Guidelines to purchasing a used car.

When buying a second hand car, it is important to establish.

 

Methods of purchase
  • Buying from a dealer is generally the safest way with the most consumer protection and there are often extra options available such as warranties and finance.
  • Buying from a private individual gives little service and limited guarantee.
  • Buying from an auction is dependent on their terms and conditions generally there is little or no warranty.

 
Buying From A Dealer Or Privately
Compare several suppliers for their asking prices of various vehicles.
Use the telephone for vehicle details. This will save a great deal of time obtaining basic information such as mileage service records etc.
Question the seller on mileage, number of owners, condition and service history. Do not believe all you are told - don't forget this person is attempting to sell you the car, and might not be entirely honest.
If the car is offered for sale privately, enquire how long the seller has owned it and if it is correctly registered to them.
Be wary of any vehicle that has been owned for a short time or indeed any car that is not registered to the individual selling it.
When you arrange to view any vehicle that you are interested in, be sure that it is not out of your budget.
When you go to view the vehicle, remember to check for the features you are personally interested in and that they function correctly.
Should a dealer be selling the car, request written evidence of any pre-sales check procedures and information relating to parts fitted for the purpose of bringing the vehicle up to retail standard.
On all vehicles, not just older cars, check for engine wear, accident damage and overall performance.
If you do not feel confident carrying out such checks on the car, seek advice from someone qualified to do so.
Negotiate on the price if the vehicle is not of good quality or not as advertised.
Agree a sale price and arrange a test drive.
Use the usual sources to determine that the vehicle has no serious accident damage, outstanding finance or third party interests, but beware, this type of service is not always conclusive.
Buying from a car auction.
This method of purchase can be very haphazard.
Prices are extremely variable due to the nature of the sale and the level of demand for the car being offered.
Buying from an auction can often be the cheapest method of buying a car. But this is not always the case.
It is often very time consuming since there is no way of knowing the running order of the vehicle offered. And the price it may achieve.
Full descriptions are given only by the auctioneer at the time each car is offered - at this point you should discover information which will enable you to decide whether you wish to bid on the vehicle you have an interest in.
Inspect the vehicle as much as possible visually and listen carefully for any odd noises.
Set your price and do not exceed it - this is easily done when the auctioneer is inviting you to bid further.
Be prepared to pay further service charges, which can be in excess of £100.00
Beware - there is little or no guarantee when buying a car this way.