Buying second hand cars is a risky business. There are many pitfalls to avoid, as illegal dealings and dishonest dealers abound in this market. Luck just does not play a part. People usually buy second hand cars because of cost considerations. Either a brand new car is simply beyond their budget, or there is a specific luxury or sport model they dream of owning and the only way they could ever own one is to buy it second hand. If you take heed of the tips set out below, you will be well on your way to safely purchasing the second hand car of your dreams.
When buying second hand cars from a private party, the very first thing to find out is if the seller is a dealer and, if he is, you should not buy on private sale terms from him. One way of finding out is to call in response to the advertisement and say that you are interested in the car advertised. If the seller asks which car you are interested in, the chances are that he is a dealer. Another clue is if there are a few advertisements stating the same telephone number. Never ever let the seller choose the place for you to view the car - you should view it in daylight and at their home. The seller should be familiar with the car and its features. As a safety precaution, try to take someone with you when you go to see the car. If you are buying second hand cars from a dealer, make sure that he is a registered trader and is a member of recognised body such as the SMMT or RMI.
Before you even go to view second hand cars, you should have already checked the going price for cars similar to those you are interested in on websites and from other advertisements, as well as in published price guides such as those published by the AA in the United Kingdom. This will eliminate the chance of being overcharged and will make bargaining on the price that much easier. Never go to see second hand cars in the rain, at night or in bad light, as many faults, such as dents and scratches, will not be visible. Ensure that you are able to see the cars from all angles.
Be very careful when evaluating the cars' documents. If the cars are three years old or more, there should be a series of MOT certificates. Investigate the mileage records - those shown on the MOT certificate should match up with the figures shown on the service records. Do a double check to see that the annual mileage increased consistently each year, as this is a sure-fire way of finding out if the odometer has been tampered with. There should also be insurance papers. Lastly, take the cars for a lengthy test drive to see if they really are what you want and to evaluate their mechanical condition.
Finally, be very wary of bargains, as they just do not exist. If it seems too good to be true, it usually is. If you are not completely happy, just walk away. The second hand cars of your dreams may be just around the next corner.
Author Resource:-
Roger Thurston is an expert writer for the automobile industry. If you are looking for used car sales then find out more information at his preferred site Lookers Second Hand Car Dealerships .
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