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