Used cars: Tips for buying second-hand Automobiles
There are more complaints about used cars than any other purchase - 84,000 in the past year according to Citizens Advice.
Usually the problem is a fault which needs essential repair. About 7% of the time the car needs to be scrapped.
Here are some steps you can take to minimise the chances of nasty surprises down the line.
1. What to buy
Review your budget and work out what you can afford and what you can get for that price.
Do your research by checking adverts on websites and magazines to get an idea of the market.
If you have a specific model in mind, you can estimate prices on websites like What Car?or Parkers.
Cars with bigger engines may seem relatively cheap, but bear in mind the running costs (especially fuel, tax and insurance) may be higher.
2. Buying from a dealer
Trade associations
Check the dealer for a trade association sign.
If the business is a member, they have to follow a code of practice.
If you're not sure if the sign is genuine, you can check their membership with the trade association
Buying a car from a dealer may cost more but gives legal protection under the Sale of Goods Act.
This means the car must match the description given by the seller.
It should also be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and roadworthy.
Selling a car that's not fit for the road is a criminal offence.
If you find there was a problem with the car when you bought it, you can ask the dealer for your money back or a repair.
Choose your dealer carefully - ask people you know for recommendations.
3. Buying privately
There are various ways you can buy a car privately - online, at an auction or through an advert in a newspaper.
You'll probably be able to get a cheaper price but you won't be protected by the Sale of Goods Act.
However, the car still has to be "as described" so ask plenty of questions about its condition and get the answers in writing.
If the car turns out to have a fault, you'll need to be able to challenge the seller's description to get your money back.
4. When you see the car
Independent vehicle examiner Gareth Rees tells BBC Wales's X-Ray what you need to check on a used car
If the seller offers a viewing anywhere other than their home, think twice. It means you might not be sure of where he or she lives if there's a problem.
Don't feel under pressure to make a quick decision. It's important to check the car thoroughly.
Take a look through the 10 top tips for checking a used carfrom consumer group Which? or use the checklist provided by the AA.
If you don't know much about cars, take someone who does.
If you're still not sure, consider getting an independent report- though it may be expensive.
5. Online checks
Before you strike up a deal you should:
Check the car's identity
Is it stolen? The warning signs
There's no vehicle registration document ( V5C)
The V5C has spelling mistakes, alterations or no watermark
The name and address on the V5C don't match the seller's. (Ask to see their driving licence, passport, or recent utility bill)
The identifying numbers on the car don't match the numbers on the V5C or look like they've been altered
The seller has no insurance policy for the car
Go to the DVLA websiteto check the following details match the ones given by the seller.
Year of manufacture
Date the car was first registered
Engine capacity
Colour
Expiry date of the current tax disk
Tax rate (known as vehicle excise duty rate).
The MOT history
Check the car's MOT history onlineusing its registration (number plate) and either the MOT test number or the reference number from the V5C registration certificate.
This will tell you the date of previous tests, the mileage readings at those tests and any reasons for failure.
Consider a private history check
You will have to pay to get this done but a history, or data check will tell you if the car has Outstanding finance owing on it
Been reported stolen
Been in a serious accident
The correct mileage
There are various companies that offer this service online - including the AA and RAC. Make sure that whatever company you chose they take responsibility for the accuracy of information they supply.
6. Paying for the car
Buying a used car wouldn't be the same without haggling over the price.
Doing some research on being a good hagglercould definitely save you hundreds.
Cutting fuel costs
Remove unnecessary weight from your car
Drive for consumption, not for speed. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration
Maintain your car well
Plan your journeys
Save more fuel
Once you agree a price the safest way to pay is with a credit card so that you have added protection under the Consumer Credit Act. However, if you're buying privately you probably won't be able to do this.
If you pay by cheque or through online banking, the seller will probably wait for the payment to clear before parting with the car.
Usually the problem is a fault which needs essential repair. About 7% of the time the car needs to be scrapped.
Here are some steps you can take to minimise the chances of nasty surprises down the line.
1. What to buy
Review your budget and work out what you can afford and what you can get for that price.
Do your research by checking adverts on websites and magazines to get an idea of the market.
If you have a specific model in mind, you can estimate prices on websites like What Car?or Parkers.
Cars with bigger engines may seem relatively cheap, but bear in mind the running costs (especially fuel, tax and insurance) may be higher.
2. Buying from a dealer
Trade associations
Check the dealer for a trade association sign.
If the business is a member, they have to follow a code of practice.
If you're not sure if the sign is genuine, you can check their membership with the trade association
Buying a car from a dealer may cost more but gives legal protection under the Sale of Goods Act.
This means the car must match the description given by the seller.
It should also be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and roadworthy.
Selling a car that's not fit for the road is a criminal offence.
If you find there was a problem with the car when you bought it, you can ask the dealer for your money back or a repair.
Choose your dealer carefully - ask people you know for recommendations.
3. Buying privately
There are various ways you can buy a car privately - online, at an auction or through an advert in a newspaper.
You'll probably be able to get a cheaper price but you won't be protected by the Sale of Goods Act.
However, the car still has to be "as described" so ask plenty of questions about its condition and get the answers in writing.
If the car turns out to have a fault, you'll need to be able to challenge the seller's description to get your money back.
4. When you see the car
Independent vehicle examiner Gareth Rees tells BBC Wales's X-Ray what you need to check on a used car
If the seller offers a viewing anywhere other than their home, think twice. It means you might not be sure of where he or she lives if there's a problem.
Don't feel under pressure to make a quick decision. It's important to check the car thoroughly.
Take a look through the 10 top tips for checking a used carfrom consumer group Which? or use the checklist provided by the AA.
If you don't know much about cars, take someone who does.
If you're still not sure, consider getting an independent report- though it may be expensive.
5. Online checks
Before you strike up a deal you should:
Check the car's identity
Is it stolen? The warning signs
There's no vehicle registration document ( V5C)
The V5C has spelling mistakes, alterations or no watermark
The name and address on the V5C don't match the seller's. (Ask to see their driving licence, passport, or recent utility bill)
The identifying numbers on the car don't match the numbers on the V5C or look like they've been altered
The seller has no insurance policy for the car
Go to the DVLA websiteto check the following details match the ones given by the seller.
Year of manufacture
Date the car was first registered
Engine capacity
Colour
Expiry date of the current tax disk
Tax rate (known as vehicle excise duty rate).
The MOT history
Check the car's MOT history onlineusing its registration (number plate) and either the MOT test number or the reference number from the V5C registration certificate.
This will tell you the date of previous tests, the mileage readings at those tests and any reasons for failure.
Consider a private history check
You will have to pay to get this done but a history, or data check will tell you if the car has Outstanding finance owing on it
Been reported stolen
Been in a serious accident
The correct mileage
There are various companies that offer this service online - including the AA and RAC. Make sure that whatever company you chose they take responsibility for the accuracy of information they supply.
6. Paying for the car
Buying a used car wouldn't be the same without haggling over the price.
Doing some research on being a good hagglercould definitely save you hundreds.
Cutting fuel costs
Remove unnecessary weight from your car
Drive for consumption, not for speed. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration
Maintain your car well
Plan your journeys
Save more fuel
Once you agree a price the safest way to pay is with a credit card so that you have added protection under the Consumer Credit Act. However, if you're buying privately you probably won't be able to do this.
If you pay by cheque or through online banking, the seller will probably wait for the payment to clear before parting with the car.
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