Bonjour lecteurs! When you buy a car, what option do you usually go for? Brand new or used? Back in France, my family would save up and buy a brand-new Frenchie car. Think Peugeot or Renault. I know, such a cliché! But since living in the UK, I have changed my ways. En plus, cars are way more expensive here, so we have always bought used cars. Our current drive is over 10 years old and it’s still doing a great job! However, we are looking at buying an automobile soon. So, la question est… How To Ensure Your Used Car Is Safe to Drive? Here are all the Steps To Take Before Buying.
Avoid Private Sellers
With the cost of living getting higher in 2023 and all the extra expenses that come with buying a car, I am not surprised that more people are going for the second-hand option. But still, it’s something you can’t overlook.
To make sure you go for the right choice and do not have any regrets, I would avoid buying from a private seller.
If like me, you don’t really know much about cars, you are very unlikely to spot any worrying signs. Plus, there are so many apps and places these days, it is overwhelming. I would find it even more difficile to choose!
Buy From a Reputable Dealer
Then you have a better option to go for reputable dealers known in your area. They offer great deals and they would have made the minimum checks before putting the car on the market.
Plus, it’s easier to compare the prices when you visit an actual dealer. So make a journey of it and go shopping!
I reckon it is safer and places like KAP Motors offer pre-inspected second-hand cars with easy financing options. It’s all there and you have une grande variété of used cars for sale in Brighton and around, par exemple.
Verify the NCAP Rating
I feel it’s the strict minimum you need to do to be sure.
It’s super easy to run the vehicle’s information through one of the many online checking sites. The DVSA is une bonne option.
It will show any red flags about the vehicle and if it is suffering any unseen damage that might cause bigger issues later on.
Test Drive
I would definitely test-drive a potential car, especially with used cars. I want to feel comfortable driving it.
This is clearly the best way to ‘feel’ if there are any problems with the car.
I would especially keep an eye on excessive noise, the brakes, or any signs of wear and tear.
Wanna feel even safer? Go with a friend or a family member so that you get a second opinion. And if any of you have any doubt, run a mile away!
Independent Assessment
Do you want to play even safer? Then it’s worth asking a qualified mechanic to check it so that you don’t miss anything.
If the seller has nothing to hide, then they should be ok with it without an objection. Sure, it costs some extra money but if the car is a certain age, then I feel it’s worth the investment.
If you miss anything and carry on having issues with your newly-bought car, you will end up potentially spending hundreds more on repair!
I personnellement know nothing about cars and I think that an expert’s opinion would make me feel more confident.
Don’t give in if the seller is trying to avoid it. They could be covering a serious issue with the car.
Here is what you should do To Ensure Your Used Car Is Safe to Drive. Those are the minimum steps I would take before purchasing any used vehicle. What else would you do?
Is your current automobile a used car too? What model do you drive? Are you more second-hand or brand-new cars? Any bad story after buying a second-hand vehicle? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.
Verifying the NCAP can save heartache dien the line – I always take someone with me as two pair eyes /ears work better
My eldest son is currently lookiung for a second hand car so I will make sure he checks the NCAP Rating
Great tips – safety is key!
Great Post great tips
we always buy our used cars from dealers for extra peace of mind as they usually come with warranty
Good tips!
Very good tips which should always be followed. I do agree that it is important to being along a friend to ensure that I am buying with my head and not my heart!
Cars in the UK is ridiculously expensive. To get a parking space alone in our block of flats cost £20000. We are actually considering to never own a car but just use Zipcar when we need to get somewhere with a lot of luggage.
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I agree prices in London are just ridiculous. We always had a flat with a car park space but it adds up quickly…
I find buying a car really stressful. We’ve never bought new. Luckily my husbands dad is a retired mechanic so he comes with us to check everything over before we purchase a car. I can’t imagine doing this without him as I wouldn’t have a clue!
We’ve never brought a new car. We’ve always brought used cars. We’ve brought them privately off Facebook, or Gumtree and then later down the lines had problems. I really agree with a reputable dealer, it might be more expensive initially, but it’s cheaper in the long run. Plus if anything does go wrong, dealers often will cover problems should they occur.
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Yes, I feel it is safer
Some fab tips
Will definitely be using some of theses tips, thank-you
Some great tips
I’m loyal to my bicycle.
I would always get someone else to look it over with me, preferably an expert!
This is so useful. I haven’t had to do this yet but great advice for as and when.
Thanks for the very useful post, buying a car is such a big deal and a very stressful process for many.
I never bought the car before. So nervous about it.