Avoid disappointment when buying a used car

Anyone who has been driving for a few years will have probably bought a fair few second hand cars. Whether you buy from a dealer or from a private seller, it can be a daunting business, especially if you’re not particularly mechanically minded. Cars, even the cheapest on the market, are a big investment, and it’s incredibly frustrating when we make the wrong choice and end up with a car that’s a big disappointment.

Buying any car can be a bit of a gamble. There are some problems that no one could possibly predict, and it’s just down to bad luck that some cars develop a bad fault shortly after you’ve bought them, however, there are some steps you can take to help minimise your chances of a disappointing purchase.

If you can take someone knowledgeable with you, when you check out a second hand car, then this is a major plus. Always ask about the service history and take a good look. A car that has been regularly given a full service will be a better buy than one that has not been serviced. Don’t forget to look at the tyres. A car that seems like a real bargain might not be such a good deal if the tyres need replacing immediately.

Look up the market value of the car you’re looking at, but also look at the running costs. Buying a car with a low initial cost, could end up costing you more in the long run if it’s expensive to tax, insure and run.

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