GUEST – How to get a good deal on a used car

Used cars can offer great value for money compared to new cars — as long as you know how to avoid a dodgy deal. Follow our tips and you’ll know how to get the right second-hand car for the best possible price. Thanks to We Buy Cars For More for providing this piece.

Look out for one-year-old cars

The AA estimates that new cars lose around 40% of their value after just 12 months. That’s because buyers pay a huge premium for a brand-new car, and that value’s lost by the time the new-car smell has faded.

After this first year, cars depreciate more slowly. That means a nearly new car can offer the best value for money: you should get a great discount, and a car that looks and performs almost as good as new!
Compare

To make sure the asking price is reasonable, look around for similar used cars on the market. If the valuations are wildly different — cheaper or more expensive — alarm bells should be ringing.

Buy from a reputable dealer

We recommended buying from a reputable used-car dealer rather than a private seller. You’re much more likely to have assurances and guarantees in place. For example, We Buy Cars For More offers a 12-month warranty with every car. This gives you peace of mind that you’re not being ripped off.
Check the car’s history and current status

An HPI Check gives you insight into a car’s history. Is there any outstanding finance? Has it been reported as stolen? Are there any mileage discrepancies? It costs £19.99 for one check or £29.97 for three, and all you need to do is enter the car’s registration.

You should also use this free DVLA tool to get information such as the MOT expiry date.

Haggle

Haggling is one of the most obvious and easy ways to get a better deal on a used car, but many people are nervous of doing it. For the best chance of success, be confident and suggest a reasonable figure. It’ll help if you have evidence of similar cars selling at a lower price.
Perform some basic checks

Before purchasing the car, make sure you check it out in person. Does it look like it did in the pictures? Does all the information you were provided, such as the number of miles on the clock, check out? Finally, take the car for a test drive to ensure there are no major problems.

Got any more tips for getting a great deal on a second-hand car? Leave a comment below.