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AA Cars found in a recent survey that people are three times more likely to buy a used car over a new one. There are multiple reasons why people might be considering a used car, the main reasons being the price compared to brand-new motors and the value of the vehicle when it’s been on the road. Brand new cars lose up to 35% of their initial value in their first year, but this rate slows after three years, meaning if you’re on the hunt for a car that will retain its value, then a used model is a better investment.
But buying a used car isn’t as straightforward as you might think. In the first instance, you need to decide if you’re buying from a well-known car manufacturer like the MG dealership, visiting a used car showroom, or going private. From here, you need to be confident that you know what to look for and what to ask when buying a used car to avoid making the wrong decisions.
These tips can help you buy a used car and ensure it’s right for you.
Table of Contents
What You Need The Car For
Why you are using the car will play a factor in the type of used car you will be buying. Do you need it for longer commutes to work each day? Light duties to do the weekly shop and the odd day out? Or will you need a workhorse to help you run your business and carry heavy or different loads, from tools to crates for dog walking or even to carry out deliveries? Once you know this reason, you can communicate this to your search by finding the right type of car to inform your dealership so they can help you get the right one.
Your Budget
Your budget will dictate the types of cars you can look at, so knowing what will be available in this price range that suits your needs is essential. In the first instance, you might find the private route works well for you, and you can get a better car within your budget. However, you don’t really have many comebacks if anything is wrong, as you would when buying from a dealership. So, set your budget, know what you can afford, and know what you must compromise on. This can help you narrow down your search.
Reliability
Now that you have the above two points in place, you can identify the cars that are more reliable as used cars than others. What Car found that the 2009-2016 Peugeot 3008, the 3004-2013 Skoda Octavia diesel, and the Land Rover Discovery 2004-2017 models were the most reliable used cars for 2023; however, other companies carrying out the same research found other brands came out on top, such as the Lexus GS Mk4 for those looking for a more luxurious car.
Faults and Damage
Lastly, it can be a good idea to look up known and common faults on the car you are considering purchasing. These can not only enlighten you as to what you might expect or what work the car might have already had carried out but can also provide you with questions to ask the seller so you know exactly what you are buying and what type of upkeep and maintenance you can expect to have to if you buy the car.
The more you know before you go shopping for your next used car, the better your chances of making the right decision.
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