Buying a car is always an exciting prospect. In the excitement mistakes can easily be made, from buying a stolen vehicle to accepting a high interest finance package. Following a few simple guidelines can greatly reduce the chances of anything untoward happening when buying a car.
Tips for Buying a New Car
Before setting foot in a car showroom it is advisable to enquire about various manufacturers’ special deals. These are widely advertised on TV, radio and the internet. Unless a customer has a specific manufacturer in mind it is always better to shop around.
It is essential that, before buying a new car, a thorough test drive is undertaken. The car should be tried on a variety of road types. Particular attention should be paid to the driver’s seat and steering wheel, which should be easily adjustable and provide a comfortable driving experience. Sometimes dealers can be reluctant to authorise an extended test drive but, if they think it will lead to a sale, they will almost certainly agree eventually.
When discussing finance for a new car the dealer will usually expect the customer to haggle over the interest rate. The initial rate given by the dealer will not be the lowest they can offer the car at. It is also not always necessary to accept finance from the dealer when buying a car. By getting quotes from other finance companies it is often possible to get a much better deal. When buying a new car it is advisable to ask for the total amount repayable, as this gives a clear indication of how expensive the finance package will be.
In addition to asking for a reduced rate of interest it is also not unusual to ask for certain extras. These can include free car mats, a free tank of fuel and a free servicing plan.
Tips for Buying a Used Car
Buying a used car can be a daunting proposition. If the car belongs to a private seller it is best to view the vehicle outside their home address. The address can be checked against the one in the car’s logbook. This lessens the chance that the car being viewed is stolen.
Several checks should be carried out while the car is stationary. These include checking for uneven wear on the tyres (a sign that the tracking is out of alignment), checking for rust and making sure that the chassis number matches the log book. The dipstick should also be checked for signs of thick residue, which is a sign of engine trouble.
When buying a used car it is also highly advisable to check that the steering wheel turns from lock to lock with no grinding or clicking sound. It is best practice to pay a small amount of money for a vehicle history check to be carried out.
After making stationary checks the car should be taken for an extended test drive. This gives the potential buyer the opportunity to check the vehicle’s handling and instruments work correctly. It also provides an opportunity to test the car’s electric systems, such as windows, sunroof and air conditioning. When standing still with the engine idling the exhaust can be checked to see if there is any sign of blue smoke, which is another sign of serious engine trouble.
When buying a new car or a used car it is essential to remain focused on getting the best deal possible, even if it means trying several different models. In the case of buying a used car it is also critical to thoroughly check the vehicle and paperwork. By doing so the chance of leaving with a great car at a bargain price is much higher.
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