Used Car Buying Checklist: What to Look Out For

To make sure you don’t get a used car that brings you nothing but problems, there are several key checks to make. These range from physical checks to carrying out the right research beforehand, but to make this completely clear, what follows is a used car buying checklist to help you out in your purchasing endeavours:

1. Research Prices
   The first thing you need to do if you have a make and model in mind is look at the average selling prices based on the model, mileage, condition and age. These valuable pieces of information can help you should you need to negotiate with a seller, if you feel their prices are too high.
2. Look at the Interior
   You should assess the state of the interior – particularly if you’re opting for a higher trim level. You need to be sure everything from the upholstery to the devices and dash are in full working order and looking their best. Sit in the driver’s seat and have a play around if necessary.
3. Look at the Exterior
   The outside is just as important and you need to look for any signs of damage or chips that might lead to rust. Equally, any existing rust or cracks in the glass that have been poorly covered need addressing, as this could affect the integrity of the car itself.
4. Check the Tyres
   Another important part of the car that needs looking over is the tyres. Make sure they are well within the legal tread depth; if they aren’t, you should ask for these to be replaced or have money knocked-off the asking price to cover their expense.
5. Research the Running Costs
   You won’t want a used car you can’t afford to drive, so look at the mpg, road tax and insurance costs as well and factor these into your purchase.
6. Review the History
   Lastly, you should give the car’s history a once over to make sure there aren’t any issues the seller is hiding from you. There are plenty of ways you can go about finding out this information, but it’s essential you do before you exchange any money.

Once you’ve got all of the above sorted, you should then be safe in the knowledge that you’ll be buying a used car that won’t let you down. So follow our advice and find yourself a bargain second hand car that will last you for a while.