If you’re planning to buy a used car, it can be a huge worry, especially if you’ve had bad experiences in the past with used cars that have had serious problems. On the other hand, buying a used car can be a great experience; you can save money and get something that’s perfect for your needs. In this article, we take a look at buying a used car and how to minimise the likelihood of buying a problem vehicle.

Where to buy a used car

When buying a used car, you have several options; you can choose to purchase one from a private seller or from a used car dealership. When buying a used car from a private seller, you will take the car in its current condition, and you won’t have the option of taking it back if anything goes wrong. The alternative, and much safer option when buying a used car is to buy one from a used car dealer. Many used car dealerships offer warranties with their used car, so if you have any issues in the first few months, they will take the car back and fix the problem. In addition, many used dealerships will do checks to ensure cars are in good condition before you drive them away. Make sure you check what the dealership offers in terms of a standard warranty if any issues occur.

The age of the car

Older vehicles are more prone to issues which could see you stuck at the side of the road waiting for a recovery service. If you want to minimise your chances of experiencing issues with a new car, you should choose a vehicle that’s no older than five years old. These cars have been around for less time and are less likely to have issues associated with age. However, this isn’t always the case; older cars can be reliable if you have the knowledge to check for common issues.

The car's mileage

In addition to age, you should also take into account how many miles the car has driven. If the car has spent more time on the road driving, the parts will have more wear, and there are likely to be further issues. When comparing different used vehicles, consider the mileage; you’re more likely to get a more reliable car that needs less work if you choose one with less mileage.

Extended used car warranties

If you’re browsing luxury used cars, you may want to think about purchasing an extended used car warranty. Many dealerships offer this service, and it covers any issues found on your car for up to two years or more in some cases. Each warranty will be slightly different and may have some conditions, such as ensuring your car is serviced at a manufacturer's garage. If things go wrong that are within the warranty, the dealership will fix the issues. You will, however, need to pay more each month for this additional protection.

Breakdown cover

No car is a hundred percent reliable; both new and used cars can have issues that can leave you stranded at the side of the road. If you’re concerned about this, you can buy a breakdown cover. In the event that you do break down, an experienced professional will come and fix your vehicle or tow it to a local garage where it can be fixed. This service will reduce the stress and expense of breaking down. When you pay monthly for breakdown cover, you can rest assured that if anything goes wrong, you’re covered. Get more advice on buying breakdown cover.

Buying a used car can be a worry for many people; however, when you choose carefully, you can get a reliable vehicle that’s a fraction of the cost of buying a new car. If you’re buying a used car and reliability is a concern, you should make your purchase from a reputable used car dealership. When buying a used car from a dealership, make sure you check the warranty they offer and what checks they do on the car before it's sold. A good car dealership will provide you with a minimum three-month warranty and reassurance that your new car has been fully checked and approved by professional mechanics.

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