Used Car Buying Tips and Tricks

3 Top Tips For Buying a Second-hand Car

Most of us know buying a used car to be a tricky business. There’s a range of pitfalls to negotiate whether you buy from a local dealer, privately or at auction. With years of experience to hand, here are our top three tips for easing the strain of finding a genuine car that’s reliable and good value for money.

First Tip

Get some quotes for your current car before going to buy. With the rise of sell your car services and many free online car valuation tools, it’s good to see what your old car is worth.

If you have an older one, you can always donate it to Give A Car. Just let us know what vehicle you have, and depending on its condition, it will go to salvage or auction. Then, we will donate the funds to a charity of your choice and send you the receipt.

Second Tip

Check the history of a car you plan to buy before you buy. You must run your own car check and be on the watch out for things like outstanding finance, theft, mileage fraud and car write off categories.

All of the above factors impact road safety and vehicle value. However, for the sake of a few pounds, a good provider can save you a tonne of hassle. Recommended companies include CarVeto and Hpi check.

Third Tip

Notify the DVLA when you buy a new car and/or sell your old one.

It is another essential step, and it’s all part of the process of buying or selling. In addition, you are required by law to tell DVLA of changes to ownership or vehicle status. That includes changes in name, address, new salvage status resulting from accident or theft and export to a foreign country.

Failure to tell the DVLA will result in a fine. The best way to make a notification is online via the Gov.UK website. It’s quick and easy to do, so there are no excuses.

Check out our recent article that takes a look at the DVLA logbook.