Buying A Second Hand Car? 19 Tips To Avoid Getting Your Fingers
Burnt.
* Do your homework. Read up about the model of car you're
thinking about. Will it perform as you will want? Be aware of
any known mechanical problems with that particular model and
remember to check them out when you take it for a test drive
(see tip 15).
* Look up the current second hand values for the car. Try
starting at www.what car .com.
Also get some of the second hand car magazines and your local
paper. Check out the prices being asked for similar cars.
* Car Insurance is always a major expense. How much will that
car cost you to insure? It's easy to find out on the Internet -
get a few quotes. It'll just take you ten minutes.
* Also check out the car's other running costs. We're talking
about fuel consumption, servicing and repair bills. Again www.what car .com can help. Ensure
you can afford to run the car!
* When you see the car insist on seeing its registration
documents and, if the car is more than 3 years old, its MOT
certificate. The registration documents will also show the cars'
VIN number. Carefully check that the documents tally.
* Always ensure that the person selling the car does actually
own it.
* And always see the car at the seller's own home or business
premises. Then ensure that the address on the Registration
Document is at the same as the address - if not ask why. You
should be suspicious.
* Examine the Road Tax disc. Is it still valid? Does the vehicle
registration number on the disc match the Registration Document
and the number on its number plate?
* Ask to view the cars' Servicing Record. Usually, this will
also show the cars' VIN number and details of the first owner.
If the Service record is not available, has the owner kept any
of the service or repair bills? Ask to see them.
* Now look under the bonnet and look for the VIN Number (it
could also be on a plate on the inside edge of one of the front
doors). Compare the VIN number with the number on the
Registration Document and check that the number stamped on the
car has not been interfered with. This will help to ensure that
the car hasn't had its identity changed.
* It's best to take a friend with you who knows' about cars -
not only to look at the car but also to be a witness for what is
said and anything that is agreed.
* Don't pay for a car on your first visit and try not to be
pushed into putting down a deposit. You need to carry out some
checks before you part with any money (see 17 below).
* Ask the owner whether the car is subject to any outstanding
finance. Take notes of what he/she says. Then, when you get
home, get on the Internet and check out the information provided
with RAC Vehicle Status Check. Go to the RAC' web site. Click on
"Car Buying" and then "Vehicle Status Checks". The Status Check
will cost you