There can be many benefits to investing in a used car over a new one. There is money to be saved in the used car market and there are many unique used cars to choose from.
However, if you are considering buying a used car from a private individual, there are some factors you must consider first.
In this post, we will help you with a guide to buying a used car. You can read about some of the many benefits of buying used. You also get an overview of what you need to know before closing the deal.
Benefits of buying a used car
The cost of a used car
Perhaps the biggest advantage of buying a used car is the price compared to a brand new vehicle. In addition, the price of a used car is always negotiable - whether you buy it from a private individual or from a dealership.
The fact that you can save money on buying a used car means that you can, for example, afford to buy a larger car with more options. This means you might be able to stretch your budget further and get a car that meets more of your needs.
Optional equipment rarely costs more when buying a used car
All used cars are unique because they often have many accessories installed. A big advantage of buying a used car is that the optional equipment is included in the price. In general, the price will not increase significantly, although features such as a towbar, GPS, leather seats or the like are included. This is all because a used car is generally priced by engine, model, mileage and year.
Are you planning to install any accessories in your car? Receive quotes for installing accessories here.
You can be more confident in a used car and it can be quickly resold
It can be really nice to have a car that you are not always nervous about driving around in. With a brand new car, it is natural to have some concerns the first few miles because you don't want to damage it. But with a used car, you often get rid of this type of fear since it may already have some signs of use.
In addition, reselling a used car can be significantly faster than reselling a new car without losing much value. Indeed, the value of a new car drops as soon as you start using it.
Repairs are not overpriced
When buying a used car, you may be faced with unforeseen expenses. That said, the repairs don't have to take your breath away. It's just about finding the right deal and Autobutler is here to help.
With Autobutler, you can get quotes online to book an appointment with a garage network near you. It allows you to easily compare prices and ratings to choose the best garage at the right price. This way, you save money on all types of repairs, whether it's a tyre change, service or a clutch change, so you can drive a used car in complete safety without worrying about it becoming too expensive to use.
What you need to know when buying a used car
We have just seen that buying a used car has many advantages. However, there are some things you should know before buying in order to make the right decision. Below you will find a guide to what you should be aware of before you close the deal.
Verify the seller’s identity before buying the car
Before buying a used car from a private individual, make sure that the seller is the owner of the car. To verify this, you can ask the seller to see their ID and the V5C (vehicle logbook). This way you can check if the car data matches what the seller wrote in the sale ad.
Be sure to check if there are any outstanding finance in the car
If you buy your used car from a dealer, the probability of there being a residual debt in the car is very small. If you choose to buy a used car from a private individual, it is important that you check if there is outstanding debt in the car. If you buy a car that has outstanding finance, you take over the remaining debt in question, meaning the bank can ask for money from you.
Make sure the MOT certificate is valid
A car must pass the MOT test unless it’s less than three years old. Then it must pass every year. Therefore, if the used car you want to buy is more than three years old, it’s a good idea to ask the seller for a valid MOT certificate.
Payment and registration of the car
Once you and the seller have agreed on the price for the car, make sure the seller gives you the vehicle logbook (V5C) in order to make the registration. The seller can make the registration to you online.
You must never pay for the used car in advance until the seller has given you the keys and the document mentioned above.
Payment can be easily arranged with the seller. Payment can be made via an immediate transfer through your online banking, accessible through your bank's app or a computer.
Don’t forget to tax and insure your car before using it on the road.
