| Buying a car can be a big decision for some | | | | poor. As a private buyer, you can check the |
| people. If you don't want to be disappointed with | | | | history of a car through the Citizens Advice |
| your purchase, find out how to do it right. Here | | | | Bureau. They have offices in most towns. Go |
| are some tips to help you get started in the right | | | | there and enquire. |
| direction. | | | | 4. Ask to see the service history of the car. It will |
| 1. Decide on a budget and stick to it. This means | | | | tell you if the vehicle has been properly looked |
| if you find the car you want, you may have to | | | | after. |
| negotiate with the seller so that he or she can | | | | 5. Inspect the car's engine and check the condition |
| reduce the price. | | | | and amount of oil (oil leak could be a sign of age), |
| 2. Make a list of things to look for and questions | | | | coolant level, radiator (should be free of leaks), |
| to ask the seller when you go to look at the car. | | | | unusual sounds, seatbelts, paintwork and tyres. |
| Many people buy a car only to remember that | | | | 6. Check that all tyres (including the spare tyre) |
| they forgot to ask important questions about the | | | | have the correct tread of at least 1.6mm and |
| car's history or condition. Some of the things you | | | | pressure. You don't want to have to replace them |
| can check and ask about include, car's registration | | | | immediately after purchase unless the seller is |
| document (V5) to validate ownership, vehicle's | | | | prepared to give you a discount. |
| age, locks, checking if engine or chassis numbers | | | | 7. Make sure that the underside has no signs of |
| match the documentation, MOT certificate, | | | | rust or welding. If there is welding demand to |
| evidence of accident repairs, oil leaks, rust and | | | | know what happened. |
| verifying the mileage. | | | | 8. Check the car's interior for wear and tear |
| 3. To protect yourself, order a vehicle status | | | | which will give you some indication of how much |
| check to see if the car has been stolen, been | | | | it's been used. |
| written off or if it has any outstanding finance. If | | | | 9. Do not rely entirely on the MOT or the fact |
| possible have the car examined by getting a | | | | that the car is taxed as evidence of a car's |
| vehicle examination to check that it is mechanically | | | | condition. |
| sound. Remember to test drive the car before | | | | 10. Finally if you don't know much about cars, |
| you commit to buying it. Don't be tricked into | | | | take a knowledgeable friend with you when you |
| viewing the car when it's dark or where visibility is | | | | go to make the purchase for advice. |