New Tricks For Old Cars: Getting The Best Deal For A Second Hand Car
Research
It may seem like a bit of a chore but doing a little research before you set out will always stand you in good stead. Decide which make you want, as well as your ideal model and colour. On top of that it can also be useful to find out which cars have the cheapest tax and insurance, armed with that it’s much easier to calculate a budget for the total amount you can spend.
Autotrader suggest that the cheapest cars to insure include the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa, Renault Clio and Ford KA, though obviously exact amounts could differ depending on other factors. Since it’s so quick to get car insurance quotes online it should be fairly easy to get an accurate idea of how much you could be looking at.
Chosen your ideal model and looked into how much the car insurance should cost? The next step is to look at similar models over a variety of newspapers and used car websites, so that you have an idea of what your dream car should cost.
Wheeling and Dealing
If you’re unable to take a mechanic down to see the car with you then there are some important things to remember to make sure you don’t get conned. Firstly get the sellers home phone number (rather than mobile), and confirm it’s correct by calling them - this can be a good way of reassuring yourself that they are legitimate.
When it comes to test-driving the car, ask the owner to come with you and remember to check reversing and the brakes. Ideally you should start the test-drive when the car is cold. If the seller drives to meet you somewhere the car will have warmed up, which could affect it’s performance, making it seem in better condition than it actually is. It’s always best to test-drive a new car in a mixture of weather and light conditions, but obviously that’s not always possible.
Checking for faults in the car may seem like a bit of a daunting task but, Autotrader also has a brilliant list of things to look out for. Ask to see the logbook (every car should have one) for further clues about the car’s history. If you decide you like the car then make sure the paperwork is in order, ideally this should consist of a full service history. Beyond that you may want to pay to get a car history check. This can cost around £20 but may reveal hidden details such as the car having been repossessed in the past.
When it comes to negotiating the price don’t be afraid to haggle. After all of your hard research you should know roughly how much the car should cost, and once you’ve seen it and gauged it’s condition you should have a clearer idea. If the owner is not willing to compromise and you can’t reconsider your budget then you can always walk away. Remember, there are plenty more cars out there!
Used and Approved
Dealerships often buy back used cars to sell them on. The ones that make the cut are known as ‘used approved’ vehicles. They have to meet strict sets of criteria and are checked by mechanics to make sure they are in good working order.
Used approved vehicles often come with 12 months of warranty, which obviously affords you extra peace of mind. Used approved vehicles are ideal if you would like some of the benefits of a brand new car without the price tag.
Nothing gives you that warm feeling inside like a bargain, and saving money on the car itself should help to make up for the soaring petrol prices! But remember purchasing too hastily could result in a bad decision, and the amount you save on a cheap car could be engulfed by all those mechanic bills to keep it on the road.
Greenbee offers a range of insurance services selected by the John Lewis Partnership. These include: car insurance online, travel, pet, wedding, event, life, car cover and buildings and contents insurance products. Customers can visit www.greenbee.com for further information.
Greenbee PR
Josie Anderson
greenbeepr@googlemail.com
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