Buying a used car is, usually, the best option for motorists. When you know what you are looking for, how much you want to spend and where to find it, you should see yourself drive away with a great car. The used car market can also be unreliable and intimidating, so there are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a used car.

Establish a Budget

Firstly, you should always establish a budget and stick to this. You need to consider how much money you can afford to spend on the car and then factor in all of the running costs. When you have a budget in mind, it will filter down the results of the model of car that you can buy. Write this number down and do not go over it in the negotiating stage.


Researching used cars used to be challenging, but the internet is a fantastic resource which allows you to conduct all the research that you need from the comfort of your own home. Research the type of car that you wish to buy and find what the top models are in that market – this will give you a solid idea of what is in your price range.

Reliable Seller

You may be tempted to use a private seller as they often have the lowest prices, but this can be a dangerous path and you could be opening yourself up to a used car scam. Instead, it is worth using reputable online car supermarkets like Unbeatablecar. This is a simple experience, you avoid used car scams (although it is still worth getting a history check carried out), and you can also buy on finance. These car supermarkets often have huge stock, so you should be able to find what you are looking for.

Check and Test Drive

Simply kicking the tyres won’t do – you need to thoroughly examine the exterior, interior and under the hood. Additionally, you should take it for a test drive to ensure that everything works properly and that you enjoy being behind the wheel of the automobile. There is advice online for how to comprehensively do both the check and test drive.


Equally important as checking the car is making sure that all the proper paperwork is in order. This includes the V5C registration document and the handbook.

These are the key things to keep in mind. You can then negotiate a fair price (use online figures and your budget), agree the collection/delivery arrangements and get a receipt detailing the price, vehicle details and terms of sale.


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