Buying a used car is great for the environment and for your pocket – but it can feel as though you are navigating a minefield when you are looking for the next new-to-you vehicle. Here’s a short, but comprehensive, guide to inspecting a used car to your own complete satisfaction before you commit to buying and spend your hard-earned pounds on the vehicle.
History of the Car
Anyone selling the car should be able to give you a comprehensive overview of the car’s history, from the previous owners to the record of services and parts replacements, and, of course, the MOT certificate and associated insurance certificates. If you see anything in these records that gives you pause, you can always ask the vendor about them, and if the answer doesn’t completely satisfaction your concerns, you can walk away from that vehicle. Choosing to buy your used car from a second-hand car dealer often means that a great deal of due diligence has been done on your behalf: a credit check to make sure the car is available to be sold by the titleholder; an insurance check to make sure it has not been written off after being in an accident; and various mechanical tests to be sure that the car is running well and that there are no issues that might have an impact on the ride.
Condition of the Car
Inspect the car thoroughly – a reputable vendor will allow you to look under the hood, get your torch out to inspect the underside of the car and even take a test drive – and be sure that you are completely happy with the workings and appearance of the car. Look for signs of covered over damage, incipient rust, and potential problem areas – wear marks that might be an indication of a growing issue, for example, and simply don’t commit to buying unless and until you are entirely content.
After Sales Care?
Any reputable used car dealer should be willing to stay in touch with you after you have made the purchase, even if it is just to check that everything is going well, or to let you know that they have received your payment. Excellent used car dealers, such as the excellent and trusted used car dealers KAP Motor Group, even offer warranties and discounts on services, to ensure that their customers remain happy and likely to come back again in the future, perhaps when the next pre-loved car is needed.
In short, when you are buying a used car, you should take your time over making your decision (firmly resisting any attempts to hurry or rush you along!) And be sure that you have met all your expectations and hopes for your new car before you sign over any of your hard-earned cash.
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