Used cars are more popular than ever and for many drivers it can be easy to see why! Brand new cars are still facing huge manufacturer delays and many drivers are opting for a second-hand car when they need a vehicle. Not only that but there are a huge choice and availability of used cars to take advantage of! If you’re buying your first car or haven’t had much experience with buying a second-hand car, these common used car mistakes can help you get the best deal possible. 

Why should you get a second-hand car? 

When you’re shopping for your next car, you may be debating whether to get a brand new or used car next. Here are the top reasons why used cars reign supreme for many drivers: 

• Huge amount of choice and availability. 
• You suffer less financial depreciation when buying used.
• Lower purchase price than brand new cars. 
• Options to finance used cars with affordable monthly payments.
• Usually cheaper insurance rates are available for second-hand cars. 
• Long new car warranties can be transferred with ownership which can benefit used car buyers. 
• Some dealers can also offer servicing plans on used cars to help you budget better. 

Used car buying mistakes to avoid: 

1. Not doing your homework first. 

Car buying is one of the biggest purchases you will make in your life so it’s important it’s a good choice for you. Before you jump into buying a used car, you should firstly check out the market price of cars you like. This can help you to shop for cars within your budget and get an idea of how much your car will cost. Knowing the market is also key when it comes to negotiating with car dealers on the price of the vehicle. If you’re already aware of a similar car at a rival dealer with a lower price, it can help you to get a better price when negotiating. 

2. Solely focusing on the price. 

It’s no secret that UK drivers love a bargain! However, when it comes to buying a used car, cheaper may not always be better. You should stick to an affordable budget which you are comfortable with and if you’re looking to get finance for a used car, you will need to be able to meet the monthly payments on time and in full until the end of the term. Purchasing a used car is one thing but don’t forget to also consider the cost of insuring and running a car. It can be worth checking insurance rates for a car within your budget before you sign on the dotted line as you could end up with a car that is very costly. 

3. Only shopping for your car locally. 

Whilst getting your car locally from a trusted dealer is a time saving and easy way to get a vehicle, it isn’t your only option. The emergence of online car buying is growing in popularity and the knock-on effect of Covid-19 meant more drivers were looking at contact free buying. It can be worth shopping for cars online or using an online car finance broker to help sort your finance first and then shop for a car from a reputable dealer. Casting your net further afield could get you a better deal and many cars also come with free delivery across the UK! 

4. Not checking the history of a used car. 

The main drawback of buying a used car is that you aren’t the first owner of the vehicle and are in the dark about its previous history. When you buy a car from a private seller, you are having to take the sellers word for it and have to take the car at face value. Buying from a dealer can be safe as they will have their own checks in place to verify the condition of the car. You can also do your own history checks on a used car by entering the details on the Gov.uk website to find out it’s MOT status and also get access to the MOT history report to see if there are any previous faults you should be aware of. 

5. Feeling pressure to rush a decision. 

The availability of used cars means buyers have an endless amount of choice and don’t need to be rushed into the first car they see. Don’t give into any pushy salesmen and feel the need to decide on the spot. If the car doesn’t fit your lifestyle, isn’t fit for purpose, you can’t afford it or you simply don’t want it, you have the right to cancel the sale at any point before you buy it. If you’ve bought a car with a fault, you are covered under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 to return the car and get a full refund within 30 days of purchase.