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Purchasing a new car is always going to be an exciting thing, but if you’ve got your eyes set on a used car then there are some extra steps you should take to ensure you make a smart investment. Unlike a new car, you won’t be the first owner so knowing what to ask, what to look for, and how to make a deal will serve you well. Here are five essential tips to use when purchasing your first used car.
Start Your Research
The used car market is vast, so doing your research takes time. You want to narrow down your options so you can do this by choosing a make and model (or a few), the year(s) you are interested in, and your budget. From there you can get more specific in the features you want for your vehicle.
Keep in mind because it is a used vehicle, there may be less available in terms of the colours available, the add-ons, and so forth. Buying new from the manufacturer allows for customisation.
Does the Vehicle Require an MOT Test?
It’s also important to be aware of the MOT test, which is required once a car is three years old. Some need to be tested at one year of age, but you can check the government site for more details. The test results are valid for one year, at which time you’ll need to do another test. The MOT test is meant to assess the vehicle’s environmental standards and road safety. For MOT testing in Cheshire, visit The Car Centre.
Always check whether a car has any MOT advisories before you complete the sale.
A Test Drive Is Imperative
Under no circumstance do you want to purchase a used vehicle without first taking it for a test drive. Even if it’s only a year old, it’s still important to take it out on the road at various speeds and give it a good run. This is how you’ll be able to test the handling, listen for any strange sounds, check the blind spots and how you feel behind the wheel.
Check the Exterior of the Car
You should also arrange to do a thorough inspection of the exterior of the car in daylight hours. You want to look for any signs of dents, chips, scratches, damage, or rust. While little flaws may not deter you from purchasing the vehicle, you still need to be aware of them and it can help you when haggling on the price.
How Will You Be Paying for the Car?
Once you find a car that fulfils all your needs, the next question will be how you plan on paying for it? Will you be paying for it outright in cash? If not, then you can look at financing or leasing deals and rates.
An Informed Consumer Can Make a Smart Purchase
All of these tips will help you to be an informed consumer when purchasing a used vehicle, so you know you’ll get exactly what you need and want at a price you’re comfortable with.
