Whether you’re buying your first car or trading your current one for a different model, it’s a large investment that requires careful consideration. Given brand-new vehicles depreciate in value the moment they are driven off the dealership forecourt, it’s no wonder why most drivers in the UK opt for a pre-loved vehicle.
But going for a used car can sometimes lead to unforeseen issues, especially if you set your sights on a car online. That’s why we’re here to help! Here are our top tips for finding a used car online, including the most common problems and how to avoid them.
What research should I be doing?
Whilst the majority of cars are still bought in person, the ways in which people find a vehicle has changed over the last few decades. Research shows car buyers spend around 59% of their time doing research online – this is before they even see the car in the flesh!
With so much information available online and so many websites, it’s never been easier to find a vehicle. However, knowing where to look is where the issue lies.
Try to look for an established firm or dealership with a good reputation, whose vehicles will likely have been examined by an independent organisation. There are several popular sites online that specialise in cars and also classified websites that are used by private sellers.
While the latter can be a riskier way of buying a car online, you must still thoroughly inspect the vehicle, regardless of where you buy it from.
What car should I look for online?
You’ll want to purchase a vehicle with confidence, which means making a checklist before testing the car in person. You might already have a certain model or make of car in mind, so have a look around for some deals and see what the average market rate is.
If not, try out different search terms. For example, searching ‘approved used 208 cars near me’ will bring up the vehicles closest to your location, allowing you to easily view the car in person and take it for a test drive. You may then continue your pursuit online to see whether there are more suitable options.
It’s also important that you perform an HPI check when looking for a car online. Doing so will provide a report to help you find the best quality used cars and protect you from fraudulent activity. An HPI check will assess whether the car has a current MOT, if the mileage shown is correct and if the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) matches that of the vehicle, amongst other things.
How do I know if the price of the car is good?
Again, carrying out extensive research here is key. You can try checking different websites and comparing similar mileage to see if the prices match. You could even try an online valuation tool to obtain an approximate value for the car, which will ask for its mileage and registration.
Knowing how much a vehicle is expected to be can give you grounds for negotiation with a dealership or private seller. There’s nothing worse than being charged too much and only finding out afterwards.
