During the last few months, we have shared a series of blogs on Buying and Selling a Used Car, covering topics such as ‘Vehicle advertisements’ and ‘How to prepare yourself when selling a vehicle’. Well, this month we are exploring ‘Considerations when buying a used vehicle’ and so following on, here is our advice to help you navigate the process.
To begin with, ensure that you are clear on the type of vehicle that you are looking to buy in terms of aspects such as size, age and mileage. Don’t forget that these 3 key points will determine the price and so it’s useful to have a look at automotive selling sites and local dealerships to gauge the type of vehicle that you would like and what will fit into your price range.
Buying A Used Vehicle
Arrange a visit – You will want to see the vehicle for yourself before you buy, to ensure that the information advertised is valid and to get an idea of the vehicle’s specifications.
Carry out a thorough check – Look inside and out of the vehicle. Open up the bonnet and the boot lid. Inspect as closely as possible for any damage which may reflect the price.
Ask questions – Find out as much information as possible about the vehicle. Ask about it’s history, how many drivers it’s had and find out what it was previously used for.
Review the paperwork – Ask to see the service history and the MOT certificate so that you can understand any previous repair work which has been carried out and to get a sense of the car’s reliability.
Take a test drive – By driving the car for yourself, you can really get a feel for its handling on the roads and its comfort.
Making the decision – If you say yes to the purchase, then you will need to be prepared to hand over the money before you drive the vehicle away. When a lot of money is being exchanged, it’s worth making a test payment for a small sum first, to make sure that you have the correct bank details. If the vehicle isn’t what you had hoped for, then its ok to walk away! Its best to go with your gut feeling and don’t feel pressured into buying any vehicle if it’s not for you.
Fill out the correct paperwork – So that everything is in place and the vehicle is fully road worthy to drive, you will need to complete the logbook slip which confirms that you are the new owner / keeper of the vehicle. Before you drive it away, you will also need to make sure that you are insured, and that the vehicle is taxed immediately.
Don’t forget that Stourbridge Automotive provide Used Car Inspections to customers who are looking to buy a used vehicle. To find out how we can support you further, please visit: https://www.stourbridgeautomotive.co.uk/used-car-inspections/