Six Tips to Help You Successfully Buy a Used Car

By Ethan Melandri

Purchasing a used vehicle may seem difficult at first due to the high number of immoral dealers out there. These individuals are just waiting for the unprepared purchaser to walk in. With the right research it is possible to find the perfect deal.

There are steps you should take to purchase a used car. These steps will prepare you for the best bargain you could find. To start you should review your financial position. Knowing what you can afford on a purchase helps keep the situation realistic. Car expenses like fuel, servicing, insurance, and any loan you need are factors in your budgeting for a used automobile.

Your budget is the beginning of what you need to know before purchasing a vehicle. You need to use your financial statements to figure the top purchase price you are willing to spend. The price of a vehicle is dependent on certain factors: the mileage, age, and model. An older vehicle will be less than a 2009 model. The top financial number once obtained will allow you to use magazines, newspapers, and the internet to narrow down the available vehicles for you.

Before setting off to view a car, make sure you carry out plenty of research on the model and look at what kind of price other sellers are offering for the same mileage and condition. Consider what optional extras were available with that particular model for example alloy wheels, xenon headlights or a CD autochanger and if your car is lacking these it can be used as a bargaining point.

When you view the vehicle do not let the seller distract you or try to hasten you. You need time to make sure you see any problems the vehicle might have. You should never examine the car in the rain since it can hide body issues. For those who are not well versed in mechanics there are inspection businesses which can overlook the vehicle for you. You can also take a friend that might be better equipped for the inspection. An HPI check needs to be completed so that you know it has not been stolen or written off.

If you are serious about buying the car you will need to take it out for a good twenty minutes test drive. During the drive points to check include is the gearbox smooth, is there any play in the steering, does the car track straight, are there any suspicious clonks or mechanical noises and also carry out an emergency stop to check the car brakes safely in a straight line.

If you decide to purchase the used car you need to remain firm, but considerate. Do not allow anyone to exert pressure on the deal. When you begin the bargaining offer a lower price than what you want for the car. You can increase the price later in the discussion if it is warranted. You also want to mention any issues you found during the drive and inspection to help decide a price.

Once the deal has been completed the owner of the vehicle needs to submit a V5 registration form. The form must have your details and the receipt of sale. You may also think about a warranty product to ensure your vehicle is protected while giving you peace of mind to drive down the road in your used car. - 21392

About the Author:

When choosing a used car you want to try and find one that has all of the latest optional extras included. However it doesn't matter if the car of your dreams does not have Xenon Headlights as you can easily upgrade them yourself with the latest Upgrade Xenon Bulbs, they are simple and easy to fit and will give your car are modern look.