How to buy the perfect used car

There are typically four stages to buying a used car that can unlock the perfect purchase if you keep a few simple rules in mind.

Buyers start with the Search stage, when they have an open choice and begin the journey to choosing their next set of wheels.

This is followed by Select, when they narrow their choice down to a few favourites and get into the detail of what they really want for their money.

The next stage is Deal, when buyers start to negotiate the final cost of their potential purchase and establish what is included – and what isn’t.

The final step is Deliver, as drivers sign on the dotted line to obtain their dream set of wheels, but even then there are some important rules to follow.

Here is the Reflex Vehicle Hire guide to getting the best deal that will unlock miles of happy motoring.

Search

Before you open any websites or visit a showroom, it can save a lot of time and hassle to set out what you really want from a used car. A bit of thinking time at the beginning of the process can save hours when the search starts in earnest. Issues to consider include the number of doors needed, bodystyle, how the car will be used, brands that are favoured, how much boot space is needed, how many seats are required, equipment that is deemed essential, and even what colours you prefer. Fuel type is an increasingly important consideration and if you are planning to finance your car, work out a monthly budget in advance. There is also the age-old question – “does it fit in my garage”, which is important as newer cars may be bigger than your previous model, particularly if you are moving to an SUV. Other broad issues include whether you want to source a car locally or if you are willing to travel. Alternatively, will you make a decision based on an online advertisement and a dealer’s assurances on the vehicle’s condition? If so, will you require delivery?

Select

With your key criteria in place, the selection process can be a pain-free experience, particularly if you work with trusted traders and experts who can meet your exact requirements. As part of your review, it is worth asking traders where a car was sourced. Do they know anything about the car or its history, or are they just sourcing stock straight from auction? Reflex Vehicle Hire works with a range of trade buyers to supply vehicles directly from our fleet, which have been looked after by an expert team of fully trained mechanics to ensure vehicles are sold in perfect condition. If you are searching online, look for a good selection of pictures and a detailed description of the car. Look at your vehicle shortlist and check against your criteria – are there any compromises you need to make? To get the best deal, don’t feel under pressure to buy. The best car is the one that perfectly suits your needs, not the one that wasn’t quite right, but was available when you were looking.

Ask some key questions about your preferred vehicle. Has it been serviced or is a major overhaul due, what condition are the tyres in and what brand are they? Will they need replacing soon? Is there a spare tyre or repair kit present, along with a jack? Does the bodywork show any signs of repair? Is the engine bay clean and are all the fluid levels correct? Under the oil cap, it should be clean. Look for sludge that could indicate coolant mixing with oil - a sign that the head gasket may have failed. If you can test drive, then start the engine from cold and test everything, including windows and air conditioning; also, check all the lights work. Listen for any clunks or bangs from the suspension or uneven power delivery, and look underneath for leaks. Remember to check the back seats, not just the front. Look out for cracks or chips in the windscreen and ask yourself if the interior is consistent with the age and mileage of the car. Recent research found more than one in 10 cars has mileage discrepancies, so confirm if the car comes with a history check from a reputable source. You can also check a car’s MOT status online. By choosing a trusted source for used vehicles, much of the work will already have been done, but it is always worth checking.

Obtain quotes for insurance, check the car’s tax band, and look at predicted fuel economy for an indication of what the car will cost to run annually.

Deal

Having narrowed down your list to a final choice, it is time to start negotiating a deal. At this stage, it is important to be prepared and to have a few key considerations in mind to avoid unexpected costs.

If you have discovered any issues, will they be corrected before delivery? Is a service/MOT included? Do any of the tyres need replacing?

Will the car come with its original (not a photocopy) V5C registration certificate, MOT test document and log book? If you can see documents before deciding, that can really help.

Does the price include taxing the car? This is often left out of the discussion by sales staff. You will need to pay vehicle tax as soon as you buy the car. The seller will get a refund for any tax left on the car when it’s sold, and it can’t be transferred.

Do you need insurance ready for the day of delivery, or does the seller provide short-term cover while you make arrangements?

Having done your homework over payment and finance, you will be able to discuss final costs straight away.

During discussions, don’t feel uncomfortable with being silent. Some salespeople can use the ‘awkward silence’ to make you agree to something. Remember, you are in control.

Discounts may be hard to come by in the current market, but there may be other offers, such as free servicing.

Bear in mind that if you pay with a credit card you can get protection for goods costing up to £30,000, even if you only paid for a small part of the cost on the card, under so-called ‘section 75’ protection.

If you are paying by bank transfer, it may be worth calling your bank beforehand to warn them of a large transaction, so it isn’t blocked by their systems.

If you are asking for dealer finance, it is worth having a quote for a similar amount from an independent finance company. You can obtain quotes online. You may also want to have an independent warranty quote prepared too.

Also confirm whether you expect to pick your car up, or have it delivered.

When you agree the final cost, confirm that it includes everything you think is included in the deal, just to be clear.

Delivery

Before picking up your new car, or having it delivered, it is worth checking what the process will be for a socially distanced handover and what safety precautions are in place.

Also, in the excitement to drive off the forecourt on the day of delivery, it’s important to focus on the paperwork as much as your shiny new set of wheels.

Look through the documentation. Is it all present and correct? Are the costs as expected?

Has all the work you asked to be completed been carried out? If not, do not hesitate to ask that it is done before you drive away.

Check all the paperwork and take a final look around the vehicle. Trusted traders will want to encourage repeat customers, so they will be keen that you are happy before leaving.

If you follow these steps, then it should ensure that you get the best car and the best deal by the time you leave the forecourt.

For further advice, you can visit the Motor Ombudsman, which is a government-backed self-regulatory body for the motor industry.

You can see a full list of the used cars available direct from Reflex Vehicle Sales here.

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