Buying a used car can save you money. Not only will you save cash on the purchase price, you’ll also benefit from reduced depreciation. But navigating the second-hand car market can be daunting, particularly if you’ve never done it before. To help you through the process and for tips on how to get cheap car insurance for your new set of wheels, mustard.co.uk shares a handy checklist for buying a used car.
Check all documents are present and correct
A used car should come complete with all its correct paperwork. Buying used cars in el cajon can be a smart financial decision that can save you money in the long run. This includes its V5C registration form (logbook). It’s crucial that any car you buy has this because without it, you won’t be able to tax the car.
All the details listed on the V5C should match the car, for example, the make, model and colour. The vehicle identification number (VIN) which is usually found etched onto the engine, should also be the same as the V5C.
If the car is more than three years old, it will also need a valid MOT to prove it’s roadworthy. You can check the MOT status of a car and its MOT history at GOV.UK.
Assess the car for signs of damage
It’s best to take a look at cars in daylight so avoid evening viewings. Poor light can hide signs of damage and even bad weather can mean you’re less inclined to take your time checking a car.
Pay attention to paintwork and look for mismatched or uneven paint, as well as gaps in panels, as these can all indicate repairs after a serious accident. Small dents and scratches are to be expected, but spotting them can help you negotiate a little off the sale price so it’s worth keeping an eye open for these too.
Carry out basic safety checks
As well as signs of external damage, check the inside of the car too. Seat belts should be intact and show no signs of fraying. You should also be able to turn airbags on and off according to the instructions set out in the car’s handbook.
Take a look at the mileage as well. While there’s no exact science, the number of miles should be roughly consistent with the age of the car (you can get a good idea of what to expect by checking used car ads online). If you think something isn’t quite right, check the odometer for signs of tampering, for example, loose screws or fingerprints on the inside of the glass.
If you’re buying a car from a dealership, you can be pretty confident that the car has been rigorously safety checked already. The vast majority of dealerships will ensure that all the cars they sell are roadworthy, thoroughly cleaned and have all the necessary paperwork.
Check Vehicle History
You should conduct a vehicle check on a used car. Using the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) or chassis number, you can receive detailed information about the history of your chosen vehicle. Also, you can do this online in the UK and internationally if you consider an imported car.
Take the car for a spin
If you can, take the car for a test drive — after all, it really is the only way to find out whether a car is right for you. If you’re test driving a car from a dealership, they’ll have car insurance sorted but if you’re buying from a private seller, you’ll need to arrange your own temporary car cover.
Don’t be shy about trying out all the controls, so use the indicators, turn on the heating or air con and check the sat nav works too. Make sure you ask questions so you know what the 2018 Qashqai oil type is if that is what you are buying! If anything’s amiss, you can either ask for it to be rectified (if it’s a dealership) or ask the seller to shave a little more off the asking price.
During your test drive, listen out for unusual sounds that could be a sign something needs repairing or replacing, for example, squeaky brakes. Most importantly though, don’t be afraid to walk away if you don’t like the way the car handles — taking it for a spin doesn’t mean you’re obliged to buy.
Arrange car insurance for peace of mind
If you’re after a car that’s relatively cheap to insure, look for cars in low insurance groups. There are 50 groups in total and all UK cars will belong to one of them. As a general rule of thumb, the more expensive the car and the more gadgets it has, the higher you can expect your insurance premium to be.
Bear in mind that group number is partly determined by the car’s specification, so cars of the same make and model can be in different groups if they have very different specs. For example, a Ford Fiesta can be in insurance groups two and 17 .
You can also help keep your car insurance costs low by:
- Paying for your policy in one go.
- Keeping your car as secure as possible, for example with an immobiliser.
- Minimising the number of miles you drive.
- Choosing a telematics
You can also make sure you never pay over the odds for car cover by searching for quotes at sites like mustard.co.uk. So, for peace of mind, head on over and compare policies from leading UK insurers.
https://www.parkers.co.uk/ford/fiesta/hatchback-2017/insurance-groups/
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