When you go out to buy a car, you may find that buying a new one is going to cost you a lot more than buying a used one. It’s how it works in the automotive market, as a cheap runaround car has been used before and therefore has history on the road. The second-hand market can give you a lot of choice, but when there is the chance that the history of the vehicle is not so favourable, finding a good used car can be difficult.
So, whether you are on the lookout for a brand new Range Rover to drive off the lot, or you’re quite happy to take a look at a pre-loved Ford Fiesta instead, you need to know some of the best tips out there for buying a new (used) car. Let’s take a closer look at some tips that can make a big difference in your new purchase.
- Extra Protection, Extra Cash
Almost every car firm has has a section of used cars which they approve for sale. These cars have been thoroughly checked by experts before being put out for sale. A car dealer will always give a warranty on used cars which they have approved, and they will have made the used car feel and look brand new. This includes a detailing both exterior and interior, and the replacement of any old parts. When you buy a used car from a dealer, you will definitely spend more money, but you will also be getting the extra protection of a warranty. You get peace of mind if something goes wrong, and there is someone to complain to if the car stops running properly.
- Buying A Year Old? It’s Cheaper Than Buying New!
A big mistake that people make is buying a brand new, never been driven car. Why? Well, the average price of a new car ranges around the £30,000 mark these days, but if you want just one year to buy that top of the range car you love, you can shave up to 30% off the price. In the second year of waiting, you could get it 50% off. Cars depreciate very quickly when they have been used, and this way, you can slash the costs massively.
- There’s A Best Time To Buy
Car prices are seasonal, and if you know what those seasons are, you can make some excellent savings on your next purchase. All car dealers (should you choose to buy from one) have to meet their targets. When they do, they have bonuses up for grabs in the quarterly figures. So, if you want to haggle a dealer and get a great offer, you’re going to get a better offer if you try to buy in March, June, September and December. These are the times of the year where the cars are cheaper to buy with much better financial packages (if that’s what you’re looking for). If you’re going for a private seller and not a dealership, then there is no good time to buy at all. It’s good or bad all year – it all depends on the purchase price.
- Have A Checklist Ready
You need to consider what you need from a car before you buy it. For example, there could be a beautiful soft-top red vehicle in the dealership lot, but if you have children who need space for a car seat, then buying a soft-top red vehicle is likely not the best choice that you could make. Some of the things that you need to have in your checklist include:
- Do you need space for car seats?
- Is the car cheap to run?
- Do you want anything specific from the car?
- What is the car going to be used for
- Do you want petrol or diesel? Which is better?
These all must be considered before you buy a new car!
- Do You Need To Sell Your Current Car?
Most people have a car to sell on before they buy a new one, and if you need to give up your current car, then you have two options. You can either choose to part-exchange your car with a dealership, or go privately. This is where the dealer will give you a price which is then taken off the car that you’re buying from them. The other option of selling privately by listing the car and taking cash for the sale. There are pros and cons for both, so check them both out here before you decide which is going to be the best option for you.
- Dealership Wars
You have the option of checking as many dealerships as possible – then putting them against each other for the best price possible. Ask every dealership in your area for the best price on your car of choice. Then, let them all know you’ve had a cheaper quote. They’re going to climb over themselves to offer you a better deal and you can also ask them whether they will happily offer you a better deal, too.
- Don’t Be Afraid To Haggle
Never be afraid to ask for a cheaper place. Haggling isn’t just for the markets on your next holiday; it’s a skill that all dealers have. Paying list price is a bad idea, and you’d be wrong to hand over the entire cost of a brand new car. Get your bartering skills polished off and give them a run for their money. Haggling will make a difference between having the car you want at the price they want, or the car you want at the price you want.
- Diesel Or Petrol?
Lastly, a good point of reference is that you may find that diesel cars are more fuel efficient but that doesn’t mean that it’s worth it for you. You can pay almost anything for a used car, but diesel cars can be expensive compared to petrol vehicles. People think diesel is great on the forecourt, but it’s when you buy diesel it’s a problem – especially if it burns through it quickly! Choosing your new car is important so make it a good choice.
