 |
| Lifestyle | Business | Careers | Finance | Travel | Motoring | Property | Health | WE Top Websites | Parenting | Regulars | Contact Us | Shopping |
|
Buying a Used Car Best places to buy used cars:It can seem to be a minefield out there when you are looking to buy a used car. Approximately six million used cars change hands every year, hence, where is the best place for you to go for great bargains and customer service? Our easy to use guide has taken in to account all the pros and cons on where to buy a used car, however, it does depend on what your criteria is as to where is best for you. Main Dealers Main dealers should be able to offer the best service and after–sales support as they have valuable local reputations to protect, they will usually offer some type of warranty on their used cars, they are usually comprehensive, but check to see what it covers. However, buying from a dealer comes at a price as this is usually the most expensive way of purchasing a used car - so don't be afraid to haggle! Some manufacturers offer approved used car schemes, again they tend to cost more but you will get peace of mind and the used cars will have had a methodical pre–sales inspection and all faults should have been fixed. As always keep your budget in mind as it is easy to be lured into spending more than you planned. Most cars will usually be less than three years old. Independent Used Car Dealers They tend to conjure up all sorts of images from gleaming showrooms and salesmen to frightening back-street car lots. They are not all dodgy and in most cases are likely to be local and friendly. They will have a large range of used vehicles for sale, with an equally large range of prices, along with age, condition and models. They will stock older cars than the main dealers and will be more competitive on price. They should be able to offer a better price on your part-exchange as well, but remember that most of them will have a reputation to protect and will not accept a part-exchange unless they think it's worth it and that they can sell it on. You will also be able to test drive the cars. However, do be careful as you may not get a warranty and also be aware of imports. There is a code of practice that has been drawn up in conjunction with the Office of Fair Trading. Car dealers belonging to the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF) should comply with this code of practice. You can check the RMIF garages in your area by visiting the website at http://www.rmif.co.uk/ Car Supermarkets These 'super sites' are well spaced and you will almost certainly have to travel to visit one. So do your research before setting off. You will find that most will have their own web sites. You will have a large choice along with very competitive prices. They generally don’t haggle, so the price you see is the price that you pay and some do offer part-exchange, so do your homework and make sure you know what your car is worth before you go so you can consider an offer. Test drives are unusual so make sure you know what car you want and that the car is right for you before you go. Things to be aware of are imports - check the specification. Read the small print very carefully on any warranty you get. Private Sale Admittedly, you'll get a huge choice and prices should be cheaper than from a dealer or supermarket, but you must do your homework. Take someone along, even if you know what you're doing, as it is very easy to be robbed. Go to the seller's house, watch them come out of the front door and then check the address on the registration document. Don't accept excuses as to why the deal has to be done away from the seller's house. A seller trying to deal in a petrol station or supermarket car park should set off alarm bells. If you buy privately be aware that your legal rights are limited, you won't be protected if the car doesn't come up to scratch. It's up to you to ask the right questions and have the car thoroughly inspected before you buy, It's always best to get an inspection done by an expert before you buy and also get a car data check, this will let you know if there's outstanding finance on the car, or if there is a problem with the cars history. Click here for more information. There are Car Buyer's Contracts that you can buy, these can offer you some protection if you're buying privately. Click here for a copy of the AA Car Buyer’s Contract Car Auctions These provide the cheapest way of buying a used car, but it is also the most risky. Buying a used car at auction is not recommended unless you know what you are doing. Car Auctions are where the motor trade get their majority of their cars from, so if you are feeling brave you may bag yourself a bargain. If you buy one, you have an hour to check it over with the option of pulling out of the deal. You will not be able to go away to think about it, and there's little legal protection as the auctioneer can't be held responsible for defects. Don't even try buying at auction unless you know something about cars, as your legal rights are limited compared with buying from a dealer. |
|
| Copyright © WOMENS EVERYTHING 2008 | Advertise | | Privacy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap | Web design by 7Soft.co.uk |