When & where to buy a used car?
Discover the best places to buy your next car, avoid rip-offs and save money...
When to Buy
Because new number plate registrations become available in March and September,
lots of people part exchange their car for a new one. This causes an over supply
which drives used car prices down. Mid-March to early May and Mid-September
to the end of December are therefore regarded as the best times to buy used
cars. But in reality, the savvy buyer can pick up a great used car deal at any
time of the year.
The key is to know where to buy, what price to pay and what you are really
getting for your money. The standard of preparation and the small print
of the warranties make a massive difference to the reliability of the car and
the likelihood of you getting a nasty surprise bill.
Buying at a main dealer
If you are looking for a car that is under 4 years old, then in many cases
the best vallue car may come from a main dealer. The best of thes cars are the
'used approved' cars which will have the best warranty and additional protection
to help you avoid surprise bills.
Used Approved cars will be the same brand as the dealer (so Peugeot cars at
Peugeot dealers, but if that dealer also has a Citroen, it may not be as well
prepared).
These cars may be slightly more expensive at first glance, but when
you add up the value of the car prepration and the protection against bills,
they can actually the best value.
Used Car Expert have gone behind the scenes at some main dealers to
see find out what they offer:
Independent Dealers
Positives
|
Negatives
|
| More inclined to give a discount |
Quality varies significantly. You must judge them on a case-by-case
basis. |
| Legal 'comeback' if you have a problem |
Prices look good, but the cars are not as well prepared so
are not always as cheap as they seem |
| Will offer part exchange |
Better value warranties can be arranged privately - so do
not let the dealer use it as a negotiation tool to keep the car price up
|
| Specialists really know their stuff and care about their reputation,
so they offer a good service |
Part exchange 'deals' can see you get too little back for
your current car |
Car Supermarkets
Positives
|
Negatives
|
| Lots of stock |
Check all the prices carefully; some will not be as much of
a saving as the much talked about offers |
| Mostly good prices and some cars can be really
cheap |
Better value warranties and finance can be arranged
privately |
| Lots of legal 'comeback' if you have a problem |
Limited discounts |
| |
You can sometimes be charged a standard 'pre-sale' inspection
fee. This is you paying for a valet and administration costs. So check the
small print. |
| |
Cars sold as 'new' because they are low mileage, but actually
may already have one owner in the log book |
| |
Cars can be imports |
| |
Some cars can look good because they are cleaned and waxed
and inside a big warehouse, but can be high mileage, poorly maintained and
some Supermarkets even sell cars with heavy bodywork. Check the car thoroughly,
including the service history. |
Private sales
Positives
|
Negatives
|
| The cheapest prices |
Mainly older cars |
| Endless choice |
No legal comeback (but you can get other protection
such as a private warranty) |
| The most direct route (no middlemen means no one
taking a cut) |
You need to spend slightly more time to ensure
you get a great deal and a great car |
| |
No part exchange |
| |
No car preparation |
Auctions
Positives
|
Negatives
|
| Amazing bargains can be found |
A lot of stock arrives at auctions because it would not sell
elsewhere |
| Thrilling environment to buy a car in |
You have limited opportunities to check the car
|
| |
No part exchange |
| |
Intimidating environment where it is easy to over-bid
because you are forced to think quickly |
| |
Limited legal comeback (you must read the auction
house's terms and conditions before bidding to find out what comeback you
have) |
Direct Internet Buying (From manufacturers, dealers and eBay or other auction
sites)
Positives
|
Negatives
|
| Bargains can be found on new, nearly new and used cars |
Legal comeback depends on who is selling the car |
| Highly convenient |
You may have to buy 'unseen' |
| |
Not the same customer care or contact point as
buying from a showroom or individuals |
| |
Organising payment can present problems |
| |
If the seller is a long distance away, claiming
on any warranty or making a complaint can be very hard. |