Every year in the UK over 7 million used cars are purchased, with many of these cars being purchased privately direct from the owner. Whilst this can often be the route to achieving the best bargains it can also become very expensive in cases when it emerges that the car has a number of problems or a previously unknown history. In order to reduce the likelihood of being caught out weve put together the top tips when buying a car privately:
The first step is to do some research about your desired car. Check classified ads and trade guides to get a good idea of prices. Parkers.co.uk is an excellent site and contains a free used car valuation tool and thousands of reviews and ratings.
Once youve decided on which car youd like to buy and have found a possible seller always go and take a look at the car in daylight.
Take a friend along with you. If problems occur in the future its very useful to have a witness available to validate what was said.
Check that the car has not been clocked. The average mileage is 12,000 miles a year. Have a look at the tyres to see whether this looks right or if the car has new tyres ask the owner for details of its servicing history.
Always go for a test drive. However, make sure that you are insured to do so and if the seller says that he has cover ask to see his policy.
Carefully check the log book, officially known as the V5 or registration document. In particular look for the chassis number, known as the vehicle identification number (VIN). This will usually be located on a small plate on the drivers door or in the engine bay. The absence of a VIN number strongly suggests that the car has assumed the identity of someone else, probably because it has been stolen at some point in its past.
You could also consider purchasing an AA Car Data Check. Importantly this will include a full description of the car, including engine size and date of first registration, so you can be sure of what you are buying. It will also tell you whether the car has a finance agreement recorded against it, if the car has been written off, and whether the car has had any number plate or colour changes.
The chances are that at some point youll enter into negotiations over the price. Have a highest price and target price in mind before entering into negotiations. If your two offers are some way apart you try not to say anything. Car salesmen use this tactic all the time as people find silence uncomfortable. Try this and the seller will often suggest meeting half way, at which point you can propose meeting half way between your offer and the new offer, getting yourself a better deal.
Finally, if interested in the car consider having it independently checked by a reputable garage. Reputable sellers will understand this so be wary if the owner of the car is against having it checked.
Tags: Aa, Absence, Bargains, Buying A Used Car, Car Data, Car Tyres, Car Valuation, Cars Direct, Chassis, Chassis Number, Classified Ads, Likelihood, Mileage, Purchasing Car, Registration Document, Tool, V5, Vehicle Identification Number, Vin Number, WitnessRelated posts
Its just one of those mornings. As the rain pours down and Im trying to start my mini (yes those old small ones) I decide its time to buy a new car.
Now, before I embark on this wonderful journey- there are a few stumble blocks I need to sort out. Firstly, I cant afford a new car, but Im sure I can find a nice, affordable second hand car somewhere. Secondly, I have no idea what to look for in a car.
For me its all about how cute I will look in it and that it will take me from point A to point B. I know nothing more than the absolute necessary. The engine is in the front under the hood, the spare wheel is somewhere in the back and I know where the exhaust is. Furthermore, my knowledge is very limited.
With my boyfriend out of town and my time relatively limited, I need to find some or other guide to help me. A guide for people who knows nothing about cars, something written for dummies, a buyers guide for second hand cars.
Obviously, the best and first place I look for this Used car buyers guide for dummies is on the Internet. I, of course, find quite a few irrelevant results that just show me lists of car dealers.
Eventually I stumble across a very in-depth used car buyers guide that gives you twelve different things to look out for when buying a car. I had to read it twice to understand everything, but eventually I got the hang of it.
Firstly, they give some helpful advice regarding the purchase of the used car. Then they chat about registration and documentation and give some useful information- mentioning things like the Vehicle Identification Number and where you need to look for it!
Furthermore the buyers guide supply the reader with tips on what to look out for when they are viewing a second hand or used car. They even mention the appearance of the car- and no this is not just the outside of the car!
They give little tidbits to look out for when you start-up the engine. Apparently, when you test-drive the car, you should drive it at various speeds- this will give you an indication of the condition of the engine.
The bodywork of the used car must be inspected and you should look out for any accident damage to the car. Make sure to check out the interior and the upholstery- lift seat covers to see if the seller isnt just hiding damaged seats!
Half of these things I would have never even thought to look at! Other tips include information about the gearbox and clutch, brakes and suspension, radiator and cooling system, as well as more general things like steering and tyres.
Must say, after reading this guide, I will definitely be able to pick out my new second hand used car with more confidence! For those women and other dummies out there that know nothing about what to look out for when buying a second hand or used car- get yourself a buyers guide! It really does help.
Tags: Appearance, Buy Car, Buying A Car, Car Buyers Guide, Car Buying Tips, Car Chat, Car Dealers, Different Things, Dummies, Irrelevant Results, One Of Those Mornings, People, Rain, Second Hand Car, Second Hand Cars, Spare Wheel, Time To Buy A New Car, Vehicle Identification Number, Wheel, Wonderful Journey