If you currently have a car you are wishing to sell, ensure you know the value of your car and then decide to sell it privately or part-exchange it with a dealer | |
If you need to take out finance for the new car, make sure you check different finance companies to get the best rates. | |
Remember, the total cost of your car is not just the asking price, you should also to factor in the price of fuel, maintenance and transfers. |
Make sure you really think about what you need from the car, for example think about:
What purpose will the car will be used for | |
How many passengers will be carried on a regular basis | |
How much will the car cost to fuel, insure, service and repair |
Ensure you ask questions about the cars past and its current condition | |
If you arrange a viewing with a private seller, arrange the viewing at their homes, and if the seller is a trade seller, arrange the viewing at their premises. | |
Do NOT arrange viewings after dark as it makes it much more difficult to see any damage or major scratches on the vehicle. |
Check the car's documents closely to spot if the cars odometer has been tampered with. | |
Look for rust, mismatched paint and uneven gaps between body panels. This could be a sign that the car has been involved in a traffic accident | |
Check all the car's electrical features to ensure that they all work |
When taking a test drive make sure you select a route thats at least 15 minutes long and utilises different types of road | |
Try to start the car when the engine is cold, to check for excessive smoke and unusual noises | |
Check the gears, brakes, steering and suspension work as they should, with no unusual noises and vibrations |
Make sure you know what the car is worth, and stick to what you're willing to pay | |
Start with a lower bid and then let the seller try to bring the price up | |
Show the seller you are commitment to the deal, stay calm and don't be confrontational | |
If the seller won't sell the car for what you are willing to pay, don't worry there are plenty of other cars available. |
Check all paperwork looks and feels genuine – photocopies and print outs could be fake | |
Ensure the address and recorded keeper's information tallies with the person selling the car | |
Make sure the buyer writes a receipt for you both |