What to be aware of when buying a used car

In the current climate, with the cost of living crisis and energy bills increasing, we are all looking to save a little bit of money. If you find yourself in a situation where you need a new car, a used car is a great option if your budget is a little less than before. Here are a few things to be aware of if you are buying a used car to ensure that your purchase is as safe as possible.

Why buy a used car?

For lots of people, the cheaper price of used cars outweighs many of the negatives that may be associated with opting for a second-hand vehicle. There is a huge range of used cars on the market which means that you are likely to find something to suit your needs and budget, without having to fork out for a brand-new model.

Where to buy from

Unless you are confident in your ability to spot issues or have a friend or family member that is a mechanic, you are likely to want to avoid auctions and private sellers. While the car is usually cheaper than one from a garage or dealership, the vehicle won’t have gone through rigorous health checks and you will have fewer buyer’s rights. This means that if the car breaks down soon after purchase, you could have no comeback.

As such, purchasing from a dealer or garage will guarantee that your car is in good condition and safe to drive and will likely come with a 6 or 12-month warranty.

Checks

If you are heading to view a car, here are some of the things that you should check:

1. Tyres – the legal minimum tyre tread is 1.6mm. As such, if the tread is less than 3mm you’ll need to factor in the cost of new tyres soon after purchasing which can be a big extra cost. You can check the tread with a 20p coin.
2. Bodywork – always check the car during daylight to see if there are any dents or scratches. Be sure to check gaps between panels too, as large gaps may be a sign of poor repair after a crash.
3. Electrics – Faults with the electrics are a relatively easy and cheap fix, but they can help with negotiations if there is an issue. Check everything electric in the car such as the radio, windows and air conditioning.
4. Wear and tear – of course, any second-hand vehicle will have a certain amount of wear and tear, but it is key to check that it is consistent with the mileage and age of the car. Heavy wear but low mileage may suggest that the car has been clocked, meaning that the car’s mileage has been manually reduced to make it seem more attractive to buyers.