Buying a used car can be challenging. How can you make sure that your purchase does not turn into an expensive overhauling project in addition to the cost of the vehicle? Follow these tips to ease your stress and ensure a trouble-free result.
The Vehicles to Avoid
When you are buying a used car in the UK, there are certain makes and models of vehicles that you want to avoid. See here for a full list of vehicles that are not recommended. The reasons may vary, such as there no longer being spare parts available for repairs. In any case, you will want to eliminate these options from the list of vehicles you are considering.
While the price may be good, you want to avoid a situation of sitting with a car that cannot be repaired or that is unsafe and unreliable to drive.
Tips for Choosing a Reliable Second-hand Car
The UK does trade in excess of 8 million used cars a year. This means that you will definitely find a car that you can feel good about. It also highlights that you should not be in a rush or let anyone pressurise you into buying a product that is less than satisfactory.
Prepare a checklist to be used for each car you look at. The first thing you will want to confirm is that the engine is in good working order. This involves ruling out oil leaks, checking for exhaust smoke, and assessing the condition of the head gasket.
To test the vehicle properly, you will need to perform a test drive. Don’t be afraid to take the car for a good, long drive to see that it does not overheat, that the gearbox and clutch are in good working order, and that it has enough power for your needs. The gears should change smoothly, and the clutch should bite at the right point.
Wheels and tyres are costly to replace. Check the tyre tread depth – the legal requirement in the UK is 1.6 mm across 75% of the tread around the complete circumference of the tyre. Make sure a reputable brand of tyres has been fitted and that the rubber is in good condition.
The vehicle electronics should be working. Check all the lights and indicators. The bodywork of a vehicle is also important. Use a torch to ensure that the car is free from rust and that there are no signs of accident damage. Finally, look for a vehicle with low mileage and good service history.
Making a Purchase from a Dealership
If you are concerned with buying a second-hand vehicle privately, you can consider purchasing one from a dealership. Many of these outlets offer online shopping where, with a few clicks, you can have your new vehicle delivered to you at home. For example, if you are looking for a used Mercedes Warrington, check out Rix Motors.
Whether you choose to make your purchase from a private seller or to turn to one of the many dealerships available, there is a lot to consider. However, if you take these tips into account, you will soon be the proud owner of a pre-loved vehicle that will give you years of driving pleasure.
