Used cars can be a minefield. Just about any car is potentially a lemon.

Let’s begin with buying. Yow will discover true bargains in local used car dealers showrooms plus in the classified ads. Buying used vehicles using the web takes lots of the leg work out of the scenario. I saved ?1500 on a low mileage car worth ?8,000 : all I did was find a demonstrator that the branch of a nationwide company clearly required off the forecourt.

Alternatively, websites like Autotrader, though they have a bias towards the trade, are useful regarding comparing prices – especially if you are prepared to travel for the right vehicle. You can also try Gumtree and Ebay classifieds and the like, if you want to stay local. Whether you opt for purchasing from a dealer or the classified ads will certainly depend on how much you’re shelling out and whether you will have something to trade-in.

When you are buying a ‘runner’ you are no doubt buying via the classified listings. Get the vehicle independently valued and examined before you commit yourself. It’s not hard to check the value and history of the vehicle using the net. You’ll want to know it’s been valued properly and not been in an accident or reported stolen. In terms of road worthiness, outfits for example AA do a pre-purchase inspection.

But don’t forget a private seller won’t offer finance and is not going to be useful any time things go wrong. However if you could come up with cash you can be onto a winner, even if you have to sell your old vehicle privately.

Selling used vehicles privately isn’t for the fainthearted. Get your car valued on the internet then see how much they are being offered for. A recent MOT and service history always helps. If using online free car advertising like classified ads to sell, always be clear in your text about whether or not your price is flexible. Advertising your vehicle as ‘open to any inspection’ usually helps. Always speak to prospective buyers before they view the vehicle. Make use of the contact to weed out timewasters. And finally, don’t allow viewers to test drive your vehicle unaccompanied.

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