When it comes to buying a car, it’s not just the initial price tag you need to consider. There are ongoing costs like servicing, annual MOTs, and you’ll also need to shop around for cheap car insurance quotes. So, to help you choose the right used car for your needs, here’s advice from comparison site mustard.co.uk.
Consider the type of car you actually need
The first thing you’ll need to do is work out what sort of car you need. That might seem like too obvious a point but the sheer number of used cars on the market can make the whole buying process overwhelming. Knowing what you want can help you focus your energy into finding what you need rather than getting distracted with what’s nice to have.
You should also think about whether you want to buy from a dealership or a private seller. Both have their pros and cons. For example, dealerships often include a warranty and offer prepaid servicing plans but private sellers can be far more competitive in terms of purchase price.
Check the car’s documents
You should always check that the details set out in the car’s V5C logbook match the car itself. This includes the make, model, colour and vehicle identification number (VIN) which can usually be found etched onto the engine.
Cars over three years old also need a valid MOT certificate to prove that it’s roadworthy. You can check whether a car has an MOT and its history, at:
If you’re buying from a dealership, you shouldn’t need to worry about this too much as cars should already have been verified and had an MOT if necessary.
Look for signs of damage
If you’re buying from a private seller, spotting minor scratches and dents can help you negotiate a little off the asking price. But while cosmetic issues are to be expected, be wary of cars with uneven or mismatched paintwork and gaps in panels. These could indicate the car’s been involved in an accident and has since been repaired.
Take a close look at tyres and make sure there’s at least 3mm of tread left and that there’s a spare tyre included. Remember to look inside the car too and check for frayed or ripped seat belts. Make sure all the lights and indicators work and that wipers leave the windscreen smear free.
Take the car for a test drive
It’s always a good idea to take a test drive. That way, you can really get a feel for whether the car’s right for you.
Keep an eye and ear out for anything that looks, feels or sounds off. For example, squeaky brakes or crunchy gears. Don’t be afraid to give everything a go, so try out the air conditioning, heating, radio, and even sat nav.
If you’re test driving a car from a dealership, they’ll usually have the insurance covered, but if you’re buying from a private seller, you’ll need to arrange temporary car insurance.
Don’t forget — taking a car for a test drive doesn’t mean you’re obliged to buy the car so don’t feel pressured into making the purchase if it doesn’t feel right.
Compare car insurance
Car insurance is likely to be one of your biggest ongoing expenses. You can keep costs down by checking the car’s insurance group. There are 50 groups in total and as a general rule, the lower the group number, the cheaper the car is to insure.
Bear in mind that cars of the same make and model can be in different insurance groups depending on their specifications. For instance, a Ford Fiesta can be in insurance group two and 15 .
You can also make sure you get the best deal on car cover by shopping around. The good news is that you can do just that at comparison site mustard.co.uk. Simply answer a few questions about what you need, and in just a few minutes, you’ll be able to compare a range of quotes from leading UK insurers.
Substantiation: https://www.parkers.co.uk/ford/fiesta/hatchback-2017/insurance-groups/