Where To Buy
The easiest place to buy a used car is a dealer - preferably a franchised one. But it’s more expensive. Auctions are cheap, but risky. Here are the choices:
Franchised dealers: These dealers usually specialise in one make and are the main dealers for new cars of that make. This means much of their stock will be cars taken in part exchange. They are usually newer with low mileages. Warranties can be quite comprehensive. The downside is they are generally the most expensive. If your budget stretches to it, this may be the safest way to buy - particularly if you are not mechanically minded!
Independent dealers: Provided you don’t go to a grubby back street garage, a good independent dealer will offer the same experience and facilities as a franchised dealer. They obtain their vehicles from numerous sources and they may be older and higher mileage, but you should get good service these days. The price will be lower than a franchised dealer and they may be more open to negotiation.
Car supermarkets: These are dealers who rely on selling cars quickly to make their money. Cars are often ex-company cars with high mileages and ages can vary. Choice is often limited to family type cars. Prices tend to be ‘what you see is what it is’ - little room for negotiation.
Buying privately: Often the cheapest way to buy, but there are risks. There’s no warranty. Check pricing carefully as the seller may have no more idea of the car’s value than you - private sellers often have an inflated view of their car’s worth. If you are not mechanically minded, take an expert with you - there will be little ‘comeback’ after the sale. Make sure the seller is not a dealer pretending it’s his/her car to avoid laws relating to sale of goods. Don’t be shy about asking searching questions.
Auctions: Beware! They can be great fun and you can come out with a real bargain. But you must know what you are doing - take a mechanical expert with you. You are likely to get no more than a few minutes to check the car with the engine running, so you need to know your onions. Decide your maximum bid and do NOT go above it - not for any reason. Warranties are limited or non-existent - so if the car falls apart as you drive it out of the auction, it’s probably your problem.
Wherever you buy your car from, have a vehicle data check done for peace of mind. For more details, click 'here'.
