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