Looking to Buy A Second-Hand Car? Avoid These 5 Common Mistakes!

Buying a used car can save you money. This is especially true because brand-new vehicles are expensive and lose a lot of their value as soon as they are driven off the shop floor. Whether you are buying your first car or need to look at some of the second-hand cars for sale to replace your old vehicle, choosing well is important. There are many second-hand cars for sale privately and from dealers and you need to know your needs before you start looking, or you could lose a lot of money. There are, however, some common mistakes that people often make during the selection process. Here are some of the most common pitfalls to avoid when you decide to opt for a second-hand car:

1.     Failing to arrange the financing beforehand: If you have saved up enough cash to purchase your vehicle outright, you are fortunate. It is, however, quite difficult to do so for a lot of people. Vehicles are expensive and the more recent the model is, the more it will cost. Therefore, it is necessary that you have an accurate indication of how much you can spend before you start shopping for used vehicles. If you have to apply for vehicle financing, it is important to line up several financing options, because some of them will provide you with better deals than others. Often dealerships will take advantage of the excitement a customer feels when they see all the second-hand cars for sale on their shop floor and arrange vehicle financing through their own financial-services providers, but these financing options often charge hefty interest rates and may have other unnecessary costs added on. Ensure that you shop around for a good financing deal even before you start looking for cars.

2.     Going over budget: Once you have lined up your financing, you will know exactly how much credit you qualify for and how much you can spend. Keep in mind that you have to pay for servicing, maintenance, fuel, and insurance as well, so these must be included in the total repayments of the vehicle, not just the instalment. Do not get over-excited and go over budget – it could cost you dearly in the long run if you can only just manage the payments. If you default, it will ultimately affect your credit score. Always go with what you can afford and no more!

3.     Not doing a test drive: It seems like an obvious thing to do, but many people still forego the chance of taking the vehicle out for a test drive if the car looks good to them. You need to know how the vehicle drives and you have to check whether it suits your needs. It is also an opportunity to check that the vehicle is running properly, that the brakes work, and that there are no odd noises or rattles.

4.     Not having the vehicle checked out by an expert: This is especially important if you are purchasing a second-hand car for sale from a private individual or a small-time dealership. While the current owner might make many promises about maintenance and roadworthiness and state unequivocally that the vehicle has not been in an accident, you still have to confirm that the vehicle is indeed in good condition. People who are trying to get rid of a lemon will promise the earth and it is up to you to have the vehicle checked out by a professional to ensure that all is in order before you pay even a cent!

5.     Failing to check the paperwork: It is vital that the vehicle is roadworthy and that it has all the necessary paperwork to prove that it has not been stolen or put together from a variety of stolen or written-off vehicles. The service record is also important. Check out the number of previous owners as well. Often dealerships will do these checks, but if you purchase a vehicle from a private individual, the purchaser will often have to pay for these checks. Do not cut corners here – it is vital that all second-hand cars for sale have the correct paperwork and certificates.

For trustworthy second-hand cars for sale that you can buy with peace mind, contact our sales team at Atterbury Motors.