Five cash-saving tips to help you bargain and buy a second-hand motor for less
CONSIDERING getting a new set of wheels?
Buying a used car can be tricky and costly, so we asked Dan Meeghan, UK country lead at motor-checking app Carly, for his advice.
Here are his steers . . .
CHECK THE CONDITION: Before purchasing a vehicle, assess potential future fixes.
A well-maintained motor should not present immediate repairs, so you need to find out how regularly it has been serviced.
Services at authorised dealerships should include a vehicle health check, which points out necessary upcoming repairs.
IT’S ALL HISTORY: Investigating the car’s MOT history provides insight into how well it has been maintained.
Ideally, you want evidence of issues being addressed promptly.
An owner who has done that is likely to have maintained the vehicle well, reducing risk of future problems.
PRICE IT RIGHT: Research the vehicle’s value compared to similar models online to understand if the price is reasonable.
Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, as they are often indicative of underlying problems.
There’s always room for negotiation — and take into account future costs, such as a need for new tyres or brakes.
WATCH OUT: If buying a used car from a dealership, keep price negotiations separate from discussions about extras and financing.
Evaluate each additional product or service offered in terms of cost and necessity to ensure a fair deal.
Avoid being swayed by any attractive monthly payments without understanding the total financial commitment — and don’t be afraid to take your time.
SUMMER SENSE CHECK: When buying at this time of year, consider issues that might worsen in winter.
Take at least a 30-minute test drive to let the engine reach full temperature, then turn it off and see if it restarts easily when hot.
Cars can perform differently at various temperatures due to component expansion.
Check the air-con works, and that the heaters function properly once the car is up to temperature.
- Check out the new free Used Car History Checker at mycarly.com.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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