Things To Be Aware Of When Buying A Used Car
In 2011 money is tight and the economic situation of most people needs careful handling. New cars are expensive and the cost will eat a big hole into your finances. A really good money saving option is to buy a used car and the good news is there are many bargains to be had. There are also dishonest dealers who will do anything to get your cash and spin you yarn after yarn. If you are going to but a used car there are a number of things that you should be aware of before you part with your money. Most dealers are reputable but forewarned is forearmed.
Before you go and see a vehicle run through these essentials in your mind so that you do not miss anything out. Firstly, you will need sight of the vehicles documentation including service and repair history. If the car is over 3 years old it should have an M.O.T certificate if it doesn't it is illegal. Have a good look at the cars bodywork looking out for stone chip damage, dents and scratches.
Seeing any of those things gives you a bit of leeway when discussing a price for the car. It is important to remeber that you are viewing a used car so do not be too pedantic.Next check the cars tyres and they should be roadworthy if they are not ask for another set as part of the price. Remember you are viewing a car that according to the dealer is ready for sale and in its best condition.
Always inspect the underneath of a vehicle and it may be a good idea to take someone with you who knows about motor vehicles and how they work. If you see an oil leak it will need to be fixed and it is not always something serious. Lots of vehicles today have air conditioning as standard and if you see a clear fluid under the car it is almost certainly water from the air con system and totally normal. In rare cases you may be show a car that has been tampered with. a popular trick amongst some unsavoury car traders is to weld together two halves of the same model of car. This is illegal and very dangerous. If you see evidence of welding underneath the vehicle give the car a wide berth and inform the police.
Make sure you are very thorough in your car inspection as it will save you money in the long run as well as less heartache if you buy a car that is problematic.
After the exterior comes the inspection of the interior and the test drive itself.Check the general standard of the car inside.Look out for excessive leather damage or torn or damaged seats.Is the internal scratching reasonable for a used car?.Now you can start the car and if it does not start first time ask the dealer why. Look at all the dials and check that they appear to be working correctly as you drive the vehicle. Make sure all the relevant dashboard lights are working correctly and check the headlights and sidelights too.
Check that all the brakes are working correctly and that there are no squeaks and metallic noises. The steering wheel should feel smooth and turn easily and you need to check it thoroughly. You do not want a steering rack problem with any car as it is very dangerous. If you possible used car is manual make sure that the gears change up and down smoothly and don't forget to put the car in reverse too.
Buying a used car is never an easy process but with preparation and some thorough sensible checks you will not get a bad vehicle. the vast majority of dealers are honest and reputable but it is important that you know some of the tricks used by rogue car delers to protect yourself and your hard earned cash. Remember common sense and good sensible preparation could save you a lot of problems in the future.
Before you go and see a vehicle run through these essentials in your mind so that you do not miss anything out. Firstly, you will need sight of the vehicles documentation including service and repair history. If the car is over 3 years old it should have an M.O.T certificate if it doesn't it is illegal. Have a good look at the cars bodywork looking out for stone chip damage, dents and scratches.
Seeing any of those things gives you a bit of leeway when discussing a price for the car. It is important to remeber that you are viewing a used car so do not be too pedantic.Next check the cars tyres and they should be roadworthy if they are not ask for another set as part of the price. Remember you are viewing a car that according to the dealer is ready for sale and in its best condition.
Always inspect the underneath of a vehicle and it may be a good idea to take someone with you who knows about motor vehicles and how they work. If you see an oil leak it will need to be fixed and it is not always something serious. Lots of vehicles today have air conditioning as standard and if you see a clear fluid under the car it is almost certainly water from the air con system and totally normal. In rare cases you may be show a car that has been tampered with. a popular trick amongst some unsavoury car traders is to weld together two halves of the same model of car. This is illegal and very dangerous. If you see evidence of welding underneath the vehicle give the car a wide berth and inform the police.
Make sure you are very thorough in your car inspection as it will save you money in the long run as well as less heartache if you buy a car that is problematic.
After the exterior comes the inspection of the interior and the test drive itself.Check the general standard of the car inside.Look out for excessive leather damage or torn or damaged seats.Is the internal scratching reasonable for a used car?.Now you can start the car and if it does not start first time ask the dealer why. Look at all the dials and check that they appear to be working correctly as you drive the vehicle. Make sure all the relevant dashboard lights are working correctly and check the headlights and sidelights too.
Check that all the brakes are working correctly and that there are no squeaks and metallic noises. The steering wheel should feel smooth and turn easily and you need to check it thoroughly. You do not want a steering rack problem with any car as it is very dangerous. If you possible used car is manual make sure that the gears change up and down smoothly and don't forget to put the car in reverse too.
Buying a used car is never an easy process but with preparation and some thorough sensible checks you will not get a bad vehicle. the vast majority of dealers are honest and reputable but it is important that you know some of the tricks used by rogue car delers to protect yourself and your hard earned cash. Remember common sense and good sensible preparation could save you a lot of problems in the future.
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Before you consider buying a used car there are a number of things to be aware of forAdvice on buying a used cargo to David King's website for the best Advice on buying a used car