A guide to buying a used car

Buying a brand new car might not be on your agenda at the moment. But if you need a new vehicle than buying a used car may be the way to go. Here are the reasons you should consider a pre-loved model:

It’s a buyer’s market

There are millions of used cars out there for you to choose from. This means that you can work out what’s important to you. It could be that you want three doors, maybe you want a car that’s kind to the environment, or perhaps it’s important to you that you drive a diesel car. Whatever the priority, this can lead your buying decision.

I bought a used car just before my son was born. This would be our family’s second car, so we didn’t want to spend a great deal on it. However, having room for our son’s pushchair was a non-negotiable feature. Knowing what we wanted made the buying decision simper.

It should maintain its value

If you buy a used car then it will maintain its value better than a new car will. This means that when you go to sell it on, you should be able to get the majority of what you paid back. The amount will obviously vary, depending on the condition and the way you’ve maintained your vehicle, but generally speaking, a used car is much more economical.

You can buy something local

Personally, I would always avoid buying a car from a friend. Yes, you could argue that you know the car’s history. But if something goes wrong just after you buy the car, then it could create friction if the car previously belonged to a friend or family member.

But there’s no need to travel for miles to view cars. You can visit a nearby used car centre. For example, if you search for Used Cars Birmingham then you will find a centre in that area.

Things to check

There are some things to check before buying a used car. You should look at the service history, the number of miles the car has done and any MOT advisory notices. I would also advise that you take somebody along with you that knows about cars; so that they can keep an eye out for any warning signs.

Remember, it is also okay to ask questions about the car. The car centre staff are there to help and they should be able to answer any of your questions.

Insure yourself before driving off

If you do decide to make a purchase, then it can be tempting to just get the keys and drive off. But you should remember that you need insurance, you can obtain this temporarily if you want to get the vehicle home there and then.

What next?

Once you have your used car, there are certain steps you need to take. Make sure you change the name on the car’s logbook, so the DVLA knows you’re the new owner and that you tax the car and buy car insurance.

Once you’ve done the paperwork, check the tyre levels and the oil. Keeping on top of maintenance like this will mean that your car is safe to drive and stays in good overall condition.

Buying a car is yet another thing we rarely see our favourite soap characters doing, but if you’re looking to purchase a new vehicle, then I hope you find this guide useful.

Note: this is a paid collaboration.