Buying a used car: what tips do I need?

Your lifestyle needs and your budget are at the top of the list of things to consider. However, there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure you get a good car. So what are these steps? Find out about some of them in this article.

Take a good look around the car

You don't have to be a car expert to spot what's wrong with the car. So take the time to look around the car in daylight. Use this article to check for dents and marks. Look closely at the paintwork. Also take a few minutes to check the interior (lights, air conditioning and radio).

Take a test drive

Ask for at least half an hour's driving time and choose a route that passes through the city, open roads if possible, a motorway. If you are buying privately, make sure in advance that your insurance will cover you for the journey. A dealer should provide cover for test drives. 

Try all gears, including reverse, and test all controls, including the wipers and lights. Turn off the radio and air conditioning and open the windows. Make sure there are no unusual noises on the road. You should be able to shift gears smoothly, without any grinding noise. If the clutch is too stiff or too weak, this may be a sign of trouble.

 Paying the right price

Do some research to see if you are being asked to pay the right price. You can search online for cars of the same age, condition, mileage and with similar extra features.

So, when buying your used car, it's important to consider a few things. You need to consider your financial capacity, but also the reasons why you want to use this means of transport.