The used car market can be a great place to find a high-quality and affordable car, but it can also be hard to find a decent vehicle and it can be intimidating for many motorists. This is particularly true when you hear of horror stories of motorists getting ripped off and used car scams. So, what can you do to choose a good second-hand car?
Buy From a Reliable Dealership
First, you should always buy from a reliable used car dealership. It might be tempting to go with a private seller due to the lower prices, but this is much riskier and you will not be able to benefit from much consumer protection or finance deals. With a trusted dealership, you know that each car will have been inspected and that you will have protection if there is an issue. If you have decided on the car but you need to replace the number plates, you can use the replacement number plate builder from PlatesExpress.
Research Suitable Models
You also need to make sure that you are buying a suitable vehicle for your needs and budget but also one that is known for its build quality. Brands like Mercedes are known to build cars that last, so a used A-Class will be a good option as a vehicle that you can rely on.
Inspect the Car & Take a Test Drive
Many motorists do not know what they should be doing when inspecting a used car. You do not need to be an expert to do this and there are lots of handy guides online that can act as a checklist for inspecting each part of the vehicle. Additionally, you should never buy a car without taking it for a test drive so that you can test all of the functions and ensure that you feel confident behind the wheel.
Get a Vehicle History Check
You cannot tell everything about a car by inspecting it and taking it for a test drive, which is why you should always get a vehicle history check carried out even if buying from a dealership. This will reveal the history of the car and if there are any issues that you should be aware of, such as number plate changes, previously reported as stolen or outstanding finance.
Negotiate
Finally, you should always negotiate to try and get a better price for the vehicle. You should research the price of similar cars available and consider anything that could allow you to negotiate a lower price, such as a scratch.
Hopefully, this post will help you to navigate the used car market with confidence and find a decent second hand car.
