Let’s face it, buying a second-hand car is fraught with risk; we have all heard the horror stories where unsuspecting motorists ended up with a dud! Believe it or not, there are people who make a living flipping dodgy cars for a profit and they don’t announce the fact!
We asked a leading used car dealer for buyer tips.
- Make best use of digital tech – The best used cars for sale online is the best place to start your search for the right car; once on the website, you can search by make, model, price or style and make a shortlist of cars to view and test drive.
- Sharpen your negotiation skills – It’s a buyer’s market, or so they say and if a seller is desperate to liquidate the asset, you can save a significant amount. Take a close look at the bodywork, looking for dings, dents and scratches; point out all minor issues you find, which strengthens your position.
- Service history – Every used car has a history that should stay with the vehicle for its entire life and when looking at a car, ask the seller to show you the servicing documentation and receipts for repairs. If you are browsing cars and you see FSH, this means the car has a full service history, which gives you peace of mind.
- Test drive – Of course, you must drive a car that you are thinking of buying; this gives you a chance to test the power, steering, suspension and all of the controls (lights, indicators, wipers, washer etc) and notice the brakes and gear shift. If you are not knowledgeable regarding the inner workings, ask a mechanic to accompany you and let the professional assess the car.
- Warranty – If you are buying from a car dealer, you should receive a fair warranty, while private sellers are reluctant to give any assurances; sold as seen is the normal condition with a private sale.
The best cars are to be found with the online platforms and if you are selling a car, these are the people to talk to. They offer the best prices and handle all the legalities, paying you cash when they collect the car.