Buying a Second Hand Car

Here are our top tips that will help you get the car of your dreams for a price you love!

History check

There are plenty of ways to check a vehicle’s history online and see if everything is present and correct before you even arrange a viewing. As long as you know the vehicle’s make and registration number you find out when its current vehicle tax and MOT expires, registration date and year of manufacture, SORN status, colour, engine size, CO2 emissions and the current vehicle tax rate. There is also the ‘independent report’ option for even more detailed information; be aware this can be costly but could be well worth it for complete peace of mind prior to purchase.

The Viewing

It is important to arrange a viewing before making a final decision as this gives you the opportunity to carry out a visual assessment and note down any faults; this is best done in good light and weather to show up any scratches or dents. If buying from a private seller be sure to meet at their home so that you have a record of their address should any problems arise in the future. View the vehicle from every angle, inside and out, including under the bonnet and look for any signs of repair such as misaligned panels or paint traces on handles and mouldings. Try all the windows, test the radio and check how much boot space there is for your requirements. The mileage should accurately reflect the car’s age so be wary of any ‘clocking’ that may have been done to tamper with the figure.

Test Drive

A test drive longer than 15 minutes should make any issues stand out; does it makes any unusual sounds, pull to one side or offer a bumpy ride? Make sure you are insured to drive the vehicle first and try the car out on a variety of roads to see how it handles. As well as getting a clear idea of the mechanical condition, buyers need to feel comfortable in the vehicle and make sure the driving position is to their liking. Once the car is stationary again, take a look underneath for any oil leaks on the ground that could indicate work that needs to be done.

Documents

Keep a copy of the advert as this might be needed in the future and get the following documents; logbook or V5C, servicing booklet, sales contract and any manuals relating to the vehicle. There should also be at least one spare key, a spare wheel and the correct tools to fit it.

Price

Buying a second hand car is cheaper than a new one and if it is over a year old you can make significant savings. Of course there are always risks when buying from a dealer or private seller but if you carry out all the necessary checks you can get yourself a real bargain. ‘Buyer beware’ applies to any car sale however, so if it seems too good to be true, take a step back and proceed with your head rather than your heart. If you do notice anything wrong during your viewing or test drive, use this to your advantage and haggle the price down.

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