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Ten tips for your next car |
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Time to decide – Whether it’s an expensive treat for you or a family runabout, think about size, how many passengers you need to carry and how much luggage space you need. |
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Money matters – Wherever you buy from, look at how much you can spend and even more crucially, how much it will cost to run. There’s nothing worse than having to hand back that gorgeous drop-top because it needs fuel three times a week. |
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Shop around – Once you have your target, take some time to compare prices and deals. Classified ads, main dealers and independent traders offering their vehicles for sale using the Auction-style format all have their pros and cons and prices will differ greatly. Get to know the seller by checking their Feedback Rating to see what previous buyers have said. |
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Is this for me? – Once you’ve found a few potentials, look closely at the finer details. How many miles has it done? How many previous owners? Check the specification too – does it have air conditioning and the stereo that you wanted? |
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Put your hand on the bonnet to check if the car has been ‘warmed up’ before you got there to hide problems.
Look at the metal body panels. If they’re not all the same colour, the seller could be covering up rust or an accident. Uneven gaps between the body panels are also signs the car’s been in an accident.
Check to see the tyres have at least the minimum tread and are worn evenly – the cost of a new set of tyres could take you over your budget. |
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Question time – Whoever you buy from, ask if the car has been in any sort of accident. You might not always get the truth, but private sellers and traders won’t necessarily tell you unless you ask. |
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History test – Unless the car is very new, ask to see the vehicle’s documents. Check the long number on the registration document against the one on the car (the handbook will tell you where it is). Also look for old receipts – not only will this prove maintenance has been done, it might reveal hidden problems. Finally, run a Vehicle Status Report to identify whether the car you are interested in has been reported as stolen, as an insurance write-off or has outstanding finance or mileage inconsistencies. eBay users can purchase the VSR directly through the Vehicle Registration Mark link on each car listing, at the exclusive discount price of £6.99 per report (normal RRP £39.95) |
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Friends forever – Take someone with you, even if they have no mechanical knowledge. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and break your budget or buy the wrong car, so a good friend can keep your feet on the ground. |
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The test drive – Never buy without a drive first. If the seller won’t agree, walk away. Dealers should have insurance to cover you, or a quick phone call to your insurers should sort temporary cover. |
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Safe payment – Agree a safe method of payment directly with the seller. For cars bought online, popular options include cheque or banker’s draft. eBay recommends payment through PayPal. Do not make payment via money transfer services such as Western Union or MoneyGram - these are banned on eBay because they are unsafe channels to pay for online purchases. |
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Finally – Enjoy! Following these simple steps will ensure you get the right car at the right price. For peace of mind, keep it serviced on time, check tyre pressures every two weeks and bask in the glory of your shiny new car! |
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