So you’ve decided that your used car is done with and you want a new car; what’s best for you, where do you start and what is it important to consider?
When trying to decide on which make and model and whether you are going to buy new or used car as your next car, it is important to answer the following questions:
1) What do you think is the right car for you? Consider size, type, what you are going to mainly use it for etc
2) Budget - It’s all very well deciding that the top-of-the-range new BMW is for you, but do you really want to spend that much? Remember to find out about insurance and other running costs. Plus check the tax prices for each vehicle bracket – they can sting on bigger cars.
3) An ‘expert’ opinion – or your dad When making an investment like this it pays to make use of friends, neighbours or even an independent expert who knows about used cars
4) Insurance (gulp!) This can be a huge cost on some cars, especially if you’re a young driver.
5) Depreciation Some cars hold their value better so if you think you’ll be looking to sell it on in a few years then find out what your used car might be worth after you’ve added on some mileage
Having made those decisions you can look into finding your next new or used car. For this you have all the usual places to look for new or used cars. Dealers and used car garages will offer a better car but for a higher price. Car supermarkets can be more affordable but the selection (despite the name) isn’t always great and prices can still be quite high. Then there’s the internet and classified ads. This transfers buying and selling to the individual cutting out the middle man and lowers the price, but raises the risk. So when buying second hand or used cars from a private seller, make sure you check thoroughly to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth.
Here’s a quick car buying guide about checking over a used cars during viewing:
o Never check a car in the dark or in the rain. It will make it very difficult to spot dents, scratches, rust, and a multitude of other defects.
o If you can, take a look at the car before you ring the doorbell. This will give you a chance to look at it without being distracted by the seller.
o Always start used cars with a cold engine. This will make it easier to spot starting problems or excessive smoke.
o Crouch down in front of each front wheel and look along the length of the car. Both front wheels should be directly in front of the rear – if they're not, it could mean this second hand car has been in a crash with a slightly twisted chassis. This is known as crabbing.
o Take a look at the tyres. Are they in good condition? The minimum legal tread depth for tyres in the UK is 1.6mm.
o Look around the oil filler cap for a white mayonnaise-like substance - this is an indication of a damaged head gasket which can be very expensive to put right.
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