Buying a used car

Buying a used car is easy if you know some of the basic rules. Here I explain some of the essential basic rules that will guide to buying a used car.

A car has become a necessity for modern lifestyle. Many people even buy cars just because they consider it to a symbol of luxury. But there are people who cannot enjoy the luxury of buying a new car. So, what is the best option for them. Yes, they can go for an used car. Buying a used doesn’t make you poor. Rather I would call this a smart choice. Buying a used car doesn’t necessarily means that you are buying an old used car; it simply means that somebody don’t needs that car anymore. Maybe he has got lots of money.

How to find the right and best used car to buy and get the best deal:

- Explore and Browse online car reviews
- Read user reviews and experiences online
- Read latest car reviews and news both online and offline
- Go for search and research for used car to find the best used and to get the best deal
- Go for insurance quotes are compare rates and features of the car in offer
- You can also buy a used car online on online auction stores such as eBay.

Here are some essential basic rules that will guide to buying a used car.

Before you buy a used car, remember to do your research. Several ads on used cars are there online. You can have a look at them. Go through magazines on automotives and cars. If you can find a magazine on used cars, go through it. This may take some time but eventually it will save you money. Be aware if the price is too low. This could be because there is some problem with the used car and that’s why the seller is selling it. Work to find out the accurate valuation of the car. Take help of some expert if required.

Make a budget to buy a used car. Don’t forget to add insurance, road tax and other running costs while preparing your budget. Sometime buying a used car is cheaper than its running cost. If you are going for a car loan, make sure you get the lowest rates.

Prepare a list of questions to ask the seller. Note their manner and body language while talking to them. Here are some essential question that you should ask the seller of the used car:

- How long have they owned or used the car?

- Are all taxes including road tax and insurance paid and clear?

- What is the present condition of the car?

- Why are you selling it?

- Has the car faced any accident in the past? If yes, what kind of accident and what was the damage?

- What are the features in the car?

- Are there any additional accessories in the car? If yes, what are they?

- How is the present performance of the car? Is it working fine without any trouble?

You can ask these questions over phone but I will suggest you to personally visit the seller and ask him all these questions. This makes sure that you don’t get cheated.

Check Data of the used car you are going to buy: Check the history of the car. This will let you know if the car is stolen or not, whether it has any has outstanding finance on it or not, whether it has been ever written-off or scrapped.

Match Vehicle’s Identification Number (VIN) with the number on the car normally found on the chassis, on the windscreen or on the floor by the driver's seat. Also check the complete specs of the vehicle.

Checking the car: Check the car thoroughly before buying. Look for any fault or damage. Take help of car or automobile expert if required. Check Following:

- Have a look at the car before you ring the doorbell of the seller. This will give you real idea about the car.

- Check the car in bright daylight. Never check it in the dark or in the rain. Checking the car in dark will make it difficult to spot dents, scratches, rust, and any other defects.

- Always start the car with a cold engine. This will make it easier to spot starting problems or excessive smoke.

- Crouch down in front of each front wheel and look along the length of the car. Both front wheels should be directly in front of the rear. If they are not, it could mean the car has been in a crash with a slightly twisted chassis. This is called crabbing.

- Check if the gaps between the body panels are equal or not. If not, the car could have been refitted badly, or may have been in a crash.

- Check if the tyres are in good condition and shape or not.

- Check the car underneath, beneath the bonnet and the carpet for rust and signs of any crash. Look for any welding marks.

- Check inside the car. Make sure the seatbelts are working, the steering wheel and dashboard. Make sure the front seats move properly and smoothly. Also check all the switches.

- Look for any oil leaks. Have a look around the oil filler cap. If there is some white substance, it indicates a damaged head gasket which can be very expensive to replace.

Go for a test drive before you buy a used car. Take some expert with you. Before you start the test drive, turn the steering wheel from one lock to the other. It should be smooth and there should be no screeching, banging, or knocking. Test the handbrake. Pull it on and drive off gently. It should hold the car back, otherwise something is wrong. Try to drive on different roads and surface. Use all the gears and make sure the gear change is smooth. The clutch pedal should 'bite' between the top and middle of the pedal's travel. Make sure there is no noise from the engine. Don’t get distracted by any other noise such as the radio or music.

Check following documents:

- The logbook

- The car’s service history record

- MOT details

- Registration number and vehicle identification number

- Tax and insurance papers

Make sure all the documents are original, don't accept photocopies.

Get a receipt for all payments whether you pay by cash or cheque. Get two copies signed by both the seller and the buyer- one for you and one for the seller. Make sure the seller's address and car details are on all the papers.

Wish you a Happy Driving!