There are lots of reasons why you should look into a used car as your next vehicle. They’re often cheaper, are just as good as new cars, and are perfect for anyone looking to reduce their impact on the environment. When you go shopping for a used car, here’s what you should be looking for:
An Up-to-Date Service History
When buying a used car, it’s so important to know the history of the vehicle. Has it had any major breakdowns? Has it needed repairs in the past? You need to know all of this before you can consider buying it. Ask to see the service history of the car when you’re considering it. If it has a full-service history, you can ensure that the car has been looked after.
A Full, Clean Vehicle Check
When you’re interested in buying a used car, you should run a vehicle check on them. This will tell you all sorts of things. For example, it can flag up whether the car has been written off in the past, has any outstanding finance, or has been recorded as stolen. You don’t want to drive the car not knowing these things, so run a vehicle check beforehand. They cost around £20 and are very comprehensive, so it’s worth doing.
No Dents, Scratches, or Other Issues
When looking for cars for sale UK, you need to ensure that there’s no cosmetic damage to them. A dent or scratch may not seem like a big deal, especially if you’re getting a good deal on the car. However, that scratch can invite rust and other problems that you don’t want to be dealing with. The best thing to do is buy from a dealer, such as the Sandown Group. They’ll be open during daylight hours, so you can go and check the car carefully before you agree to buy it. Don’t try and inspect a car when its dark out, as it’s easy to miss something that way.
A Legit Registration Document
If the car looks useful to you, ask to see its registration document. The owner should have it and be able to bring it to you. All newer registration documents are red and will let you know who the current registered owner is. If you see a blue one, that’s ironically a red flag, as blue registration documents are no longer in circulation.
A Matching VIN
The VIN is the Vehicle Registration Number, and can be found on the bottom of the windscreen, under the bonnet, and stamped into the framework by the driver’s seat. This should match the VIN listed on the registration documents.
These are five things that a car must have before you decide to buy it. Buy from a trusted dealer, take your time, and don’t be afraid to walk away if you’re unsure about it.
