Buying a second hand car?
Buying a second hand car is just as much of an investment as buying a new car.
The major difference is that generally people buy new cars direct from the manufacturer so there is an element of assumed trust.
When buying second hand from dealers or via a private sale, you need to proceed with more caution.
Our advice may prove helpful:
Top 10 tips when buying a second-hand car
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- Be wary of mobile phones – always get a landline number
- Take a friend with you for a second opinion and to verify what has been said by the seller
- Be cautious with ‘small ads’. Go to the seller's house to make sure they live there. Never meet at a car park, for example
- When you go to see a car, insist on seeing all relevant documents – MOT certificate, registration documents, log book
- Make sure the address on the registration document is the address where you are viewing the car – if not ask why. Be suspicious
- Do not buy if the seller cannot produce the relevant documents
- Check that the car's chassis and vehicle identification number (including any etched onto glass surfaces) match those on the documents and that the registration document hasn't been tampered with
- Be wary if there are signs that etching has been removed from glass surfaces
- If you buy at auction, take advantage of indemnity clauses. A small fee is charged, but you are protected should you find you've bought a stolen vehicle
- Consider having the vehicle professionally inspected before you buy it