Finding A Bargain On A Used Car

By Author: Virginia Gonzales
Total Articles: 7
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That feeling when you know your car is on its last legs is awful. Those final miles can be unpleasant as it coughs and splutters its way through the last few miles; with you just praying that it gets you home before it conks out for the last time. Then, the dawning realisation: you don't have the cash on the hip to go out and blow a cool ten grand on a new motor, but you need a car for work. As we fall ungracefully into the depths of winter, older cars will begin to misfire due to the sometimes arctic like conditions. Moreover, in the worst recession for almost a hundred years, there are so many drivers finding the need for a new car a bridge too far financially. If you find yourself in this boat then here's a few ways to ensure you bag a bargain price used car:

Look around

If you need to make sure your next car is a right bargain then make sure you do your homework. Dealers and private sellers will always try and squeeze out the most profit they can from every car sale. But, if you know the market, what the car should cost, and what condition it should be in, then you won't get stung by overinflated prices.

Recently ...
... serviced and MOT

There is no point in bagging yourself a bargain on a used car only to find out that it's due for its next service or MOT a week after you get it home. Getting an MOT, or your car serviced, can be expensive; and could lead to the discovery of underlying repairs that will require you to splash the cash even further. This can inhibit any bargain and add to the immediate financial outlay of your new car and push your purse-strings to breaking point.

Contemplate running costs

When money is extra tight always be sure to check the costs of the off the forecourt price to keep your motor running. You could get a bargain at first sight, but only find that your monthly budget can't get the thing from A to B cheaply enough. Things to check the costs on before you buy:
* The cost to insure yourself to drive the car
* Fuel economy - make sure you can afford to run it day-to-day
* Don't buy outside of your price bracket remember the family will have to eat as well

Right, let's say you've decided on a Vauxhall for your next car, but will it be a used Astra or used Insignia that you fancy? Whatever you decide be sure to get online or down to your local Network Q dealer and bag yourself a bargain.