When the time comes to change your car, buying used makes sense for a number of reasons. It’s important to be aware of the fact that buying used can be more of a risk than buying new, and it’s up to you as the customer to be on the lookout for red flags.
The majority of used cars on the market are good buys, but there are a small number which are particularly good or bad.
Here, we look at a few pitfalls to avoid as you’re on the lookout for a used vehicle.
Ask for full paperwork
The history of a car can tell you a great deal about the shape of its future. A car which hasn’t caused any previous owners a great deal of grief is a welcome sign. Conversely, vehicles which show recurring problems throughout their history should be steered clear of.
While taking a look at the engine and speaking with the owner can tell you a lot about a car, there’s no substitute for looking over the documentation. When buying used, it’s always a good idea to look for vehicles which are accompanied by a full service history.
Considering running costs
A low price tag on a used vehicle might seem attractive initially, but it can quickly be offset by high running costs. In addition to questions about fuel consumption and reliability, it’s worth asking yourself about how easy a vehicle might be to insure.
As you’re shopping for a vehicle you can request a More Than car insurance quote online to get a clear idea of how much each model would cost you to keep it on the road.
Be wary of depreciation
Different makes and models of car can hold their values in different ways. While there are certain vehicles which will be worth a similar amount of money for a decade, others can quickly plummet as the miles are added to the clock.
Of course, it can be to your advantage buying a car for a lot less than it would have cost new. However, it’s important to bear in mind the amount of money you’re likely to see as a return when the time comes to sell the car on to somebody else.
What’s important is not the initial price tag, but the difference between that and the amount you are able to sell for. You can find more tips on buying used cars – and avoiding the lemons – in this article.
