How to buy a car
Buying a car can be a daunting prospect, there’s so much to consider. Add to that a cheesy car salesman trying to sell you the wrong car and it’s easy to see why some people struggle.
What we’ve done is broken everything down into a step-by-step guide. Just follow the guide and you should end up with the right car at the right price.
Forward planning
Don’t just rush out to the nearest car dealer have a think about the following:
- What will be the car’s main job (ferrying the kids/getting to work/impressing clients)?
- How many miles per year will it be doing?
- New or second hand?
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Additional costs
Remember it’s not just the cost of the car there’s also:
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The right car
Once you’ve found the right car, make sure it is the right car by checking the following:
- It has the correct mileage as advertised.
- The VIN number (Vehicle Identification number, found on chassis or frame under the bonnet or on the dashboard) corresponds with the registration documents
- Rust on the paintwork
- Leaks (look for oil patches around the car)
- Tyres, a quick test is to use a 10 pence piece. If you put the coin down into the tread it should cover the dotted rim just around the inside of the coin. If not your tyres are below the legal limit.
- Security features — do they work? Will they reduce your insurance premiums? Are they factory fitted?
- If you’re buying second hand is it worth getting the RAC/AA to professionally check it?
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The test drive
Right it’s time to take the car out onto the road here’s what to look out for:
- Starts first time
- Funny noises from the engine or gearbox
- Do the gears change smoothly?
- Is it a comfortable drive?
- Is the steering wheel responsive?
- Are the brakes responsive?
- Are you happy with the size of the car?
- Do all the gauges work?
- Is the entertainment system working correctly?
- Take it on the motorway, if possible.
- Test-drive mid-week when the dealership and the roads are quiet, weekends are usually too busy.
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Negotiating the price
Remember girls, only a fool pays the price on the windscreen. Here are things to consider that could get you the best price.
- The car dealer needs the sale more than you need the car
- Don’t get angry or flustered always be polite
- Start with a price that’s lower than you want to pay that way you can go up a bit
- If you can’t get the price you want walk away. There are plenty of other cars out there.
If you work your way through this list and your new car passes all the things we’ve suggested then you’ve probably found the right car for you.
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Source:
www.whatcar.co.uk
www.diydoctor.org.uk
