Research in advance and shop locally for the best deal

BUYING a used car doesn’t have to be a daunting process. In fact, if you use some of these top tips, you could end up getting yourself a great deal.

The first important task is to narrow your options down to a shortlist of potential models. You may be just looking to upgrade a few years, or you might need to find a different type of car due to changes in circumstance, like a longer or shorter commute or the need for more space with a growing family.

The best advice is put your sensible hat on and try not to be swayed by emotional factors such as a car’s styling or design.

However, not many of us can be that detached when it comes to choosing you next set of wheels, but most importantly make sure that what you buy suits your requirements.

Working out how much you’re going to use it and over what average distances should also be a factor in determining whether you look at diesel, petrol, electric or hybrid.

Allianz Ireland says that factors such as what your monthly motoring budget is going to be and what your average weekly or monthly mileage works out at need consideration.

The cost of annual motor tax may differ if you’re getting a different type of car than your current model. Your insurance premium may also go up (or down) depending on the models chosen. It’s also worthwhile to do some research on typical maintenance costs for the models that you are considering. There is some useful advice in the AA’s cost of motoring section.

It’s a phrase that’s frequently used, but do shop around, especially if it’s a popular model that you’re looking to buy. Taking some time to see a few different examples could make a lot of difference to what you end up paying for your used car. Don’t be surprised to hear dealers mentioning that it may be ‘ their last model in stock’ or that ‘several people are interested in the car’, these are all sales tactics that are used to try to rush you into making the purchase. Remember, you’re the one in the driving seat here.

If you’re viewing a car that’s for sale privately, take some simple precautions just to be on the safe side. Most people who are selling a car in the private market are genuine, but it’s important to take certain steps to ensure your safety. Agree to meet in a suitable location, ideally a busy area such as a retail park during the day. Bring a friend, or a friendly mechanic, along with you and don’t bring all of the money. Most honest sellers will be happy to agree to a deal and accept a small holding deposit. Any pushy behaviour or request for payment in full and upfront should be considered suspicious, so it may be best to walk away at this point.

And whether you are buying privately or from a dealer, always, always check out the car’s history. Most dealers will provide this information as a matter of course.

A friend of mine was recently looking for a new car for his son and planned on viewing five models advertised on Irish websites. Three of them ended up having shady histories and one had even been written off and put back on the road. None of the sellers divulged this information which came to light through registration check websites. Each check cost a few euros, but saved a fortune in the long run, best advice: buyer beware.

Similarly if you are buying from the UK, thoroughly check the car’s history online.

Taking more than one example of the model you’re considering for a test drive will give you a clearer indication of whether there’s anything askew with it. Always test drive a car before sitting down to make a deal on it.

If you’re going to take a car out from a dealership you will typically be covered by its motor trade policy. However, don’t just assume that this is the case, ask for confirmation and whether you need to be accompanied by a member of staff or not. Don’t be afraid to ask for details on this. Even though the staff may conduct test drives all the time, you don’t, so take that extra few minutes to ensure the correct cover is in place. If you were to have an accident, they may try to push liability to your own personal policy.

Similarly, if you are planning to test drive a car that is for sale privately you need to be certain that you are correctly covered. You may have a policy that allows you to drive other cars, but as is often the case, this may insure you for third party only. Calling your insurance provider to arrange a temporary substitution is the best practice, but keep in mind that if you’re planning a test drive for an evening or weekend that their offices may be closed and unable to facilitate this.

With the insurance cover in place, there are a few things that you should try to ensure doing. If possible, drive on roads that are familiar to you. Ideally taking a route on or close to what your daily commute would be. It’s also worth trying to arrange a more extended test drive.

If you’re trying a new type of car, a lot of it is going to be unfamiliar to you at the start. Make sure that you have sufficient levels of adjustment in the seat and steering to get into a comfortable driving position. Buttons and other switchgear may be in different locations than your car so take a moment to try to see where everything is before driving.

One other thing, if possible, is to start the engine from cold. Doing this may help to highlight any underlying mechanical issues or signal that the battery or starter may need replacing. It is usually easier to start an engine that is already up to operating temperature. Keep the radio off so that you can listen out for any unusual sounds from the car that may signify a mechanical issue with it.

Most of the time when you’re viewing a car that’s for sale it will be quite clean. Nevertheless, do have a thorough look at all the panels and bodywork. You want to be on the lookout for anything that may indicate if the car has been repaired, possibly as the result of an accident. For example, if black plastics on the rear bumper are slightly faded from age but those on the front are shiny and newer looking the car may have had a new bumper fitted. Minor repairs aren’t an issue, especially if they’ve been carried out correctly, but it’s better to know everything about the car before you buy.

Another important thing to consider, especially if viewing a car that you may be buying privately, is to inspect it in the daytime and when it’s dry. It can be easy to miss visual details in the paintwork and on the car’s body otherwise.