Purchasing a pre-owned car is a great way to save money, but let’s face it, it can be a little confusing. You are effectively making one of the largest purchases of your life, whether you are looking via private classifieds or a local dealer. You must walk in with your eyes open and the appropriate questions prepared to ensure that you finish up with a dependable motor rather than a driveway ornament. Taking a little extra time before buying can save you a huge amount of money and stress later on.
Selecting the appropriate fuel type
Not long ago, one major decision was choosing between petrol or diesel. Today, things are a lot more varied. If you do short trips around town, a petrol engine or a self-charging hybrid is usually your best bet. Diesels are still fantastic for those of us doing heavy motorway miles, but they can be temperamental if they aren’t driven long distances regularly. Modern diesel cars especially do not enjoy constant stop-start journeys.
Then you have the electric options. A plug-in hybrid gives you the best of both worlds if you have a driveway to charge it, but a full EV is now a genuine possibility for many. Just remember to take your house or place of employment’s charging setup into account before choosing. It’s important to make sure the car fits your lifestyle rather than the other way around. Running costs, charging access, and even insurance prices are all worth considering before making a final decision.
Checking for a practical fit
It may seem apparent, but it is simple to become sidetracked by a glossy paint job and overlook the realities. Check the legroom and ISOFIX points if you frequently carry passengers or have children. Open the boot and imagine your weekly shop or a set of golf clubs inside.
Find out the precise towing capability for the caravan or trailer you intend to tow. You can save several hundred pounds on an aftermarket installation if the car already has a tow bar installed, which is a huge plus. Don’t forget to check the car’s dimensions too; there is nothing worse than bringing home a new SUV only to find it won’t fit through your garage door.
A quick test drive also helps you get a feel for visibility, parking, comfort, and whether the car actually suits your day-to-day driving.
It is also strongly recommended getting a number plate check to ensure the car hasn’t been written off or doesn’t have any hidden finance outstanding. A professional inspection is another great shout if you aren’t confident poking around under the bonnet yourself. It is a small price to pay for genuine peace of mind.
Navigating emissions zones
You should pay close attention to pollution regulations if you live in or close to a large city. The wrong car might cost you a fortune in daily fees due to the growth of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone and the emergence of equivalent Clean Air Zones in Birmingham and Bristol. Always run the registration through the government’s online checker before you agree to a sale. It only takes a minute and could save you thousands in the long run.
It is also worth checking the annual road tax beforehand, as some vehicles can be surprisingly expensive to tax depending on emissions and engine size.
Budgeting and maintenance
The “cost to change” is the figure that actually matters. This is the price of the new car minus whatever you get for your current one. What you can afford each month should be practical. To allow yourself some leeway if a car is just on the edge of your budget, you might want to look at an older model with a few more miles on it. In many cases, a well-maintained higher mileage car is a far better buy than a poorly looked after low mileage example.
The service history is your best buddy when examining a particular vehicle. A stamped book is good, but a folder full of receipts is better. It shows the previous owner actually cared for the vehicle. An online service history check can also help confirm digital records for many manufacturers including BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Land Rove, Volkswagen, and Ford.
