Buying a used car is often a task which many underestimate. Choice of fuel be it diesel, petrol or even electric/ hybrid, coupled to the choice in automatic or manual gearboxes makes it a decision which often comes down to a short list of vehicles. Choosing the right vehicle for mileage on the second hand car market finally comes down to what is available for the price which a customer can afford as well as where the car is in relation to the customer. Distance selling and buying a used car online can make this task easier as many second hand car dealers will now offer local delivery free of cost or national delivery services for a small additional cost.
Mileage has to be one of the most decisive factors in buying a used car, not referring to the mileage which a second hand car has done more so the miles in which the customer will drive on an annual basis. Be it those doing 5 thousand miles a year would suit a different choice in engine and gearbox to those who do over 10 thousand miles per year. Using a car for short local journeys as opposed to using one to commute to and from a place of work can mean the difference in thousands of miles per year and so can affect the fuel choice of vehicle which a customer will purchase.
Motorway drivers often choose a diesel car as these are known to perform better over long distances as well as the lower price of diesel at the pumps makes diesel the choice for high mile users. Those who favour the school run might suit a petrol vehicle or even an electric used car as these vehicles are more suited to shorter, stop start style journeys.
Choosing the right second hand car for you often comes down to the price and availability of a used car in the local area or at local car dealerships as well as on the private market. When buyers head online to purchase a used car they are met with a sea of vehicles which are competing for sale in various different ways. Colour and specification as well as warranties and trim levels are often the most important factors which are in reality beyond the control of the used car customer. Be it a black Mercedes or a blue one, colour choice on the used car forecourt is not something which can be anticipated but can sometimes affect the customer’s choice in used vehicle. Albeit when a vehicle matches the specification as well as desired colour of a customer, then they are indeed likely to travel, however often a 40 miles radius is a common distance to travel to inspect a used vehicle.
Searching for the best car for you is easy with websites like autotrader and facebook marketplace as well as on other websites like motors and ebay, these websites bring together a wealth of cars which might be suitable and hereafter the customer is put in the driving seat for their purchase.
Dealers vs. Private Sellers
Weighing up whether to purchase a car from a dealer or a private seller is down to customer confidence and knowledge, often cars listed by private sellers are cheaper than those listed online by dealers as dealers have to warranty a car by law in the UK – 30 days in the minimum term which a dealer can warranty the car however some dealers will offer extended warranties as well as give the opportunity to purchase a product which can extend the life of a vehicle. Although there is no written law which means a car has to be sold for a certain value often if the price is too good to be true then alarm bells should ring in the ears of the purchaser.
eBay, Gumtree and Facebook Marketplaces
There are no limits to entry on these websites for listing vehicles i.e. a new account can be set up and list a vehicle the very same day. Thus buyer beware as often profiles are faked in order to sell cars with problems and as such further research into the seller should be undertaken before handing over any money for a used car. Paypal also does not warranty any money paid via their system for vehicles and so buyer protection is not guaranteed.
Use caution when buying anything online from a private seller or simply opt to buy from a local dealer as this comes with all the protection of a dealer as well as all the services which a dealer should be able to offer including MOT, outstanding finance and accident damage.
