate the total price. Dealers always like to add something to the top of the sticker price. Ask for a total price "on the road" and use it for a negotiation.
3. Make a lower offer. Don't be afraid to make a lower offer. If they are asking £2,000, offer £1,400. If the salesperson believes you will really buy a car, he/she will go down in price, and maybe you will then get the car for £1,700 or thereabouts.
4. Be ready to leave if you feel any pressure or if you have any hesitations about the car - there are so many other cars available. You don't have to decide immediately. Do not give a deposit or sign anything until you are absolutely satisfied with the car and conditions.
5. Nothing works better than competition. Let's say you have two cars on your list that you're interested in. Show it to the salesperson and say you will buy a car from whoever gives you the better price. For example, if one of the salespersons offers you a £250 discount, phone to another dealer on your list and ask them if they can match it.
6. Whatever is promised by a dealer, ask to confirm in writing. Negotiate all the details of the deal. If the dealer promises to install new tires, make sure you agree on what kind of tires - cheapest available or of well known brand like Michelin or Goodyear. If there is some kind of warranty that comes with the car, make sure you understand all terms and condition. If the dealer promises to show you all service records, make sure you check them before you pay for a car.

Be extremely careful when doing the paperwork. You should receive a new keeper’s supplement and the seller needs to send off the rest of the registration document (V5) to the DVLA to change the ownership details. You should be given an MOT certificate (the more old ones you have the better as they will record the mileage over the years) and a VIN number. The VIN number is printed on the V5 and must correspond exactly to the VIN number plates on the car- under the bonnet, often on the floor under the carpet or on the dashboard up against the windscreen. Try and get service records and a bill of sale with the seller’s details.

Buying from a dealer gives you the best legal protection. The Sale and Supply of Goods Act means the dealer has to have the right to sell the car, it must be accurately described, and it has to be safe.
Buying privately gives you no legal protection as to the quality of the vehicle, only that it is not misrepresented. So if you don’t ask the right questions the seller doesn’t have to tell you that the wheels fall off at a certain speed.
Auctions offer buyers the fewest rights, but the lowest prices. Often any disagreement about a vehicle has to be raised within an hour of the end of the sale.

If things go wrong go back to the seller and see if the issue can be resolved. Put your complaint in writing and keep copies of all correspondence. If this doesn’t work ask the experts for help. The AA, RAC and other motoring organisations have legal teams that can give advice, as does the Citizens Advice Bureau.

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