What to Look for When Buying a Car

First, you need to decide where to buy your car. Most people choose a dealership because it’s safe and convenient. Car dealers have to offer consumer rights and warranties to protect you if something goes wrong. They also handle paperwork, offer?car finance?and let you part-exchange your old car.

Some people consider?buying a car from a private seller, tempted by lower prices. But be aware that the risks are much greater.

Cars bought privately are ‘sold as seen’ and must simply be ‘as described’. This means the onus is on you to spot any issues with the car, and you’ll have no legal protection if you buy a dud vehicle.

NEW OR USED

The next thing to consider is whether you want a new or used car. This is down to personal preference as well as financial considerations. But here are the options:

• New cars are more expensive and depreciate in value more quicker. But they come with a warranty and you also get to personalise the car’s features.
• Used cars are cheaper to buy and retain their value better. But they are more prone to needing repairs and often come with little or no warranty.
• Another alternative is Approved Used. These cars are sold by dealerships approved by carmakers. The vehicles are put through a rigorous inspection and come with a warranty to protect you.

FINANCE & RUNNING COSTS

Many people just look at the purchase price of a car, but it’s important to factor in running costs too. Take into account all likely expenses, including depreciation.

• Purchase price
• Finance cost, including:
• monthly payment
• deposit
• interest charges
• balloon payment at the end
• early resettlement fee or extra mileage charge
• What’s the car’s insurance group and cost?
• Breakdown cover
• Service and MOT , plus repairs
• Road tax band
• Depreciation – research the market value for different ages and mileage
• Warranty and what’s covered
• Fuel Efficiency?and monthly cost

If lower emissions and reduced fuel costs are important factors in your checklist, ?

PETROL OR DIESEL (OR HYBRID)

The car fuel type you need will depend on the type of driving you do.

• Petrol cars are best if you mostly do city driving, short journeys and lower speeds.
• Diesel cars are better for long distances at high speeds, especially regular motorway driving.
• Hybrid cars?are ideal for inner cities and short journeys with lots of stopping and starting.
• Electric cars?are another option for very short journeys, especially if your town or workplace has charging stations.

From fast charging to the first carbon-neutral model,??about the brands leading the electric revolution.?

ADD-ONS

Make sure the car also has any added features you need.

• Does it have roofbars, a towbar or cycle rack? Or can these be added?
• What trim or style levels are available?
• What are the standard, and optional,?safety features
• Does it have a cupholder?

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A USED CAR

Before you buy a used car, check it’s in good condition and find out about how it was previously run. Read the service and MOT history for details of repair work.

Remember that car dealers should inspect used cars and make any necessary repairs before selling them. And Approved Used are subject to stringent inspections.

Here’s what else to look for in a used car:

• Check for scratches and dents – it’s best to view cars in dry weather
• Are the tires worn evenly?
• Will they need replacing soon?
• Does the car have a spare tyre and is it in good condition?
• Does the spare tyre come with the required tools? Some car tyres have unusual locking wheel nuts which need a special tool
• Check under the bonnet and floor mats for any signs of damage
• Is the upholstery in good condition?

ELECTRICS

Check all the electrics are working too.

• Air conditioning, heaters, fans and windscreen wipers
• Headlights, brake lights and interior lights
• Electric windows and heated rear windscreen
• Heated seats
• Check the locks work and ask how many keys there are. Is there a spare or master key?
• Check any parking sensors and cameras