The used car buying market is booming and there seems to be an endless amount of choice when it comes to secondhand cars. If you’re new to car buying or buying your first ever car, you may be worried about the process. Buying a used car doesn’t have to be stressful and avoiding the 8 common car buying mistakes below can help you to get the right car at the right price.
Rushing into a decision.
If you’re buying your first car, you may want to jump at the first car you see. We agree it’s an exciting time, but it may not be the right decision for you and your pocket. When buying a used car, it’s imperative you do your research, stick to your budget and take your time when deciding.
Not researching types of cars.
Drivers are spoilt with the amount of choice when it comes to body styles. From hatchbacks to crossover cars, there are so many types to consider. For example, SUVs can be great for family life and practicality. On the other hand, city cars are small and cheap to run, making them great cars for beginners. By research different types of cars, you can find the one that fits in with your lifestyle and it speeds up the buying process.
Exceeding your budget.
It can be easy to get carried away with car buying and the prospect of the car you could get. If you’re buying from a car dealer, you may be offered several optional extras and add-ons. They may not seem like much when broken down into a monthly payment, but they can sharp add up. Before you head out and shop for your next used car, you should always set a realistic and affordable budget and try not to stray from you.
Forgetting about running costs.
When setting your budget for a car, many drivers forget about the running and maintenance costs of having a car. Cars can be expensive but don’t be caught off guard. You will need to budget for obligatory car costs such as fuel or recharging, road tax, car insurance, servicing and MOTs. There are also other costs associated with running a car which aren’t mandatory but are recommended. Things like breakdown cover and keeping your tyres in good condition should also be considered.
Choosing the wrong type of finance.
Many drivers now rely on finance to afford their next car. Getting a used car on finance gives you so much choice and pay for it over an affordable term. From Ford finance deals to financing a Porsche, there are lots of options to consider. Hire Purchase and Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) are popular ways to finance a car, and each have their own structure. You may be better suited to one finance deal over the other and factors such as your budget, if you want to own the car and the purchase price of the car. If you’re planning to finance to get a used car, it can be worth taking some time to explore car finance agreements and see which is right for you.
Not getting a history report.
One of the main drawbacks of buying a used car is you’ll not be the first owner. Second-hand cars can have a hidden history, and they may not be in the best condition as they first seem. If you’ve seen a car you’re wanting to buy, you can get a free online car check to get some information about the vehicle. However, the information can be limited. For a small fee (usually around £15), you can get a more in depth history report about the vehicle which shows you key information such as number of previous owners, if it’s been recorded as stolen, insurance write-offs, Logbook checks and more!
Not test driving the car.
Another common mistake used car buyers make is not test driving the car. The car may be perfect on paper but if you don’t like the way it drives, it’s not going to be right for you. Take the opportunity to take the car out for a test drive for at least 30 minutes. Whilst out on the road, it can be a good idea to drive the car on different types of roads and also park up somewhere to check over the car. Check things like the tyres, steering, brakes, interior controls, mirrors, gears and the clutch are all in good working condition.
Not checking seller reviews.
Buying a used car means you have the freedom to buy your car from a dealership or private seller. Buying from a private seller can get you a good price but you don’t have an added layer of protection when it comes to reputable sellers. We recommend using a car dealership where possible and checking out online reviews of your chosen dealership to get an idea of other customers experience with them.