My car has recently been doing some funny things. The central locking has gone crazy and the dashboard electrics look like they might be on their way out too. It got me to thinking about what I would look for in a used car. I have bought a used car privately just once before, when I bought my very first car. I'm inclined to use a dealership now, just to get that little bit more peace of mind.
If you're looking for used cars Northampton, but you're not sure whether to go private or trade, here are some tips either way to make sure you get the best deal:
Set a maximum budget, and stick to it! Check the prices of other similar cars to get an idea if the car you are thinking of buying is a reasonable deal. If you can, do some research into the seller. Are they reputable? View and test-drive the car in the daylight when it is dry. Ask about the car's service history, is it all recorded? Insist on seeing the V5 vehicle registration document. Check the name of the seller and whether they are the registered keeper. Check that there is a current MOT certificate and insurance certificate. Check the service record and make sure services have taken place at the manufacturer's recommended intervals. Contact the dealer who stamped the record to ask if they carried out the work. Check the handbook to make sure you know how the security system works. Check that there is a spare key and if not, find out why. Replacements can be very expensive. Look for any discrepancies in bodywork colour or pedals. This can indicate whether the car has been repaired after an accident. Always remember what budget you set, and haggle the price if it is above your budget, the seller may have taken bargaining into account when setting the price. Don't feel pressured to buy. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Are there are plenty more cars out there!
Author Resource:-
Joanna Small - Automotive Journalist and Enthusiast
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