YOUR MUST-HAVE Buyer beware
EVEN when it is straight out of a showroom, buying a new car can be a stressful process – and if you try to buy a used one that stress can be heightened still further.
If it’s not the plethora of models and versions available – plus diesels, petrols and hybrids – the choices can seem almost endless before you have even got to the detailed decisions of a used car’s mileage or condition.
However, the reality is that while there are plenty of hurdles to trip you up in the used car market, there is also plenty you can do to help yourself too.
Do a little homework on where and how to find the best deal and you can give yourself a helping hand before you have even taken a test drive. The first steps are the most obvious. What do you need your car for? There is little point in buying a small city car if you are likely to spend hours pounding the motorway but likewise there is no point in buying an expensive sports car if it sits in the train station car park for 90 per cent of the week.
Think about why you are buying this car and why you need it in the first place. Do you need to regularly transport your family or is this car largely for you alone? Will anyone else be driving it and what are their needs?
Do you need a small hatchback or a large estate, four-wheel drive for tricky lanes or perhaps a crossover for that high-up driving position?
Is your situation likely to change soon with a new baby, children leaving home or even a job switch and how will that affect matters?
Of course, much of the above will be dictated by your budget and what you can afford but give it some serious thought as the last thing you want to do is to have to go through the whole process again. Buying a used car needn’t cause headaches, just follow a few simple rules, says TONY ALLEN beyond the odd scuffed alloy wheel or higher-than-average mileage and you can find some bargains.
The downsides? The cars might require some cosmetic TLC but they are a great way to save on time and shoe leather especially with mainstream models as you can see lots of cars in one place at the same time.
Instead of looking at one or two Ford Focuses or VW Golfs, you might have ten to choose from, so if you need a car in a hurry, they are a great opportunity.