Most of us can’t afford to buy a brand new car, which means buying a used car. Due to wear and tear, used cars can often be less reliable – however it depends very much on the type of car you buy and where you buy from. Below are just a few tips on how to choose a reliable used car.
Research the model and manufacturer
Some automakers are renowned for their reliable engineering, resulting in cars that are built to last. Examples include Japanese brands like Toyota and Lexus, and European brands like Mini and Suzuki. You can also do research into individual models to look out for specific common problems.
Buy from an approved used dealer
There are unfortunately many shady dealerships and unscrupulous private sellers out there. Choosing an approved used dealership such as this seller of Skoda used cars can provide greater peace of mind – such dealers only sell cars that have undergone rigorous inspections and may be backed by manufacturers, potentially providing perks like a warranty and breakdown assistance.
Look out for rust, wear and warning lights
An inspection of the vehicle is always important. Look out for visible wear of parts – you could end up paying for replacements in the near future. Warning lights are also a clear sign that something needs to be fixed. Meanwhile, rust is always a red flag as it’s costly to repair and can potentially affect structural integrity and safety.
Organize a professional pre-purchase inspection
Want to make sure you’ve carried out a thorough vehicle inspection? It might be worth bringing a qualified mechanic with you to check over the vehicle. Such a professional can take a look under the hood and identify defects that you might miss. This is recommended when buying from a private seller – especially if it’s a higher value used car.
Check documents about the vehicle’s history
Checking a vehicle’s history can allow you to uncover hidden problems like insurance write-offs, mileage tampering or even theft. There are services online that you can use to do this. Service records and repair bills can also tell a story of how reliable a car may be by flagging up faults and previous repairs.
Always take a test drive
A test drive is a must when buying a used car. Not only can it help you to determine what the car is like to drive, but it could help you uncover hidden problems such as unusual noises or warning lights or components that don’t feel right to operate (such as spongy brakes, unresponsive steering or stiff gears). If the seller is reluctant to provide a test drive, take this as a warning sign.
Know your consumer rights
While consumer rights laws vary around the world, many countries and states have protections in place that allow you to demand a refund in a certain period of time after purchasing a vehicle if certain problems are not disclosed by the buyer. Make sure that you have the seller’s contact details and be prepared to get legal support if problems arise.