Buying a car can be an exciting time in our lives, but it’s essential to be well prepared before making a decision. Whether you’re upgrading your current vehicle or buying your first car, these top tips will help you navigate the process with confidence and ensure you get the best value for your money.
Here are our top 12 tips for buying a used car:
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- Consider your needs
- Think about your budget
- Check the mileage
- Choose a car at least 1 year old
- Check the car’s history
- Check the car’s condition
- Consider the make and model
- Petrol, diesel or electric
- Think about safety
- Shop around
- When is the best time to buy a new car
- Get peace of mind with Dayinsure
1. Consider your needs
Before diving into the world of used cars, take time to reflect on your specific requirements. What do you need the car for? Do you commute long distances, or is it mainly for local errands? Is it just for you or do you need extra space for family members or hobbies?
Figuring out your need before you start looking for a car will help you to narrow down your search and avoid the temptation to purchase something that doesn’t fit your needs. Think about factors such as number of seats, boot space, fuel type and comfort features – what is most important to you?
2. Think about your budget
Whilst the price is often the first thing most buyers consider, remember that the cost of owning a car extends beyond the purchase price of the car itself. You should factor in additional expenses such as insurance, road tax, maintenance and fuel. Calculate how much you can afford for both upfront costs of buying a car as well as the ongoing costs related to owning a car.
Insurance premiums vary based on a car’s make and model, whilst older cars often have higher maintenance costs. Running costs, including fuel efficiency, can also play a big role in affordability. It is helpful to establish a clear budget for the upfront and ongoing costs to ensure your used car is an affordable investment.
3. Check the mileage
Mileage is a key indicator of how much wear and tear a car has experienced. On average, a car will cover around 7,400 miles per year in the UK. A used car with much higher mileage than expected for its age may have endured more wear and could require more maintenance sooner.
However, modern cars are built to last longer, and a well-maintained vehicle with high mileage could still have plenty of life left in it. A good tip when looking at mileage is to check the car’s service history to see how well the car has been looked after.
4. Choose a car at least one year old
Opting for a car that is at least one year old can often be a smart choice. Brand new cars lose a significant amount of their value the second they leave the dealership. By choosing a car that is over one year old, you allow someone else to absorb that initial depreciation whilst still purchasing a relatively new car with a lot of miles left in it.
5. Check the car’s history
Ensuring the car has a full and transparent history is crucial when buying a used vehicle. A complete service history will show if the car has been regularly maintained, which is a good sign of reliability.
It’s also wise to check for any previous accident repairs. Some repairs, if done poorly, can lead to long-term issues with the car. You can request a full vehicle history report to verify that the car is free from any outstanding finance or serious damages.
Ask for all the relevant paperwork
When buying a used car, certain documents should always be available, and you should ask for this relevant paperwork when considering buying a car. This paperwork includes:
- V5C registration document – also known as the logbook, this is the registration document for the car. It can be used to verify the seller’s ownership and confirms to the DVLA when a car changes ownership.
- Service history – this could be full or partial but will give you an insight into the vehicle’s health, work that has been done on the car and any recurring problems.
- MOT certificate – this is only relevant if the car is over 3 years old. It tells you the car’s MOT status which determines whether it is roadworthy or not. Advisory notes can let you know what type of work may need undertaking to make the car roadworthy. You can also check the MOT status of cars online.
- Manual – this and any paperwork related to repairs or part replacements can provide you with peace of mind that the car has been maintained correctly and is legally ready for sale.
- Seller’s contact details – this confirms whether the detail in the paperwork matches up. It also means you have a way of contacting the seller in the future.
- Evidence of purchase – once you have bought the car, you should ensure you get a receipt as a proof of purchase. It should include details of the buyer and seller, the date, the amount paid and the vehicle details so it can be identified if necessary.
6. Check the car’s condition
It’s important to do a thorough inspection of the car’s condition before making a decision on whether to buy it or not. You should check the car closely for any signs of wear and tear. Don’t hesitate to ask the seller any questions about anything you notice. Some important things to check out are:
- General wear and tear – does the car’s appearance line up with the mileage and age of the vehicle? This will tell you how well it has been looked after.
- Electrics – test all the electrics to make sure everything is in full working order. This includes window wipers, air conditioning, lights and audio systems.
- Gearbox – it’s a good idea to take the car for a test drive to see how it drives. Whilst driving consider whether the gear changes are smooth and functioning as they should.
- Clutch – another thing to check whilst on a test drive is the clutch. Is it smooth and functioning as expected?
- Brakes – whilst test driving the car it is a good idea to make sure the brakes and handbrake are working as they should be. Listen for any unusual noises, especially when you slow down.
- Tyres – inspect the tyres for wear, including the tread depth and condition of each of them.
- Interior – check the inside of the car for any tears or stains on surfaces and the upholstery. Make sure you remember to check the boot too!
- Exterior – look out for any dents or scratches on the bodywork of the car. You can also check underneath the vehicle with a torch.
7. Consider the make and model
The make and model of a car will not only impact your insurance costs but also your driving experience. Cars are divided into insurance groups, with lower groups often being cheaper to insure. Larger cars with bigger engines also typically have higher running costs, so it’s important to choose a car that aligns with your budget for ongoing costs and lifestyle needs.
8. Petrol, diesel or electric
When choosing between petrol, diesel, or electric, it’s essential to consider the pros and cons of each. Petrol cars tend to have lower purchase prices and maintenance costs, whilst diesel cars offer better fuel efficiency for long-distance drivers.
However, with the increasing availability of electric vehicles, you may also want to consider the long-term savings they can offer in both fuel and maintenance, as well as other environmental benefits. You should weigh the options based on your driving habits and future needs.
9. Think about safety
Safety should always be a top priority when buying a used car. At the end of the day, if you don’t feel safe in the car you shouldn’t make the purchase.
When viewing the car, ensure that the vehicle has important safety features, such as airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC). You can also check the safety ratings for the make and model you’re considering to understand how well it protects passengers in the event of an accident.
Many modern used cars also come with advanced safety features like parking sensors, lane assist and automatic emergency braking or ‘pre-sense’.
10. Shop around
Shopping around gives you the best chance of finding a quality used car at a fair price. You should consider the pros and cons of different places to buy.
There are several places to buy a used car, including:
Dealerships
A dealership sells new and used cars, typically from a single manufacturer.
The reliability of dealerships is what makes them a popular choice for many. They offer strong customer service, decent after-sales care, and often a warranty too. But this means that cars from dealerships can often be more expensive than those sold privately or at auction. There tends to be little to no flexibility on the price of the car as there are overheads to pay and sales targets to meet.
It’s worth having an awareness of the difference between a supplying or franchised dealer versus an independent trader. The latter can be either a business or an individual with more riding on the sale. This may result in more of a ‘hard sell’ experience. Either way, you should ensure you choose somewhere reputable; ideally, with plenty of good reviews and associated with organisations such as the Retail Motor Industry Federation. Some will also make it clear that they follow The Motor Ombudsman’s code of practice.
If you discover something wrong with your car after purchasing it from an official car dealer, you have a legal right to the following under the Consumer Rights Act:
- A repair
- Money towards a repair
- Some or all of your money back
You will have to act within a set period of time to make use of this right, typically around 30 days but this can vary.
Private sellers
Buying from a private seller can often be more affordable, and you could also be able to enter into negotiations to reduce the price of the vehicle; however, it does carry more risk.
You should make sure to thoroughly inspect the car and verify its paperwork. There is typically no warranty from private sellers, so any issues discovered after the purchase will be entirely your responsibility.
Auctions
Car auctions involve buying a car by bidding on it against other interested parties. Many people participate in auctions online through sites like eBay. You can typically buy cars for much less at an auction and it can be a very quick process. They are also helpful to get an idea of how much people tend to spend on different cars and what is the going rate.
At auctions, cars are typically sold ‘as-is’, with little chance to inspect them in detail before buying. You also won’t have a warranty that gives you the right to returns or refunds. This makes them a riskier choice for buyers.
However, if you’re confident in your knowledge of cars and what to look out for, you could grab a bargain buying from an auction.
11. When is the best time to buy a new car?
Certain times of the year may be better for purchasing a used car for a number of reasons. You can take advantage of this by knowing when is best to buy.
- September and March – this is when dealers have lots of used cars in stock that they need to sell after new number plate formats are introduced during these months.
- August and February – the month before the new number plate changes are introduced are also a good time to buy as dealers will want to clear out old stock, often accepting lower prices so they can do so.
- Fridays or end of the month – take advantage of dealers trying to meet targets and go on a Friday/end of the month to view cars. These are often quieter periods too so the seller will be keen to make a deal and you could get a bargain.
- Bank holidays/Boxing Day – going to a dealership on days such as these might mean you can take advantage of sales taking place.
12. Get peace of mind with Dayinsure
Before you commit to purchasing a used car, you should always take it for a test drive. This gives you the feel for how a car handles and allows you to check for any mechanical issues. You should make sure you have the correct insurance whenever you test drive a car. Take a look at our test drive insurance page to find out what cover you need to test drive a car.
Don’t forget, once you’ve bought your car, you’ll need valid insurance to drive it home! Taking out temporary car insurance to cover your trip home means you can give yourself some time to set up your annual insurance when you’re ready, giving you peace of mind to drive your car home on the day. Get cover for as little as 1 hour and save money using our app!
