Do your homework. Read up about the model of car you’re thinking about. Will it perform as you will want? Be aware of any known mechanical problems with that particular model and remember to check them out when you take it for a test drive (see tip 15).

Look up the current second hand values for the car. Try starting at www.what car .com. Also get some of the second hand car magazines and your local paper. Check out the prices being asked for similar cars.

Car Insurance is always a major expense. How much will that car cost you to insure? It’s easy to find out on the Internet get a few quotes. It’ll just take you ten minutes.

Also check out the car’s other running costs. We’re talking about fuel consumption, servicing and repair bills. Again www.what car .com can help. Ensure you can afford to run the car!

When you see the car insist on seeing its registration documents and, if the car is more than 3 years old, its MOT certificate. The registration documents will also show the cars’ VIN number. Carefully check that the documents tally.

Always ensure that the person selling the car does actually own it.

And always see the car at the seller’s own home or business premises. Then ensure that the address on the Registration Document is at the same as the address – if not ask why. You should be suspicious.

Examine the Road Tax disc. Is it still valid? Does the vehicle registration number on the disc match the Registration Document and the number on its number plate?

Ask to view the cars’ Servicing Record. Usually, this will also show the cars’ VIN number and details of the first owner. If the Service record is not available, has the owner kept any of the service or repair bills? Ask to see them.

Now look under the bonnet and look for the VIN Number (it could also be on a plate on the inside edge of one of the front doors). Compare the VIN number with the number on the Registration Document and check that the number stamped on the car has not been interfered with. This will help to ensure that the car hasn’t had its identity changed.

It’s best to take a friend with you who knows’ about cars not only to look at the car but also to be a witness for what is said and anything that is agreed.

Don’t pay for a car on your first visit and try not to be pushed into putting down a deposit. You need to carry out some checks before you part with any money (see 17 below).

Ask the owner whether the car is subject to any outstanding finance. Take notes of what he/she says. Then, when you get home, get on the Internet and check out the information provided with RAC Vehicle Status Check. Go to the RAC’ web site. Click on Car Buying and then Vehicle Status Checks. The Status Check will cost you 24.99 but it will confirm whether the car has outstanding finance. Best to be safe without this Check you could find out that a finance company actually has a prior title to the car.

Carefully examine the car in good daylight. Look carefully for signs of repairs and accident damage. If you have followed our advice and obtained a Vehicle Status Check, that Check will also notify you if the car has previously been written off.

Try to ensure that the car hasn’t been clocked. (Clocked means that the mileometer has been wound back to show a lower mileage.) The average annual mileage is around 12,000. Be wary if the wear and tear on the car looks greater than you would expect from the mileage. The wear on the driver’s pedals is usually a give away. Then ask when the tyres were last replaced. Does the wear on the tyres look about right?

Insist on test-driving the car for at least 10/15 miles. You need to get the car fully warmed up and drive it in varying conditions. Incidentally, don’t forget to ensure you are insured to drive it! Don’t assume that your own insurance policy will cover you for driving someone else’s car. Check your policy before you leave home. If the seller claims that his insurance covers you, ask to see his policy a bit of a pain but better safe than sorry!

Has the car ticked all the boxes so far? Then spend some more money get it professionally inspected.

Never pay any money until you have seen the results of the RAC Vehicle Status Check. And even then, avoid paying any money until the car is handed over to you complete with its Documents and tax disc. Always get a written receipt for any money you pay and ensure that it includes the sellers name and address.

Last of all, make sure you’re insured from the moment you drive the car away. The Police can now impound, and ultimately scrap, your car if you’re driving it without insurance or road tax! If the car has not got Road Tax disc, call in at the Post Office on the way home and get one. You’ll need to show them a valid insurance cover note for the car and the cars up to date MOT Certificate.

If you’ve followed all these steps you’ll have done just about everything possible to ensure the car is legally yours at the right price, and you haven’t bought a scrapper!

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Before you even go looking for your car make sure you have a general idea of how much cars of similar age and type go for second hand. Also bear in mind the repair costs of the model, the safety aspects of that particular model and how much the car would cost to insure.

Once you have made contact with the seller and have gone to check the car over, it is essential that you get to see all documents related to the cars history. This will give you an idea of how well the car has been treated and if it has had all the check ups it should have had.

If you are buying your used car from a dealer then you have the right to see the written warranty that is provided by the dealer before you buy, this is one way of making sure of what you are getting before you commit yourself.

When you go to look at the car make sure that you give it a through inspection in good lighting and that you take it for a test drive. Where possible make sure that you test drive the car in most situations, for example up and down hills, in heavy traffic where you are stopping and starting and if possible a brief drive down the motorway. This will all tell you how the car handles and feels and pay particular attention to not only how the car handles but also how the engine sounds.

One of the best tips when it comes to buying a used car is if you know nothing about cars then make sure that you take someone with you who does. If you dont have a friend or family member then it can pay to book someone from an auto club to go with you and look over the car. While of course this will cost you in the long run it can work out cheaper if the car is nothing more than an old banger.

Always remember that while you can get a good bargain when it comes to buying your used car privately you wont have any warranty as such as you would get from a used car dealer. So usually you will buy the car as seen and this is the risk you take for saving a couple of hundred pounds or more on the car.

Whichever way you choose to go to buy your used car with a little common sense and by following the tips for buying a used car outlined above you can grab yourself a great bargain.

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No wonder why many people are enticed to buy used cars. In fact, statistics show that the number of people who buy used cars is three times more than the number of people who buy new cars.

But then again, not all used cars are maintained equally by their previous owners. Hence, it is important for those who wish to purchase used cars to consider the different factors that might affect the performance and the condition of the car.

Here is a list of some tips that will help buyers in choosing their used cars.

1. Safety features should not be taken for granted.

Being old is not an excuse to justify the used cars lack of safety features. Every car, whether old or new should have safety features in order to prevent some possible accident while driving.

Every used car should still have its anti-lock brakes working properly and airbags that are still intact (for cars made after this requirement).

2. The mileage is important

This is because the amount of mileage reflects the way the car has been used by the previous owner. Moreover, the mileage will denote the used cars age.

Normally, an average driver will drive 12, 000 to 15, 000 miles in a year. In this way, the buyer will be able to estimate how old the car is.

3. Over-all check up is important

Before buying the car, the buyer should first conduct an over-all check up on the condition of the car, from its exterior parts up to the very detail of its interior portion.

Being old does not mean any signs of wear and tear will be an excused. Hence, people should be aware what they are paying for.

4. Test drive

There is no better way to know the condition of the car until it has been test-driven. Hence, a buyer should make all the effort to do a test drive first before he or she jumps into conclusion.

5. If possible, the over all service history of the car should be checked.

This will provide the buyer solid information regarding the true condition of the car. Here, the buyer can detect if the car has so many technical problems before, if it has been into an accident already, or if the owner was good enough to provide the proper maintenance for the car.

Knowing these things is extremely important to avoid possible risks in the future.

Boiled down, inspection is mportant especially if the transaction concerns money. Cheap is no substitute for being a smart buyer.

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Check the cars history

An essential factor when car browsing is to learn the cars history. This entails finding a reliable source as to whether the automobile has ever been flooded or involved in an automobile accident. Before agreeing to buy used cars, consumers may obtain a CarFax report at www.carfax.com or by requesting that their local dealer provide a copy. There is a minimal fee involved in acquiring the report, but the findings are invaluable. For instance, the number of owners and the title status are both included in a CarFax report.

Take a drive test

Generally, used cars buyers will be permitted to take a test drive and also may think about requesting permission to take the automobile to a trusted mechanic for an additional inspection. The best way to confirm that the automobile is in the condition as stated is to take it to a mechanic, who can properly inspect used cars and locate any underlying problems. Even if most used cars are exactly as stated, when auto safety and any amount of money is involved, there is no room for error in judgment.

Know the car value

Before buying any used car, it is important to be familiar with the value of the vehicle. One way to determine an accurate value is through the use of Kelly Blue Book (www.kbb.com) and their extensive pricing system. By entering specific information about an automobile, consumers will receive instant value estimates online. In order to get an accurate value, consumers must know the make and model of the automobile, current mileage, additional features and overall condition.

Ask for an extended warranty

It may also be possible to purchase an extended warranty when you buy an used car. Because the original warranty has already expired on most previously owned vehicles, this option is available for the consumer who wants to make sure their purchase is covered. It is important to realize that the warranty is not automatically included in the sticker. In fact, the consumer should ask the dealer specifically about purchasing an extended warranty. More often than not, an extended warranty can be added into the total cost and may even be included in the financing.

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It is always better to find out whats wrong with a used car before you buy it rather than after you own it. Carfax vehicle history reports are a great way to get this information. Carfax collects information from around 5,000 different sources. But, remember the report is only as good as the information reported. If the car is in an accident but the accident is not reported, the information isnt going to be in Carfax. Thats why you still should have the vehicle inspected before purchasing it.

A mechanical inspection is the surest way to find obvious problems with the vehicle. The mechanic will easily be able to tell if there are leaks, corrosion, frame damage, hidden damage, brake or suspension problems, engine problems, and other obvious mechanical issues. The mechanics report however, will not tell you anything about the history of the car such as whether it has been in an accident.

Always take the car for a test drive. Make sure you dont just drive it on city roads. Take it out on the highway and get up to highway speeds to make sure you like the ride, how quiet the car runs, steering, and other elements like how good your visibility is and blind spots. Decide whether you are comfortable driving the car. If you arent comfortable, then its not the car for you.

You can save a great deal of money on your used car by shopping around for good financing. Some lending institutes offer better rates than others. There are many institutes that offer a hassle free online service thats as simple as filling out an online application. Once your financing is approved, they will send you the check to take to the dealer.

If you have the opportunity to purchase an extended warranty for your car, it can be a good investment. An extended warranty can protect you from breakdowns and save your pocketbook from some serious strain.

There are two types of coverage; bumper to bumper and powertrain. Bumper to bumper covers almost everything, while a powertrain warranty covers major breakdowns like engine and transmission. The cost between the two types of coverage can be significant, but depending on the age of the car and type of car bumper to bumper coverage can be worth the extra money.

There are several good website resources for finding out what a vehicle is worth. You can search by category, make, model, and price. If you do an Internet search for used vehicle prices, youll find several good resources.

If you cant find the car you want locally, buying a car online is another option. Just do your research to make sure the dealer is reputable. Its always a good idea to only put a deposit down and then pay the balance once youve inspected the car and it meets your expectations.

These tips for buying a used car will keep you stress free and help you make the best buy possible.

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Negotiating for the lowest price possible becomes the next stage in ones new car buying strategy. Many online salespersons are willing to discuss the price of cars online, which helps save a lot of time and energy. If one feels good about the price decided on, its time to take a look at the big picture. Many buyers focus on the cost of the car and ignore the related expenses. Besides the cost, one will have to pay sales tax and other various fees, which vary from place to place, and the easiest way to do this is to ask the salesperson to send an invoice before one goes to the dealership. The new car buying strategy remains incomplete without insuring the car, so insurance may from ones final stride in this direction. On carwholesaleprices.com one can get new car prices and reviews before set out for buying a new car.

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Here some good advice in the purchasing of pre-owned sports cars.

1. Set expectations
Many people go out to buy a pre-owned sports car with a brand new car in mind. Buying pre-owned sports cars is about getting the best value for your money. Knowing your needs and preferences is also a must in buying pre-owned sports cars.

2. Set a budget
Buying a sports car, even pre-owned ones can be expensive Researching through internet browsing or buying buy and sell car magazines can give a buyer a general feeling about the current prices of different sports car models.

3. Examine carefully
A buyer must be careful in inspecting the pre-owned car and take his time doing so. There are four essential elements of the car that should be thoroughly inspected: the interior, the body, the engine, and the papers. A well-maintained sports car is worth buying.

Open the hood and examine the car’s engine. Many people may not know too much about car electronics but inspection will give a buyer a general feel of how the car has been maintained by the previous owner.

Check the inside of the tailpipe. If it is greasy, that means that there is a problem with the engine compression.

Check for scratches or dents on the cars body. Of course, do not forget to check the cars title, etc. Missing papers will cost the buyer additional money or prevent the purchase.

4. Test Drive
Before a purchase, the buyer should take the car for a test drive. This is a must for all cars, not only for pre-owned ones. An assessment of the over-all handling and performance of the car should be made during the test drive.

Buying a pre-owned maybe the best choice in purchasing a sports car, especially when one is faced by budget constraints. Pre-owned sports cars have the potential to give the same excitement and fun that brand new ones can give. Choose and buy wisely and have fun while doing so.

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1) Always decide the budget you can afford to buy the car. Since you are buying the used car always include price of the Car, repairs and maintenance cost of the car, Car insurance and so on.

2) Decide the Car you would like to buy. The best option would be to go for a mid-sized car as these cars are available at great bargains.

3) Used cars may be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty or a separately purchased service contract. However note that they may not be transferable. Always make sure to go through the warranty or service contract before you buy any used cars.

4) You can also take a test drive of the car and check its efficiency and comfort. It would be more preferable if you take a test drive on different types of roads. Have a drive for at least 10 to 15 miles to ensure the smoothness of the car.

5) Find out how old is the car you are going to buy. Try to buy a car which is two or three years older. Buying a two or three years older car would probably be a great deal as this will give you an opportunity to drive the latest model. It would be asking for trouble if you decide to go for a much older car.

6) If you are not 100% satisfied by the car avoid buying it. Don’t just buy a car since it is cheap as this might turn into a big expense in the long term.

7) It would be advisable to get the car inspected by the mechanic you hire. If you neglect it, you will have to pay everything for the maintenance once you buy the car. A mechanic can put the car on the lift and can immediately identify any previous damages, corrosions and so on.
If you are buying a 4 to 5 year old car it would be advisable to get the warranty period extended. Else you will have to bear the brunt of heavy losses.

9) Every dealer has a price in mind below which they will not sell you the car. The dealer is ready to reduce the price of the car till this price point and yet manages a decent profit. However if they find a particular buyer inexperienced they take advantage of such buyers and gladly make a very good profit. Hence it is very important to educate yourself thoroughly before going to a car dealer.

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If you apply a little common sense when looking to purchase a second hand car, all should go well, and you could end up getting a car which will serve you well for a long time.

However, if you rush blindly into what seems like a good deal, then you could end up not even getting the car home before it breaks down.

When thinking of purchasing a car second hand there are some points which you should give consideration to and be on the look out for when giving your potential new car the once over.

Always go to view the car in good light. Never, ever go at night or view in an area which has very poor lighting. If the seller is reluctant to show you the vehicle in good lightning conditions, consider this a warning sign.

Always spend time looking for rust on the bodywork .While a few surface blisters are usually harmless, corrosion is a totally different thing. If you see a rust blemish then gently rub it with your finger and if you hear a rustling noise this could mean there is corrosion underneath the rust.

Look for any signs that the vehicle has been in a collision previously. Obvious signs are joins where the car has been welded, or creases on the bodywork.

Where possible take a qualified mechanic with you to view the vehicle before handing over any money.

Take the car for a test drive it may be uncomfortable or have a blind spot. You can also see then just how healthy it sounds.

Finally, walk away from the deal if anything such as the owner not being able to supply you with the correct documentation happens. If the vehicle registration documents do not agree with the address where you are viewing the car, be suspicious. The car could be stolen or it could be trader posing as a private seller.

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