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Avoiding Pitfalls: A Comprehensive Guide to Common Mistakes When Buying a Used Car

The used car market can be a great place to find a car at an affordable price, but it is also a marketplace that can be daunting and hard to navigate. Often, motorists will make the same mistakes in the used car market that could come back to haunt them. This post will outline the most common mistakes you want to avoid to help you find the right car and get a good deal.

Neglecting a Thorough Inspection

One of the most common mistakes is neglecting a thorough inspection. As such an important purchase, you need to do a lot more than kick the tyres and check the paintwork. A comprehensive inspection will help you find any issues with the car and potentially reduce the cost. There are guides online that will show you everything you need to do, but you want to pay close attention to the engine and transmission.

Skipping the History Check

There are also potential issues with a used car that are invisible to the eye. This includes clocking, outstanding finance, and previously written off. A history check will reveal everything you need to know about the car’s past, allowing you to make an informed decision and have peace of mind. Neglecting a history check could come back to haunt you with unforeseen issues that could prove to cost you money and even make the car unsafe or illegal.

Overlooking the Importance of a Test Drive

Perhaps the worst mistake motorists make these days is neglecting a test drive, which is common with many people buying cars online nowadays. A test drive will alert you to any performance issues with the car, including issues with the handling, brakes, and transmission. Additionally, a test drive allows you to determine if you feel comfortable, safe, and confident driving the car.

Ignoring Market Research & Pricing

You should always have done your research before you start looking at used cars. You should look at similar cars in the area to get an idea of what the current market value is – you can then use this information during negotiations to get a good deal and avoid overpaying. If you decide to get the car on finance, be sure to take out gap insurance. What is gap insurance? This is coverage that will cover the shortfall between the insurance payout and the amount outstanding on a finance agreement in the event of a write-off.

These are the mistakes you want to avoid when it comes to shopping in the used car market. Hopefully, these tips will help you shop with confidence and get a great deal on a decent second-hand vehicle.

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