Media post: Mistakes You Need to Avoid When Buying Used Cars

The demand for a used car has been steadily increasing as the majority of people are now opting for convenience while remaining practical. The common fear in buying one is that you’ll get the short end of the stick, since pre-owned cars tend to be outdated and defective.

If you do your homework correctly, the right car can last for years and save you a good amount of money. To help you get started, here are a few things you must avoid when going for a used car.

1.   Ambiguous Plans

The biggest rookie mistake is not knowing your reasons. Many people have the car of their dreams, but they never really seem to think if that vehicle tailor-fits their needs. The same thing is true in buying a used car.

Evaluate the specific features you are looking for in a personal car. Do you prefer manual cars despite their plummeting demands? Will you be needing more room for passengers? Will you be driving in a busy city or a rocky terrain? If you know your key reasons, then the process will go smoothly.

2.   Ignoring Vehicle History

Some people buy easily into what the dealer tells them and skips the vehicle’s history. A used car always has a reason why it’s being disposed of in the first place. A few things to check are how many owners did it had, the year or date of the first purchase, involvement in traffic violations, and so on. If you are stern in tracking these records, then you will save yourself from a bad deal.

3.   Overlooking the inspection

It’s always better to see for yourself if a car is working in perfect condition. This way, you can avoid costly repairs once you use it. If you’re unsure, bring a mechanic with you to check the car’s quality.

The things you should look out for are the brake pads, engine, tires, and other essential parts. Interestingly, used cars usually have missing or defective airbags if they have a history of getting deployed. If the inspection shows that the car has minor flaws, you can use this to help you negotiate for a lower price.

4.   Fixating on the price

Used cars can still seem expensive if you’re on a tight budget. Dealerships may cost more because they offer security and quality, but don’t be discouraged because there are still plenty of well-conditioned used cars for sale under £3,000. Just remember, cheaper doesn’t always mean better.

5.   Not doing a test drive

Once you’ve done the things that were mentioned, never rush to close the deal. You might feel pressured to do so since you already did a lot of inspecting, and the car seems perfect already.  However, don’t make the purchase yet if you haven’t done a quick test drive. This will help you notice small details that might feel wrong such as the weird sounds it’s making or its actual limitations on the road.

So, these are the things that you should be aware of when shopping for a used car. As a buyer, it’s always our responsibility to research and know every detail, especially if it was pre-owned. Remember to visit authorized dealers to avoid scams or fraud. Although it may seem like a tedious task, you can be sure that you’re putting your money in the right place.