Things To Look For When Buying A Second Hand Car-00-6077

By Author: James-Teller
Total Articles: 4393
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Finding cheap used cars
online isn't hard, the hard part is getting real value and not someone's cast off lemon. Dealers and other experienced buyers will often begin their research process with the Blue Book pricing, and this is a good way for you to start your research in to what similar cars are going for in your area since prices fluctuate based on location.

More than 170,000 cars
were stolen last year, the Home Office says. If you buy a stolen car, you risk losing the vehicle and your money. You should check that numbers on the V5C match the car's number plate, engine number and VIN, which is usually found in the engine compartment. Make sure that none of the numbers have been tampered with. If you do happen to accidently buy a stolen or cloned car you will have real problems making an insurance claim if you ever have an accident.

In addition, 1 in 4 second hand cars are found still to be under a finance agreement and are still in fact own by the finance company concerned. The best way to avoid falling ...
... in to the trap of purchasing a stolen car, or one that is still owned by a finance company is to pay a company like the RAC to carry out a car identification check which will search the Police National Computer for recorded stolen vehicles, the DVLA and the Association of British Insurers for about a fiver.

Once you think you've found the car for you, had it check out and it's come back clean. Before you actually lay your money down another good call is to have the car inspected by a trusted mechanic. They can let you know if the car will need any expensive repairs. Older cars will often have flaws; make sure they're small and inexpensive if possible. Let the mechanic know that you're using the car as "transportation". Often the mechanic will advise you as to whether he thinks the car will meet your needs or if it is a lost cause. The AA offer this service for about £120, which on the face of it is probably a steep, but it will give you the peace of mind that you won't end up taking a lemon home with you that could cost you much more to put right. If the seller will not allow you to have it inspected, walk away.

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For more information about how best to buy a good second hand car in Bristol take a look at CheapCarsBristol.