Buying used. When buying a second-hand car, there are several critical things to keep in mind. Fortunately, we’ve outlined some of the main things you should aim to avoid with used car purchases to help. In turn, this should help you decide whether buying a used car’s right for you.
Five Key Things to Avoid With Used Car Purchases
When making a second-hand investment, there’s no room for error. Indeed, while many people tend to assume that used cars will offer good value, there’s also more risk involved. As such, make sure to avoid the following five red flags when buying second-hand.
#1 Poor MOT History.
One of the biggest warning signs for a used car is poor MOT history. Indeed, if the vehicle you’re trying to buy has suffered in past MOTs, this could indicate ongoing issues. In turn, by buying the car, you could well end up purchasing the same problems! Thus, it’s hugely important to check MOT history on your chosen vehicles; in doing so, you can help make sure you’re not accidentally buying a vehicle with unwanted baggage.
But how can you check MOTs? Well, the easiest way is to simply ask the seller. However, there’s no guarantee they will know. Or, if they do, they may not be entirely honest. Running the registration through a car checker can offer a new and improved option to verify MOT history. Plus, these checks also allow you to view other information, such as financing status and the like. This could help you make a more informed decision, in turn.
#2 Seller Won’t Allow a Test Drive.
Another significant risk factor is when the seller refuses a test drive. Of course, there could be genuine reasons for this. However, this might also indicate that the seller is trying to hide something. As such, be sure to question this if you’re unsure.
#3 Not Checking the Seller.
Unfortunately, not all car sellers are genuine. In some cases, this may be as simple as concealing information. However, in other scenarios, it could be that the seller doesn’t even own the car at all. As such, be sure to do your research to ensure your investment is for the correct animals.
#4 Focusing on Model Alone.
A significant mistake that many people make is focusing on the properties of the vehicle model exclusively. However, even for cars of the same make, there’s always variation. So, don’t buy based on the model alone. Always do your research into how the vehicle has performed as well.
#5 Late Finance Arrangements.
Did you know that sorting your finances late can result in higher rates? As such, when buying used, try to arrange any finance you might need in advance. It could potentially save a significant amount of money overall, especially when getting finance from someone other than the dealer.
Final Thoughts
Purchasing a used car comes with many caveats. Fortunately, by considering today’s top tips, you should be able to make a more informed decision for your car purchase, too. But remember: there’s always the risk of being caught by a fraudulent seller. So, while there are many benefits, always do your research to make a more informed choice.