|
Here is some helpful advice to help you avoid problems when buying a
used car. Any seller, dealer or private, not willing to show
documents should be avoided.
First off, if the car's more than three-years old, it must have an
MoT certificate to prove it can start, steer and stop.
Check the MoT has raised lettering where it's been stamped by the
test station, and that the mileage on the certificate tallies with
that shown on the car.
The V5 should be present and correct. It proves ownership of the
car. Take a good look at it and check the following:
Are the details correct? If not, walk away
How many previous owners are there?
Check the engine and chassis numbers match those on the car
A full service history is ideal, with a service book crammed with
dealer stamps. Don't panic if this isn't present with older cars,
but ask for receipts to prove any claimed recent work has been done
- and phone the garage to check.
Use one of the car history check companies to make sure the car is
not a write-off or still subject to someone else's finance deal. You
can lose the car and your money if either of these nightmares comes
true.
Don't forget to check your insurance - or the seller's - before you
test-drive the car. No point getting nicked before you've even
bought it.
Independent dealers have long since shed the sheepskin coat and
most offer the same facilities and experience as a franchised
dealer. Cars here may have a few more miles under their bumper, but
expect good quality service and cars as independent dealers live by
their reputations. They're also more likely to be open to haggling
than franchised dealers |
