Buying a used car might make you a bit nervous, but don\u2019t worry! Use our 10 tips to help you avoid common mistakes and make sure you pay the right price for your new set of wheels.<\/p>\n\n
Use the internet to do your research and find out everything you can about your potential next car.<\/p> \n
Look for what the insurance and fuel costs will be, how much road tax you\u2019ll have to pay and whether there are any common faults with this type and age of car that you should look out for.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n
Looking at similar cars for sale is a great way to make sure you are paying the right price. Bear in mind the factors that can affect value like condition, mileage and location. You can also use an online valuation tool so give you a guideline price<\/a>.<\/p> \n<\/li>\n\n Whether you\u2019re buying a car from a private seller or a dealer there are a few things you can do to make sure the person you are dealing with is legitimate:<\/p>\n \n You're thinking, 'What the flip is an HPI check and exactly why do I need one?' <\/p>\n\n\t The HPI<\/a> holds loads of data about all the vehicles registered in the UK, and for around \u00a320 they'll give you a report that tells you things like whether the car has a logbook loan<\/a> on it or if it's been reported as stolen or written off.<\/p> \n<\/li>\n\n\n Duh? Yes, but take time to look at the car in detail<\/strong>. If you\u2019re not sure what you should be looking for, print out our used car value checklist<\/a> and take it along with you to make sure you don\u2019t miss anything important.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n Is the mileage consistent with the wear and tear on the car? Does it fit with the paperwork provided? If in doubt, just walk away.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n There are 3 vital pieces of paperwork you need to check: <\/p>\n \n\t Make sure that the registration number and chassis number match the car, and that the name and address match the person selling the vehicle.<\/p> \n<\/li>\n\n It\u2019s really important that the car has been properly looked after by its previous owners. That includes regular servicing at a franchised dealer, which should be recorded in the service history. There should also be receipts for any work that has been done.<\/p>\n\n<\/li>\n\n\t It\u2019s impossible to really get an idea of how a car performs without actually getting behind the wheel. <\/p>\n\t If you\u2019ve not been driving for long you may not be sure what to look, listen and even smell for but you can use our list of tips for test driving a car<\/a> to help you on your way.<\/p>\n\n Last but not least, be the kind of buyer you'd want!<\/p>\n\t Turn up on time for your viewing and make sure you\u2019re in a position to pay for and collect the car quickly once you\u2019ve made a decision. That means getting your finances sorted in advance - especially if you\u2019re going to need a loan to fund the purchase.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n<\/ol>\n\nCheck out the seller <\/h2>\n\n
Check our pros and cons of dealers vs private sellers<\/a> <\/blockquote>\n\n
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Get an HPI check<\/h2>\n\n
Look carefully at the car <\/h2>\n
Check the mileage <\/h2>\n\n
Check the paperwork<\/h2>\n\n
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Check the service history<\/h2>\n
Go for a test drive<\/h2>\n
Read our top tips for taking a car for a test drive<\/a>.<\/blockquote>\n<\/li>\n\n
Be a good buyer<\/h2>\n