Buying a Used Car: Your Go to Guide

Whether it’s to get to work, ferry the kids around, or simply get from A to B, many of us can’t live without a car. Whilst you may dream of having the latest model, your finances may mean that you have to settle with a used car. If you’re on the hunt for a used car, there are various factors that you need to take into consideration first. To help make things easier, here is a guide to help find a used car that’s right for you.

Set a budget

If you haven’t got a budget in place, it can be hard to know what type of car is right for you. Working out your budget and sticking to it is crucial, so looking at ways on how you can finance your car should be your first port of call. Whether it’s by paying straightforward cash, or taking out a personal loan, you will need to figure out how much a deposit will cost you, enabling you to work out what the monthly payments will be.

Keep track of used car prices

If you would rather steer clear of a car dealership, there are plenty of websites that you can check out online to help keep an eye on used car market prices. Doing your research will give you a good gauge on whether you are paying more than you should for a used car. With so many used cars available to choose from, it can be all too easy to go for the first one you see, however, comparing models and prices will help you find a vehicle that’s within your price range. The more research you do, the more chance you have of scoring a bargain. It may also be worth buying a car with cosmetic damage, such as hail damage which you can easily repair. For example, with Hail Specialists, your vehicle's market value is preserved with PDR - so it's worth shopping around!

Take a thorough test drive

Before you drive off into the sunset with your new vehicle, it’s vital that your car drives and handles correctly. If your vehicle doesn’t perform the way it should, you could end up spending tons of cash on repairs. Taking the car out on a thorough test drive can help you decide whether it’s right for you. There are various questions that you need to ask yourself whilst on a test drive, such as whether the car starts easily, or if there are any strange sounds coming from the brakes or engine. If you don’t feel comfortable driving the car, the chances are it’s not right for you.

Review the vehicle history report

As the car you will be buying used to belong to someone else, this means that there will be a back story that cannot be ignored. Knowing the history of the vehicle will provide you with reassurance. When looking at the vehicle history report, you may find evidence of internal damage to the vehicle which can be dangerous, so this is a step you cannot skip.

Finding insurance

Once you’ve signed on the dotted line, it’s important that you get the right car insurance for your vehicle. We all want to get very cheap car insurance, and to help you do just that you should input each car’s details into an insurance comparison site like Quotezone. The company boasts of over three million users who have used their services to date. Finding very cheap car insurance could be as easy as entering the reg plate. If you are looking for the best van insurance then make sure to shop around as you would for car insurance, and don't forget to check independent van insurance brokers like One Sure in addition to the big names and comparison sites.
 
Getting your finances in order, keeping an eye on used car market prices, as well as finding the cheapest insurance policy are just a few key tips to help you find a used car that’s perfect for you. With so many used cars to pick from, doing your research is key. Instead of picking the first vehicle you lay your eyes on, it’s advised to compare a range of models first.