Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Guide To Buying Second Hand Cars

These days, with more and more people looking to save money, it’s no surprise that second hand cars are hugely popular. You can get a seriously good car for very little money, and all because it is pre owned. But what should you look out for when buying used cars? Read on to find out!


When choosing which used car to buy, it is vital to research a particular model thoroughly. On paper, a second hand car may look ideal but could be a dud with poor long term reliability, build quality and deprecation.

Check lists such as the JD Power Survey which are created by polling owners about what their cars are like to live with. You will find some surprising results - Mercedes has fared badly in recent times; shocking considering its pedigree.

The second hand car industry has experienced a massive boom in recent years and it’s all down to 2 things: the internet and the fact that people are waking up and realising they don’t need to pay full price to get a great car. Sales figures have never been higher, so join in the fun and find a bargain motor on the net.

The most important thing is to arm yourself with as much information as possible. If you’re looking for a specific model of car, or just stumble across a great deal, do as much research as you can on it. Say for example you want a BMW 3 series, you should browse the net to find common faults, how available spares are and what the general prices are. Once you feel confident about it, then move to the next stage.

Taking a test drive is paramount as you will learn more about the car in 10 minutes on the road than you will in 10 days looking at pictures. While a motor may appear nice and shiny in some pictures or even if you see it in person, you’ll only discover any issues once you get behind the wheel. You should listen out for any dodgy engine sounds, ensure the handling is spot on and it doesn’t veer off to one side, and also get down and dirty in search of rust. Always make sure the right documentation is present, including a full service history. If not, walk away.

The fact is that second hand cars are incredible bargains, but if you find out as much as you can then you’ll stay on track and get a fantastic deal. Remember it’s your money at the end of the day, so spend it wisely!

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