Are you considering buying a second-hand vehicle? The process of buying a used car from a dealership or a classified ad is not always the easiest and can leave you feeling confused. We’ve put together some tips and tricks to follow when purchasing a new used car.

It doesn't matter if you are visiting a reputable dealership or are buying from a private sale, buying a secondhand car can seem like its more hassle than it's worth. Take a look at our comprehensive used car purchasing guide.

When first starting your research into purchasing a used car, look for a model that is around three years old. This will allow you to get a car that is still relatively young and have fewer miles on the clock while not being as hard on the wallet as something that's fresh off the forecourt. Much older models may also run the risk of having more problems due to their age and there may be difficulties locating replacement parts if something does go wrong.

Many new cars are not bought outright with cash and are bought using finance or credit. To encourage drivers to take cars on finance; dealerships often incentivise them by offering deals. These deals often expire with three years and therefore this is a very common time for nearly new vehicles to be returned to the dealership in favour of a new model. As mentioned, it's also a great way to protect your wallet from car value depreciation hits as well as costly repairs once the car is more than five years' old. You also save yourself from any large depreciation hits and costly repairs.

The Basics

When buying a used car, it can be a costly mistake if you don't get the basics right. Here are some general tips to consider when choosing and checking that second-hand motor.

Make Sure Your Finances Are In Order

Create a planned budget for your next car and stick to it. Use the internet to research the best way for you to personally finance your car, whether it's a loan from family or friends, you're borrowing from the bank or have saved up some cash for your purchase. Sit down and work out how much you can realistically afford to put down for a deposit as well as how much the monthly payments will be and if you can afford them. Do this, and you will be ready and prepared to confidently answer any questions once you're at the dealership.

Know Your Market

One of the easiest ways to keep abreast of the fluctuation in used car prices is to have a look online. With used cars, there is no need to rush into purchasing something that may not be right for you. If you're looking for a popular and well-stocked model, there is guaranteed to be plenty on offer at one time.

Check and Check Again

When purchasing a used car there's a lot of paperwork that comes with it. Although it may be tempting to throw them in your glovebox and forget about them they do contain extremely important information that could be imperative in the future. Your car will eventually need to go for an MOT, to make sure that it is still roadworthy. Have a look and see if you can find your local testing centre at MOT Testing Nationwide. Check your logbook, service record history and most importantly of all any records of prior finance on the car.