used cars - buying a good used car in the UK
How can you find good used cars, particularly if you are not an experienced mechanic or have much experience of purchasing used vehicles? Do you go to a local used car dealer? Look through the car ads in the newspaper? Search the Internet? All of these ideas can be useful, but it is important to remember the following guidelines.
When you are looking to buy a second hand car, first of all, it is important you have an idea of exactly what you want/need from a vehicle. I once asked a colleague who used to be a car mechanic what car he would recommend, and he said that Honda Civics and Toyota Corollas are good second hand buys. However ask ten people about used cars and you will probably get about ten different recommendations. In any case, You must decide what type of car you want. How much space do you need - will a compact hatchback do the job or do you need an estate or even a SUV? What about running costs, do you do a high mileage? Are you a high insurance risk i.e. a young driver or a driver with previous driving convictions? make sure you can afford to run the car you buy in terms of fuel, insurance and maintenance.
Once you have an idea of the type of vehicle you require, Visit Parkers and get a rough idea of the car prices you should be paying, then try and match up the car you desire with your available budget. Get the values on all the cars on your short list for a variety of years.
Armed with a budget, you know the hightest amount you can spend, it is time to begin your used car search. I suggest you try Autotrader to find examples near your location.
When you go to check out the car, take someone who knows cars with you if at all possible. Otherwise, it would be wise to pay a mechanic to get the car inspected or use a service such as an RAC Vehicle Examination. Do not underestimate the importance of checking out the vehicle thoroughly. Yes, it is an inconvenience and can be expensive, but not as expensive as buying a lemon!
If for some reason you cannot have the car checked out be an expert, then at the very least you must buy from a reputable dealer and ensure the car has a full service history from main dealer. It is highly important that major servicing items have been carried out, such as the timing belt change for instance.
When buying privately look for signs that the car has been looked after and cherished, i.e. accessories fitted, all bills and receipts for vehicle kept neatly in a folder, car well presented etc. Always ask why the vehicle is for sale, if for some reason you get a bad feeling about the seller or the vehicle, or if you find that you dont believe or trust the seller simply walk away, there are plenty of used cars available.