Used cars tend to be a minefield. Any sort of car is potentially a lemon.
Let’s start out with buying. You can easily find real bargains in local used car dealers showrooms in addition to the classified ads. Looking to buy used vehicles on the net takes almost all of the leg work out of the situation. I saved ?1500 on a low mileage car well worth ?8,000 : all I did was find a demonstrator that a branch of a nationwide firm clearly preferred off the forecourt.
Alternatively, websites like Autotrader, even though they have a bias for the trade, are helpful regarding comparing prices – especially if you are prepared to travel for the ideal car. You can even check out Gumtree and Ebay classifieds and many others, if you want to stay local. Whether you opt for buying from a auto dealer or the classified ads could perhaps depend on the amount you’re shelling out and if you will have anything to trade-in.
When you are getting a ‘runner’ you are no doubt buying from the classified listings. Get the car independently valued and checked before you commit yourself. It’s easy to check the value and history of the vehicle from the internet. You’ll want to know it’s been valued appropriately and not been in a collision or reported stolen. In terms of road merit, outfits for example AA will conduct a pre-purchase test.
But remember a private seller won’t be offering finance and is unlikely to be useful if things go wrong. However if you are able to come up with funds you may be onto a winner, even if you have to sell your old car privately.
Selling used vehicles privately just isn’t for the fainthearted. Get your car valued on the internet and then find out how much they are being offered for. A recent MOT and service history always helps. If using online free car advertising for example classified ads to sell, be very clear in your wording about whether or not your price is flexible. Advertising the car as ‘open to any inspection’ always helps. Always talk with possible buyers before they view the vehicle. Make use of the call to eliminate timewasters. And finally, don’t allow viewers to test drive your vehicle unaccompanied.