Are you in the market for a used car? Buying a used car can help you save a lot of money, sometimes putting your dream car well within your reach. Plus, there is usually a healthy supply of good quality used cars, so unless you’ve got a very specific model in mind, you could be driving away as soon as your deal is done.
We’ve partnered with John Clark Motor Group to help you understand everything you need to know about getting the best deal possible when buying a used car.
So let’s start off with the question you’re probably asking yourself, is it worth buying a used car? Buying a used car is the cheapest way to buy a car in the long run. A big factor as to why this is, is due to a car’s depreciation, a nightmare for the first owner, but a blessing for used car buyers!
Research, Research, Research!
Like anything, purchasing a pre-owned car can come with its risks. Many people are put off from buying a used car due to the potential pitfalls that can come with owning a second-hand vehicle. Not knowing how well the car has been looked after and whether it has a bad history could deter a customer from making a deal.
The best way to protect yourself against purchasing a dodgy car is to avoid sellers that can’t offer you any after-sale support, always choose a reliable and trust-worthy seller to avoid any expensive problems.
Once you’ve chosen a dependable used car dealer, it’s time for you to start looking at your used car options! What to look for when buying a used car can be a bit daunting sometimes, especially for a first time buyer, so we’ve created a quick and easy checklist for you to go through.
- Check the car’s MOT history and servicing records, you can do this online https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history
- Are the wheels and tyres in good condition?
- Does the mileage, age and appearance of the car look consistent?
- Are there any abnormal noises when the engine is running?
- Do all the locks work properly?
- Inspect the interior and test the electrics to ensure everything is as you’d expect
- Are the brakes effective or does it take a lot of effort to stop?
- Is the paint finish even across the car?
- Do all the seatbelts operate correctly?
- Take the car for a thorough test drive
Save your Cash
A great way to save money on your used car is to be flexible on the model of car you’re choosing. Models that are typically in demand, such as the Volkswagen Golf, will resist depreciation better, so it might be worthwhile looking at less popular brands or models if you’re looking to save some money.
Another way to save some cash is to check how much the specific model is worth. With a wide variety of makes and models within each car brand, it makes it difficult to know how much they are worth in the used car market. You can check a car’s value online via sites like WhatCar, and once you know the price, it may make it a bit easier for you to negotiate.
Another factor to take into consideration is how much will your chosen car cost you to run? Quite often, people are lured in to purchase luxury used cars for a cheap price, but are then struck with the realisation that their new used car is too expensive to keep on the road. You may come across your dream Range Rover for a very good price, but bear in mind these cars can be costly to run.
How can the John Clark Motor Group help you?
The team at John Clark Motor Group will always declare the used cars Registration Plate and Date, Mileage, number of Previous Owners, engine size and more. You will find an extensive list of features and the car’s specification on our website, to ensure you know everything you need to know about your potential purchase. Discover your perfect used car for sale at the John Clark Motor Group.
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