Don’t know what to look out for when buying a used car? Use this comprehensive checklist to make sure you don’t walk away with a lemon.
One of the biggest stresses of buying a used car is being sure that what you’re being sold is in fact what you are getting. Research carried out among AA members in July this year shows that a third of used car buyers felt that they have been misled about problems in a vehicle they have bought. 23% of people said that they suspected they had been misled regarding a car’s mechanical or other faults, while 11% believed that their car had been involved in an accident they had not been told about.
Click here to download The AA Checklist for buying a used car
It’s figures like these which make the idea of buying a used car a daunting one, but AA Cars is on hand to make that process as stress-free as possible by offering a free 26-point history check, and by creating a thorough checklist to take with you to car viewings.
The complimentary history check offered on vehicles listed on AACars.com covers important information such as whether a car has ever been involved in an accident, whether it has previously been reported as stolen, and whether there is outstanding finance left to pay. This gives you the chance to flag any potential problems before you pick up the phone and arrange a test drive.
When it comes to actually viewing a used car however, it is important to take the time to conduct a thorough inspection; even if knowing what to look out for can seem like a hard task for an untrained eye. To help you spot a car in good condition, the AA has produced a handy checklist (you can download this using the link above) of common problems to look out for and of simple checks that you can carry out on any used car to check its condition.
With over 100 years of automotive experience and car knowledge going into it, the AA Cars Used Car Checklist covers everything from what to do before you get to the dealership (such as doing adequate research and knowing what you are looking for); what to look out for on a test drive; and even what to do once you’re happy you’ve found the right car.
The key thing to remember when looking over a car is to take you time and to be thorough! Don’t let anyone rush you. You are the one making the investment and so you should be the one who says when you’re satisfied.
