The cost of brand new cars can be off-putting, which is why many drivers are deciding to purchase cars that have been on the road for a year or two. By buying a nearly-new car, you can miss what’s the biggest depreciation drop the car will ever see and still have years of joyous motoring to look forward before your second-hand car needs to be replaced.
If you have never bought a second-hand car before, you may wish to consider a number of factors. Many drivers look for advice from experienced used car buyers when they are scouring the market for vehicles. Help from other drivers can be indispensable when it comes to knowing what to look out for. With support from a more experienced buyer, you can seal a deal that you won’t come to regret later.
Think about hidden costs
You may wish to buy from a dealer rather than a private seller. Doing this means that you can return the car without fuss if you discover a fault that wasn’t pointed out to you when you bought it. Most dealerships are part of prestigious bodies that they risk being kicked out of if their customer care standards drop. You should think carefully about the kind of car you’re looking for. Will you be able to afford tax, insurance and fuel? Will you have a problem with paying for repairs, servicing and MOTs? These are all things you need to think about before being influenced solely by a low price tag.
Identify a suitable model
It’s a good idea to pick a specific model and then look around the forecourts (whether in person or online) to see if they have it in stock. By looking online at classified ads, you can get a good idea about what you should expect to pay for it. Make sure you always view any vehicle in dry, light conditions and take it for a test drive before you hand over your cash. You may also wish to run a history check. There are many cheap cars for sale in Swindon that you’ll be able to rely on for years.