Buying Second Hand Cars Things To Watch Out For

Buying Second Hand Cars – Things to Watch Out For

by

Bruce Giles

Buying a car is an exciting moment in anyone s life, especially if it is for the first time. However, if you are buying second hand, there are a few things you should look out for before committing to a deal to ensure the vehicle you are purchasing is right for you and most importantly, legal and roadworthy.

Before viewing a car, it is vital you think carefully about your budget and needs. After all, there is little point in buying a two-seater coupe if you have a family of 5 and vice versa a people carrier wouldn t be the best choice for a single person. Once you have considered what you will be using the car for then you can have a think about the type of vehicle that best fits these needs. Getting a good idea of market prices is vital to ensure you aren t paying over the odds and you can spot those bargains that are almost good to be true!).

Make sure you see the car in daylight this will make it easier to identify any damage which may not have been disclosed in the advert. Now is the time to ask the seller any questions you may have about the condition and its previous use. It may be an idea to pay for a car history check as well which can identify if the vehicle has outstanding finance or has ever been written off. Also check the VIN number on the windscreen and under the bonnet to make sure this matches the entry on the logbook. Finally, if the car has been advertised as having up-to-date road tax and MOT then make sure you ask to see these.

Of course, along with the road tax and MOT the next most important thing you need to consider when purchasing a new vehicle is the

car insurance

itself. This isn t strictly limited to covering the car after you have purchased it if you are buying from a private seller then you must have insurance in order to legally test drive the vehicle. Many garages offer cover under their own insurance but it would be wise to check this out before driving the vehicle. If you have fully comprehensive cover on your own car also check that you are covered to drive other cars. If you do not have insurance at all, then check out some of the different companies online that offer one day insurance. Once you have bought the car however, it is your sole responsibility to ensure it is correctly and legally insured either on a single or multi-car policy.

Once you have had your test drive and are fully satisfied with the car s credentials, it s time to make a deal! Don t be afraid to haggle if you have done your research you should have a good idea of what is a fair price. After you have agreed on a price all that is left is sort out is the paperwork. Make sure you get a receipt from the seller, a valid MOT certificate (if the car is over 3 years old) and the logbook, of which you will need to complete the new keeper section and return to the DVLA as soon as possible.

Bruce Giles writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

Article Source:

ArticleRich.com