Buying Tips
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You may have read a 'How to buy a used car' guide before? Some of them make it sound like a terrifying process. It shouldn't be; with a bit of common sense anyone should be able to buy a decent used car and get value for money for their investment.
Really the process can be boiled down to a few simple questions which you need to answer honestly as you navigate your way through the process.
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Question 1
What is the right car for you?
Be honest with yourself here. Buying something too big, too small or too impractical (or expensive) to run could quickly become a millstone around your neck. The trick is not to buy on impulse or let a salesman pressure you into deciding before you're ready.
Take time to evaluate what you really need, it might just be a little less flash that what you would really like, but in the long term that extra time to think it through may save you hundreds or even thousands of pounds.
Question 2
How much can you realistically afford?
This is not how much you think you can you afford? That's different. Make sure you've accounted for insurance and other running costs.
If buying on finance, work out your monthly outgoings (be very honest and thorough about this - make sure you have accounted for all of your costs) and factor in the car's running costs into the payments you'll be making.
Question 3
What will the insurance cost?
This can be a deciding factor and very expensive on flash vehicles that it often tempting to buy on impulse. - hence questions 1 and 2. Do the research and know what the costs will be here before handing over the cash or signing on the dotted line.
Expert help
It might be a car-crazy, knowledgeable friend or an independent expert. If you aren't too sure, it's always wise to get help.
Depreciation
Some cars hold their value better than others. Those that plummet are often thought of as rubbish, but in fact can make a great used buy. Only a fool would pay the same for a new Korean luxury car as a BMW 3-Series. But two years on the fully loaded far-eastern lux-mobile will cost the same as an ex-fleet Ford Focus.
And finally
Buying the wrong car, for the wrong price on the wrong deal is not the end of the world. It happens to us all at some point. Read this guide and hopefully, it won't happen again.
For more tips on how to buy a car click here to see our car buying tips grid
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