{"id":417,"date":"2016-03-10T08:15:21","date_gmt":"2016-03-10T08:15:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.bookyourtheorytestonline.co.uk\/?p=417"},"modified":"2016-02-02T10:32:16","modified_gmt":"2016-02-02T10:32:16","slug":"how-to-pick-a-second-hand-car","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bookyourtheorytestonline.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-pick-a-second-hand-car\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Pick a Second Hand Car"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n(Image Source: Flickr<\/a>)<\/i><\/p>\n

For many newly-qualified drivers, the dream of a brand new shiny car is simply out of reach \u2013 after all, learning to drive is expensive, and you might be short a few pennies for a gleaming Ferrari or Porsche! However, that doesn\u2019t mean that you\u2019re relegated to driving a moving heap of junk. Buying a second hand car is a sensible investment involving very little compromise on quality \u2013 and remember, most cars bought brand new depreciate sharply in the first year, as much as 40%, so it\u2019s a smart long term move. That doesn\u2019t mean that it\u2019s an easy field to navigate. Buying a second hand car carries risks that are simply not involved in buying brand new. However, there are some steps that you can take towards making the best choice, and protecting yourself and your hard earned money.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Think Costs<\/h2>\n

First, think carefully about what you can afford. It\u2019s so easy to be hypnotised by something flashy, but nothing comes for free. Be careful not to overextend yourself, and remember costs like fuel, car tax and insurance are always going to have to be taken care of \u2013 it\u2019s worth checking up on these things before you commit to anything.<\/p>\n

Think practically as well. Is a two-seater really going to suit you if you plan on taking weekends with friends? Will it be comfortable for long journeys, if that\u2019s on the cards? What about the cost of insurance, which can vary from car to car? Make sure you think carefully about what the car will be used for on a regular basis \u2013 the last thing you want is to buy something and then realise it\u2019s not suitable for your everyday needs.<\/p>\n

Information Is Power<\/h2>\n

Once you have some guidelines in place, do your research. Read up on reviews, talk to family and friends, and even visit some new car dealerships to browse. The more you know, the more you\u2019ll be able to make an informed decision.<\/p>\n

Your first contact with a private seller or used car dealer can be extremely telling. Ask the right questions, particularly about the car\u2019s history and what it\u2019s been used for in the past. Be wary of anything that seems too good to be true \u2013 it probably is.<\/p>\n

Inspection Tips<\/h2>\n

When you inspect the car in person, it\u2019s wise to bring an informed friend or relative. Cars are complex, and a trained eye will pick up on things that seem inconsequential to the casual viewer. However, you can also stay involved by looking for obvious things like rust, dodgy paint touch-ups (which may hide underlying damage) or parts that don\u2019t fit together correctly. Avoid anything that looks like a ‘home job’.<\/p>\n

A big threat in buying a second hand car is that it has been clocked \u2013 where the odometer is wound back to make it seem like the car has done fewer miles, which can vastly increase its value. Check all the paperwork, like service history and MOT certificates, for anything that doesn\u2019t add up. Get a car history check as well \u2013 you don\u2019t want to buy stolen or damaged goods.<\/p>\n

Knowledge is power when buying second hand \u2013 find out as much as possible, ask for help and don\u2019t be afraid to walk away if it\u2019s not right!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

(Image Source: Flickr) For many newly-qualified drivers, the dream of a brand new shiny car is simply out of reach \u2013 after all, learning to drive is expensive, and you might be short a few pennies for a gleaming Ferrari or Porsche! 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