The used car market is a tremendous source of value for those looking to get out onto the road. By shopping used, you’ll benefit from a much wider selection of vehicles. What’s more, you’ll avoid the depreciation that’s so costly during the first year or two of a new car’s lifespan.
But getting the best from the used car market often means approaching the purchase in a certain way. Let’s consider a few essential points to consider.
Verify Vehicle Documentation
To begin with, you’ll want to make sure that the car comes with the appropriate documents. Among the most important piece of paperwork is the V5C registration certificate, which will confirm that the seller actually owns the asset in question, and that the vehicle is all that it appears to be. It’s also worth looking at the service and MOT history, which will indicate whether the car has been well looked after. You can look at the latter using the Ministry of Transport’s online service.
If you’re shopping from an approved used dealer, then you can expect these items to come as standard. It’s often a good idea to look for local dealers, so that you can easily inspect the vehicle before you buy. If you’re in Staffordshire, for example, looking for Cannock used cars might be worthwhile.
Conduct a Thorough Exterior and Interior Inspection
Before you finalise the purchase, you’ll want to get close to the vehicle, and confirm that it’s in good working order. Inspect both the interior and the exterior, searching for any visible defects. Make sure that the tread on the tyres is well above the legal minimum (which is 1.6mm). If there are any strange smells in the interior, or the controls feel worn out, then you might either walk away – or seek to negotiate a discount.
Perform a Mechanical Assessment
Of course, the condition of the car can’t be fully assessed by paying attention solely to the way it looks. You’ll also need to check the engine, the brakes, and the suspension. The former two things can be checked during a test drive, and by looking under the hood and checking for smoke, leaks, or strange smells. The suspension can be tested by pressing down on the car at the corners. If it doesn’t return to its original position smoothly, then there may be a problem.
Evaluate the Vehicle’s Market Value
How do you settle on a price? You’ll need to factor in several different considerations, including the condition of the car. Before entering into negotiations, however, you’ll need to research how much a car of this particular make, model, age and mileage would typically fetch. This will give you a starting point – though not a final figure.