Top 5 Tips to Remember When Buying a Used Car

There are a number of things that you need to remember when buying a used car. Primarily, you should ensure that a seller has the right paperwork and evidence of a car’s history.

It’s also worth taking the time to really consider what kind of car you need, rather than just settling for a good deal, while checking a car over and going for a test drive before making a decision. Moreover, think about your long term budget, and the different risks and opportunities associated with where you buy a car from.

1 – Correct Paperwork and History

A responsible used car seller should be able to provide you with documents for a vehicle; this should include MOT certificates, garage bills for any repairs made, as well as a V5C vehicle registration document. It’s also possible to run a car history check with the AA, which will find out who a vehicle has been registered to, as well as reporting on any history of accidents.

2 – Getting the Right Car

Think carefully about what sort of car you need before you make a decision. Do you want to get front or rear wheel drive? Rear wheel can be better if you want a vehicle that can stand up to excellent handling and high power driving, but front wheel drive tends to be more inexpensive. Similarly, think about how much a car is going to be used, what your mileage is going to be, and what sort of maintenance costs you will be likely to pay.

3 – Checking Out a Car and Taking a Test Drive

When you go to see a used car, make sure that you thoroughly inspect it, and that you take a test drive to confirm its quality. Particularly look for cars that show evidence of tampering and being sealed together, as well as for engines that have leaks, and any faults with electrics. Always take a used car for a test drive, and be attentive to any response problems from brakes and tires.

4 – Your Long Term Budget

How you budget for your used car depends on the amount of driving that you plan to do, and whether the benefits of spending less on an initial purchase will be offset by the cost of insurance, road tax, and any maintenance that you may have to pay over time. Similarly, think about financing options and repayment schedules, as well as whether you can get a good deal on your insurance for particular models. This is where Direct Asia are on hand to help, they offer a wide range of policies for many different cars.

5 – Being Aware of the Risks of Where You Buy From

If you’re buying a used car online, make sure that you’re aware of the risks involved with private sellers; check site listings and seller rankings, and see what kind of security recommendations that pages make. If you’re going to view a car from a private seller, be wary about going on your own.

You can also reduce some of the risks associated with buying a used car by visiting a local approved dealership that’s tied to a particular car brand. For example, approved dealerships can offer specialist financing deals and after care packages to cut down on the cost of buying a used car.