Owning a car is one of life’s essentials, as having your own transport is something that’s considered necessary for the modern world. However, it comes with a very hefty price tag, and thus it’s hard to buy your first or even third model if you’re not gifted in the financial department. But buying second hand can be a saving grace here, and it isn’t something you should look down upon.
So you know the dos and don’ts of buying a house that’s fallen into disrepair, but the same principle doesn’t have to apply to our vehicles. If you can only afford a second hand car, by all means go ahead and buy one! Just make sure you know how to take care of it once you’re driving it around every day. Here’s some tips to make that process a lot easier.
Know What to Look For
If you know what to look for when it comes to inspecting a used car, you’re going to be much better off with the model you end up with. This way, you won’t be conned into buying anything faulty or damaged, and you’ll get a lot more use out of your new vehicle for years on end.
We like to think only good models are up for sale when it comes to buying a second hand car, but it’s not exactly true. So inspect anything before you agree, and never take the dealer’s word for it without getting a look in yourself. Look over the bodywork for uneven paint jobs or dents, and get inside the vehicle to check how the lights and brakes work. Even take it for a test drive, which is something a good dealer will always offer you.
Find the Right Car Insurance
When it comes to car insurance, it can be a lot harder to find a good deal when you’re using a second hand car. However, it’s not impossible. Sure, the premium may be a little higher if you’ve got an aged model, but as a responsible driver with no crashes on your record, this can bring the price right back down.
Look for a cheap car insurance choice before you settle on any, and compare all the providers you can find before you settle. Just because something is worth less to an insurance dealer doesn’t mean it’s worthless to you, so put some effort in to scout out the money saving option you deserve.
Haggle for All You’re Worth!
A used car dealer is a good haggler, always count on that. So pick a sum you know you’d be happy to pay and give them something lower than it. This makes them much more likely to agree to the sum you were originally planning on paying, making the transaction a lot easier to manage.
There’s a lot to look into when buying second hand, so always take some time shopping beforehand. Better models are likely to crop up all over different dealerships, so don’t settle for the first one you see.
*collaborative post
