| Let's start at the beginning; you've just decided | | | | Once you have decided on 1 or 2 finalists you |
| that it's time to part with your beloved but slightly | | | | should take a trip to make a provisional viewing. |
| geriatric car (well it must be at least 5 years old) | | | | The following are the important points to follow |
| and you now need to make a decision on what | | | | when viewing a potential purchase:o Ask to see a |
| car will fit the bill as it's replacement. | | | | copy of owner's documents and service history |
| Joking aside this can be the most time consuming | | | | (this will confirm mileage is accurate and show |
| and tedious part of the process of buying a used | | | | that the car has been well looked after).o Check |
| car. You may find it best to combine a few | | | | bodywork to check for any signs of accident |
| search methods, for example, visit a few local | | | | repair (lift carpet in boot to check for rear |
| garages, peruse the local ads pages and have a | | | | damage repair and also look at the panelling |
| browse on the internet. | | | | around the inside of the engine compartment).o |
| Once you've got the list down a few short | | | | Check bodywork for signs of rust and tyres |
| runners you should calculate the cost of each car | | | | & brake pads for wear.o Always take the |
| to run on a yearly basis. This isn't as hard as it | | | | car for a test drive and listen for any unusual |
| sounds, for instance you can find out how much | | | | engine noises.o Finally before purchasing the car it |
| the car will cost to tax by visiting the Direct.gov | | | | is a good idea to have a vehicle check run to |
| website. You will be able to find out average fuel | | | | ensure the car does not have any outstanding |
| consumption from any of the variety of car | | | | finance attached to it. (you can expect to pay |
| review sites available today. | | | | around £15 for this service and it can |
| You should remember to check the insurance | | | | prove invaluable at exposing whether the car has |
| group of the car and get a few car insurance | | | | been stolen, written off, etc, in the past). |
| quotes to ensure this will be affordable. You will | | | | The above information should help you find the |
| usually be able to find a ball park figure for | | | | perfect car and ensure you are getting a good |
| servicing costs online and this is certainly worth | | | | deal for your hard earned cash. |
| factoring into your end decision. | | | | |