The used car market has plenty to offer, both to those looking to buy their first car on a limited budget and to those looking to get the most for their money.
There are certainly hidden gems to be found when buying a used car online – but at the same time, there are also pitfalls to watch out for.
Here, let’s take a look at some of the steps you might take to find the best deal available, for the best price.
Car Dealers
When you’re buying online, it’s often a good idea to go through a reputable dealer. Look at the kind of warranty on offer, as you may come to rely on it when problems develop. A generous warranty indicates that the dealership does not consider a problem with the car will be likely.
It’s worth being sceptical of the dealers you come across. If the website looks dismal, and the prices are a little too good to be true, then don’t be afraid to walk away. If you don’t trust your instincts, then you can be sure that you’ll regret it if things don’t turn out the way you’d hoped.
Checking Service History
Among the most important indicators of a cars overall health and value are its service and MOT histories. Persistent issues will be revealed by regular services. If the previous owner hasn’t bothered to get it serviced regularly, then it’s a fair bet that they’ve been neglectful in other ways. Moreover, it’s worth thinking about what will happen if you come to move the car on later down the line – gaps in the service history may make it more difficult to resell without adjusting the price accordingly.
Mileage
The mileage is another essential metric when it comes to valuing a car. Broadly speaking, the more miles on the clock, the more wear and tear the car has been subjected to. Cars that have travelled huge distances are worth avoiding. For one thing, they’re inherently less reliable, and, given that they may be nearing the end of their natural lifespans, they’re also more difficult to resell.
Of course, just because a given car has racked up major mileage doesn’t mean that it’s about to fall to bits. Not all miles are the same, after all – a car that’s been driven long distances on the motorway will not have experienced the same kinds of wear as a car that’s been weaving through narrow side streets, braking and turning frequently.
Insurance
If a car has been involved in a crash, then it will be categorised differently by insurers. There are four categories to consider. A and B refer to cars that are beyond repair and should never be driven on a public road again. Categories S and N (formerly C and D) are cars that can be repaired, but where the cost of the repair might actually exceed the value of the car. If you’re buying a car that’s in these categories, then you might find that you struggle to persuade an insurer to cover it for any reasonable price.
Insurance
If a car has been involved in a crash, then it will be categorised differently by insurers. There are four categories to consider. A and B refer to cars that are beyond repair and should never be driven on a public road again. Categories S and N (formerly C and D) are cars that can be repaired, but where the cost of the repair might actually exceed the value of the car. If you’re buying a car that’s in these categories, then you might find that you struggle to persuade an insurer to cover it for any reasonable price.
