While it is thought that the used car sales market would struggle to cope amid rising uncertainty should Britain decide to leave the EU, this sector has certainly enjoyed consistent growth over the course of the last two years.
This should come as no surprise, as it is a segment that offers huge value and savings to those who are shrew enough to spot a suitable bargain. It is also a market that is fraught with risk, however, unless you know precisely what to look for in a used vehicle.
3 Crucial checks when buying a used car
With this in mind, what are the three most important checks when buying a used vehicle from a reputable dealer such as Shelbourne Motors? Here are the main options: –
Appraise value for money
One of the main advantages of buying a used car is procuring a high quality model for less, so the value proposition provided by a particular vehicle is crucial. So when you first discover a used car that you may be interested in, your first port of call should be to compare the market as a whole and determine a median asking price range. If your car sits above this range, you will need to negotiate a better deal with the vendor by using this information as leverage.
This will help you to achieve value for your money and help you to capitalise on the benefits of the second-hand car market.
Consider the Cars’ Engine and Basic Performance
Once you and a vendor are in basic agreement over a price, the next step is to view the car and test drive it. A test drive is of pivotal importance, as this enables you to appraise its performance on the road and check its steering, clutch, breaks and suspension. The engine is also a huge cause for concern, so you will need to perform basic oil and running checks as a matter of urgency. Finally, you should check the tyres and the spare wheel, noting that the minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm across the width of the tyre.
If you do find flaws with the vehicle, you can either choose an alternative model or use these defects to drive down the cost.
Check the Exterior of a used car
When appraising the exterior and bodywork, you may also want to hire an independent firm to provide assistance. If not, you will need to be thorough during the course of your checks and look closely for any patches of rust, dents, chips or scratches that have caused damage to the car in question. Another key tip is to check the alignment of the panels, as any lack of symmetry may be an indication that the car has been in an accident.
Finally, be sure to check the windscreen for small cracks. These can quickly deteriorate over time, and potentially cost hundreds of pounds to repair.
