Things To Take Care Of Before Buying A Used Car

Expert Author Ian A Rojas

Before thinking about which car to buy, the budget that is available should be compared to that of the requirement. The worth of the current car and also whether it would be sold privately or be part-exchanged with a dealer should be worked out.

Then the likely costs of fuel, insurance and road tax should be calculated.

With more choices than ever, choosing the perfect car can be a bewildering process. It is of utmost significance to spend some time working out what will the car mainly be used for. How long the car has to be driven and how many passengers will be regularly carried should be thought of. Then an estimate should be made of the costs of fuel, tax, insurance, service and repair of the car.

The car should be viewed and inspected in daylight when it's dry so it is easier to spot damages if any. A history check should be run to establish if the car has any outstanding finance, has been stolen or written off. Then comes the part where the car's documents like the logbook, service history and previous MOT certificates are examined, to spot if the car has been clocked. The car's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) at the base of the windscreen, under the bonnet and stamped into the chassis under the carpet beside the driver's seat should be checked for signs of tampering, and it should be made sure that they match the VIN recorded in the logbook.

A seller should be chosen based of reputation and extensive market research. Going to a seller through recommendations from friends and family always has an added advantage. Once the seller is picked, all the necessary information must be gathered about the car and its features. It is very important to ask the right questions about the car and its past condition.

The test drive is a chance to asses every aspect of the car, from how it feels on the road, to making sure all its equipments are in good condition and work correctly.

The test drive should be of 15 minutes at least or more and on different types of road. The gears, brakes, steering and suspension should be checked properly to see if they work as they should, with no unusual noises and vibrations.

The kind of servicing the car requires and in what intervals should also be significantly considered. Used car salesmen set prices which are a bit higher than the actual worth of the call so bargaining is a viable option. Used Cars, Sedans or Trucks can serve well provided the necessary research is conducted before the purchase.