Looking to buy a used car-tips?

JoeA81

Unfortunately my current car is a bit of dud. Nothing so bad to stop me driving it around, but there is plenty wrong with it! Based on the huge number of mistakes I made when buying this car, here is my advice:

1. Never ever decide that a car is "so good" or "so perfect" from its advert description, that you "must" have it. Always decide after going to see the car.
2. Dont travel too far to see a car. This means you will have already spend a fair bit on travel, which might make you buy the car just becuase you have spent so much going to see it!
3. As above, never view a car in the rain or in bad light. I missed a big crack in the windscreen because it was covered in rainwater.
4. Check every single electrical (and non-electrical) device in the car. Windows, door mirrors, cental locking, alarm, lights. I didnt do this, and my car has non functioning electric door mirrors, the reverse lights dont work (and its not the bulbs!), the radio aerial isnt plugged in properly, and the alarm doesnt work!
5. Take the car on a proper test drive, and get up to a variety of speeds to check for noise. Go up and down all the gears to check for any problems. I didnt do this, and my car struggles with 3rd to 2nd gear changes!
6. Try and get a car with a thorough service history, but if a car has had a major job like a gearbox re-fit, but is still fairly young, or has a low mileage, ask youself why? Has the car been abused in its time?

Well, there are a few ideas. Try and avoid the mistakes I made!

hollydays

goldspanners wrote: »

use this site to find the model you want,or the one that suits your needs best.
change the search to used cars and choose a make and model.
hover over the numbers on the picture and it will give you things to look for on that particular model.
once you have narrowed your search down to a few specific models have a look for owners forums on the net and you will get good advise about the model you want.

http://www.whatcar.co.uk/car-review-summary.aspx?NEW_USED=1&MA_TYPE=1&MA=6&RT=2691&Submit1=GO

Thanks so much for this tip regarding checking forums.My OH had lusted after a particular model of car,but i read some stuff on the owners forum about an inherant fault that could have cost us a lot of money.OH is now converting his thirsty car to lpg..instead of buying a new one.Oh didn't speak to me for a couple of hours-he was quite annoyed I had spotted something negative..