What To Look For When Buying a Used Car
Buying a used car is the perfect choice for many individuals; it may seem obvious, but used cars are cheaper to purchase than brand new models. Plus, buying used means you’ll have the chance to drive away with a vehicle which may not have been on your radar if it was full price.
If you’re thinking about buying a used car but you’re not sure where to start – we’ve got you covered. In this guide we’ll take you through the most important aspects to consider, ensuring you drive away with your dream motor.
Why buy a used car?
Buying a used car is a great alternative to brand new. You won’t lose any money by driving it off a forecourt for a start. Plus, new engines need gently bedding in for a few thousand miles too – already taken care of.
Finding a good example of the car you want is key. A well looked after car. There are things you can look out for to make sure of this, all detailed in this guide.
What to pick for your budget
Setting your budget is probably one of the most important parts of the buying process. Before you do anything, you should have an idea of how much you can afford. Aside from the cost of the vehicle, you’ll also want to consider things like car insurance, road tax and fuel efficiency. Just to avoid any unexpected costs further down the line.
- Budgets below £10,000
We’ll be honest, a £10,000 budget wouldn’t get you too far on a new car search, however, in the used car market it’s a different story. £10,000 is more than enough for many used makes and models – and you won’t just be limited to smaller cars. For example, you could pick up a Renault Captur or a Fiat 500 and still have change from £10,000.
- Budgets between £10,000 – £20,000
With a £10,000 – £20,000 budget you’ll be in a great position to purchase from a wide range of desirable vehicles. From sports cars and saloons to
crossovers and convertibles (and everything in between). Plus, you should be able to explore some hybrid and electric options within this price bracket, for example an Audi A7 or BMW 5 Series.
- Budgets over £20,000
A budget above £20,000 for a used vehicle will give you plenty of choice. You’ll likely be able to choose from a range of premium brands, boasting impressive specifications and the latest tech. Whether it’s a large and luxurious top-of-the-range Land Rover Discovery Sport or a compact convertible. You’ve got the pick of the bunch.
Researching makes and models
If you’re trying to narrow your choice down, there are a few things that can help. A great way is to check out the common problems associated with a particular model. If it’s prone to rust or electrical issues, consider checking the servicing history or MOT history for evidence of these.
Check the Euro NCAP rating of the models you’re considering. Euro NCAP is a five-star safety rating system that helps the car buyer identify the safest option for them. If safety is a top priority, choosing a model with a five-star Euro NCAP score is essential.
Additional safety features could also have been added from factory as optional extras. Such as rear air bags and driver-assistance systems. For instance, adaptive cruise control, reversing cameras, lane assist and blind spot detection.
What will the car be used for?
When it comes to buying a used car, it’s important to consider your lifestyle and driving habits. Will your vehicle primarily be used for daily trips such as the school run, long motorway commutes, or off-road adventures?
Choices of factors such as engine size, transmission type and body style will all depend on what you want from your vehicle. So, it’s important to consider what you need from your future car before you commit.
How much space do you need?
Your lifestyle and driving habits will determine how much space you need.
Consider passenger comfort and whether there’s enough leg and head space in the back if you’ll be ferrying family members about. If you’re travelling long distances, driver comfort is paramount, and you’ll want to prioritise this. Additionally, you should consider boot space if it’s likely that you’ll be transporting bulky loads.
We always recommend taking a test drive to allow you to get a proper feel for the car and see whether it’s right for you.
Do you need the latest tech?
Today, the vast array of tech options available in cars is remarkable. Intelligent features are designed to aid just about everything from ease of driving to entertainment.
If you’re into music, you’ll want to ensure Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included. If you’re frequently travelling new routes, a built-in sat nav could be of value. Are tight spaces a struggle? Then parking sensors could be extremely useful.
Additionally, there are some handy safety features which you might not have considered. Blind spot monitoring, driver drowsiness monitoring and lane keep assist can be useful features.
Does the car suit your style?
We understand you want your car to look the part, so have a think about what’s important to you from an interior and exterior point of view.
At Bristol Street Motors, we have such a wide range of used cars available. You’ll easily be able to find one to match your requirements. You can even filter your search by a range of style features – so it’s never been easier to find your ideal car.
What fuel type is right for you?
Fuel type is another factor which will be determined based on your driving habits. Choosing between petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric will ultimately come down to how far you drive each day. And of course, what type of journeys you make most often.
- Used petrol cars
Petrol engines are now more efficient than ever. So, if you’re concerned about diesel pollution and the rising price of diesel fuel, a petrol car could be the best fit for you. So perhaps you’re after something small and agile like the Volkswagen Up!. Or dynamic and sporty like the Volvo XC40. Either way, you’ll be sure to find a wide range of choice at Bristol Street Motors.
- Used diesel cars
Diesel engines are particularly well suited to motorway driving. They strike a perfect balance between performance and fuel economy. Diesel vehicles give a powerful drive without the need to constantly refuel. If you have high annual mileage, a diesel vehicle like the ever-reliable Volkswagen Golf TDI is a great option. This diesel hatchback would provide the fuel economy and comfort you need.
- Used hybrid cars
For individuals who are looking to go green but aren’t convinced a fully electric model will give the range required for certain trips. Sound like you? A hybrid car could be the perfect fit. The BMW 330e is a practical and efficient vehicle, with an intuitive infotainment system too.
- Used electric cars
If you make lots of shorter journeys around towns and cities, an electric car could be a serious consideration. The versatile Hyundai IONIQ electric remains the best EV you get the best bang for your buck when buying a used electric car. However, before you make the jump to all-electric, be sure to consider charging options and whether this would be feasible from your home.
What to look for when buying a used car
When you start searching for used cars in person, it’s always best practice to check over the vehicle thoroughly for yourself. After all, you’re going to be setting down a decent portion of money for it, so you need to make sure you are happy.
This comes from not only doing a test drive of the vehicle as mentioned above. But also having a good inspection of the vehicle to make sure you are satisfied with its overall appearance and condition.
Here’s a few things to inspect when buying a used car:
- Check that all documentation is present, including the V5C registration document and any MOT certificates.
- Check the service history to check how the car has been looked after. Are there any missing servicing appointments? When did the car last have significant maintenance and what was it? Do some research beforehand on what servicing and maintenance is recommended for the car. You can check the documentation against that.
- Check the mileage of the vehicle is correct to what was advertised and to the documentation provided.
- Check bodywork for any dents, scratches, or rust that have not been addressed. Have there been any repairs that indicate undeclared accidents?
- Check windows and lights for any cracks or damage.
- Check the tyres to make sure they have sufficient tread depth and are not excessively worn.
- Check the spare tyre and sealant kit are there.
- Make sure any locking wheel nuts are fitted and the adapter supplied.
- Check for leaks and spills.
- Check for any signs of corrosion under the bonnet.
- Check the interior is clean, comfortable and in presentable condition.
- Ensure brake fluids and power steering are in the safe zone.
- Check the condition of the battery.
- Check all locks and doors are in working order.
- Ensure you receive two sets of keys.
- Check the dashboard warning lights and note any still present when the engine is switched on.
- Make sure all the lights and wipers are in working order.
- Check the air conditioning and heating work.
- Check the sound system and connections are in good condition.
When taking your car out for a test drive, you also may want to check:
- The engine starts smoothly.
- Buttons and dials are all in working order.
- For any unexplained noises such as clicking or tapping which may indicate an issue.
- The transition is smooth for changing gears at varying speeds.
- The brakes work efficiently and don’t pull the vehicle over to the side.
- You are comfortable with all the controls and how they work.
Completing these checks will help you to get a good feel for your car and decide whether it will be the right one for you.
When you buy a used car from Bristol Street Motors, you can rest assured that your vehicle will have been prepared to the highest standard. This includes all the checks listed here and more.
Though that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t feel entitled to have a good inspection for yourself, because the decision ultimately comes down to you.
How to get the best deal
By visiting a reputable dealer - like us - you will be given the opportunity to part exchange your current vehicle. This will help you to get an even better deal on your next car. Plus, we can arrange financing for the purchase of your used car, which is something private sellers will be unable to provide.
Buying your car from us will eliminate many of the financial risks associated with buying a used vehicle from a private seller. All our used cars undergo thorough mechanical inspections. So, you shouldn’t be hit with any unforeseen repair costs shortly after you drive away.
Arranging tax and insurance before driving home
These are vital before you drive away in your new car. Without both or either of these you will be driving illegally.
Even before viewing the vehicle, you should prepare at home by viewing insurance quotes for the car to make sure it’s affordable for you. You don’t want a nasty surprise on the day! Also, check which tax bracket the car you’re going to view is under. It can vary from zero to hundreds of pounds depending on which car it is.
When you come to us, we can organise the tax on your car for you. You still have to organise insurance as that is tailored to you. But we are here to help you along the way.
Buying a used car on finance
A finance plan might be the best option if you’d prefer to spread the cost of your vehicle over time, rather than buying the car outright.
There are several finance options available. These are Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), Personal Contract Hire (PCH) and Hire Purchase (HP). Whilst these plans are similar in certain aspects, each has its own set of unique benefits.
Learn more about each specific finance option in our https://www.bristolstreet.co.uk/finance-explained/pcp/.
Used cars at Bristol Street Motors
So, if you think you’re ready to buy a used car, start your online used car search today. Browse our top deals, or pop into your local dealership to view our extensive range.