If you’re in need of a new vehicle but aren’t currently in a position to buy a brand new car, then you might be considering purchasing a second hand one instead. If money is a little tight, then investing in a second-hand car could be a good move to make. Buying second-hand doesn’t have to mean getting an old or unreliable vehicle, it simply means cutting costs and getting a better deal on your new vehicle.
Did you know that the minute a brand new car leaves the forecourt of the saleroom its value drops by 50%? This is a common reason why many buyers choose to invest in a second-hand car rather than a brand new one, because by doing so they are able to significantly reduce their spending. Of course, when it comes to buying a used car, you need to make sure to be mindful to check the vehicle over properly, as being second-hand it could have a number of issues.
To help you ensure that the vehicle you’re purchasing is not only worth the money but is also up to scratch, I’ve put together a few useful tips to take note of when buying a second-hand car.
Choose a reputable seller to buy from
When it comes to buying a second-hand vehicle, it’s a far better choice to opt to buy from car dealerships rather than from a private seller. When it comes to buying from a dealership, you know that your vehicle will have been properly checked over and will come with a warranty, which means that if any unexpected problems occur you can return the vehicle for a refund. Whereas, with a private seller this isn’t usually a possibility.
Take the car for a test drive
Never agree to purchase a car without taking it for a test drive first. If you like the look of a car and everything seems to be in order, don’t make the mistake of instantly agreeing to buy it. Instead, opt to take it for an extended test drive, so that you can ensure that it runs as seamlessly as you would think.
If you’re not a car expert, then you might want to bring a friend or family member along to the test drive with you, so that they can help you to ensure that the vehicle is in good working order and that you aren’t being ripped off.
Always check the mileage
When buying a second hand car, it’s crucial that you check the mileage. Remember, the lower the mileage, the better. Make sure to check how old the vehicle is – you can usually assume that a vehicle will, on average, do around 12,000 miles per year, so a car that’s two years old should have around 24,000 miles on the clock.
Call in a mechanic
A good mechanic will perform a thorough check on your car and even identify tiny details you might miss. For instance, the mechanic can suggest a test drive through various routes such as the highway, hills, potholes and bumps to check the engine’s functionality.
If you work with a mechanic with whom you have a close connection, they might be honest during the test drive. Besides, a mechanic will highlight minor and significant issues. Not all used car issues are worth throwing away a good deal.
The car may need minor repairs, which you can comfortably fix if you don’t mind. For instance, if you are not impressed with the tyre’s condition, your mechanic can suggest border bandag tyre service for all your tyre needs.
Although you can take advantage of the internet to research what to consider when buying a second-hand car, it would be best to have a mechanic inspect all the used vehicles you consider buying for more extended durability.
