| Let's start at the beginning; you've just | | | | viewing. The following are the important |
| decided that it's time to part with your | | | | points to follow when viewing a potential |
| beloved but slightly geriatric car (well it | | | | purchase: |
| must be at least 5 years old) and you now | | | | |
| need to make a decision on what car will fit | | | | Ask to see a copy of owner's documents and |
| the bill as it's replacement. | | | | service history (this will confirm mileage is |
| | | | accurate and show that the car has been well |
| Joking aside this can be the most time | | | | looked after). |
| consuming and tedious part of the process of | | | | |
| buying a used car. You may find it best to | | | | Check bodywork to check for any signs of |
| combine a few search methods, for example, | | | | accident repair (lift carpet in boot to check |
| visit a few local garages, peruse the local | | | | for rear damage repair and also look at the |
| ads pages and have a browse on the internet. | | | | panelling around the inside of the engine |
| | | | compartment). |
| Once you've got the list down a few short | | | | |
| runners you should calculate the cost of each | | | | Check bodywork for signs of rust and tyres & |
| car to run on a yearly basis. This isn't as | | | | brake pads for wear. |
| hard as it sounds, for instance you can find | | | | |
| out how much the car will cost to tax by | | | | Always take the car for a test drive and |
| visiting the Direct.gov website. You will be | | | | listen for any unusual engine noises. |
| able to find out average fuel consumption | | | | |
| from any of the variety of car review sites | | | | Finally before purchasing the car it is a |
| available today. | | | | good idea to have a vehicle check run to |
| | | | ensure the car does not have any outstanding |
| You should remember to check the insurance | | | | finance attached to it. (you can expect to |
| group of the car and get a few car insurance | | | | pay around £15 for this service and it can |
| quotes to ensure this will be affordable. | | | | prove invaluable at exposing whether the car |
| You will usually be able to find a ball park | | | | has been stolen, written off, etc, in the |
| figure for servicing costs online and this is | | | | past). |
| certainly worth factoring into your end | | | | |
| decision. | | | | The above information should help you find |
| | | | the perfect car and ensure you are getting a |
| Once you have decided on 1 or 2 finalists you | | | | good deal for your hard earned cash. |
| should take a trip to make a provisional | | | | |