5 steps to buying a used car

1 – Know your budget
Before you set out to choose your car, make sure you know what you can afford, whether that’s a lump sum or monthly payments. Browse through the stock lists on dealer sites to see what makes and models fall within your price range and work out how much your current car is worth if you wish to part exchange.
 
2 – Choose the right car
It’s always wise to take into account what you’re using your car for. If you’re making long commutes, for example, you’ll need to think about running costs including tax and fuel efficiency. If you live in the city, you might consider a hybrid or electric vehicle.
 
3 – Checking the car over
Once you’ve narrowed down the list, it’s important to view the car and check it meets your expectations. Dealers tend to run thorough checks on used vehicles before putting them on sale, but it’s worth double checking the service history and mileage with the sales advisor. If you’re buying privately, check the car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) at the bottom of the windscreen, under the bonnet and stamped into the chassis under the carpet and make sure they match the number in the logbook. Make checks for dents and scratches in the bodywork, and check that the tyres are legal.
 
4 – Taking it for a test drive
Arguably one of the most important things to consider when choosing a car is whether you like driving it. Always take the car for a test drive and while out, be mindful of any unusual noises or anomalies in the handling. Take it along as many kinds of road as possible to get a good feel for how it drives.
 
5 – Doing the paperwork
Ensuring all the relevant paperwork is there might seem like a tedious task, but it’s just as essential as making sure the car is right for you. Check the service history and logbook and if the seller is private, check the documents to ensure the details match. It’s also vital to ensure the MOT is valid.
 
Whether you’re buying used cars in Manchester from a dealer or in London from a private seller, following the above advice will help you to ensure your vehicle meets the standard it should. Happy buying!

Contact Information

Claire Parratt

Group Marketing Manager

Vantage Motor Group

Contact via E-mail