When it comes to deciding on your next car purchase, it’s important to realize that a used car can provide just the same amount of style, reliability and pleasure for a fraction of the price of a new one. All it takes is a little research so that you know what you should be looking for.

Finding a good used car

Perhaps the biggest concern when buying a used car is its condition. If someone else has been using it before you, does it still perform at the required level? Is it still as safe as a new car?

There are plenty of steps you can take to ensure that this is indeed the case. Seeing a full service history should be high on your list of priorities, as it will reveal anything untoward at the earliest possible stage and stop you from potentially wasting your time.

You should request original documentation at all times, including an MOT certificate, while of course there is often the option of a test drive. These are not just good for deciding whether or not you enjoy driving the vehicle, they are also likely to reveal if there is anything wrong with the vehicle.

Dealerships providing a good quality used car service will have no problem answering your question honestly, face to face at the point of purchase. If these answers are not forthcoming or you sense hesitation, it’s probably time to start getting suspicious.

Keeping an eye on cost

For many people, price is one of the biggest motivating factors for choosing a used car over a new one. Naturally, it will always be the case that a second-hand model will be better than its brand new equivalent, but it is not just the one-off expense involved in buying the car that matters.

Used car service costs must also be taken into account, for example insurance, after care and general running costs such as petrol. It can be tempting to forget about after care when buying, as it’s not as immediate a concern as taking your newly purchased vehicle out for a spin.

However, it is far better to make sure all this is taken care of before you need help rather than potentially leaving yourself with the double headache of a used car that needs repairing and having to search for somewhere to take it.

The best dealerships will help you devise a used car service plan that will ensure your vehicle maintains its optimum performance level, tailoring their approach to the exact model of your car. This can be anything from a full vehicle check up prior to a long trip or scheduling MOT checks at a dedicated service centre.

There is great value to be found in getting assistance from experienced professionals who have your best interests at heart, and it’s often quite obvious when this isn’t the case. As long as you have a good idea of what you want and are prepared to be vigilant in asking the necessary questions, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find your ideal used car.