Buying used? Here are our top tips
When you buy an approved used Mazda, you can rest assured it will come with all the PlusPoints. That means you don’t have to worry about inspections, checks, warranties and insurance – all you have to do is drive away in your new Mazda.
If, on the other hand, you’re still wavering about whether to buy a used car privately or through a different dealer programme, there are some things you should seriously consider before you sign on the dotted line.
- Research, research, research
When working out your budget for buying a used car, make sure you include the cost of insurance, MOT, road tax, petrol, repairs and servicing. Shop around and compare prices from different sources, like car dealers, used car guides, used car valuations, private adverts, auctions and web sites.
Bear in mind that older prestige and sports cars can be cheap to buy, but repair and insurance costs may be higher. Ask dealers for estimates of typical repairs to get an idea of maintenance costs.
- Going to see a car
Inspect the car in clear daylight, at the seller’s address and if you have little specialist knowledge of cars, take along someone who does. Or at least take a friend to confirm what you see.
Check the address is the same as that recorded on the logbook and seek additional reassurance that the seller lives where they claim to.
- Check the papers
Check that all the car data documents you would expect to find are available. This will normally include the V5/logbook, service and insurance records, MOT Certificate (on vehicles over 3 years old) and receipts.
Ensure everything is correct (including the keys: are there any odd ones and do they all fit?) and use a car history check to validate the V5/logbook before you buy.
- Call in the professionals
An independent vehicle inspection, by a motoring organisation will help to identify mechanical problems and can also highlight signs of major accident repair. An honest seller will allow the vehicle to be inspected like this.
The results will either signal that the vehicle is a good buy, tell you to walk away, or form the basis for negotiating on price. If rectification work is necessary, this should be taken into account.
- Check for previous damage
Is the car a previous write-off? A vehicle check by a company like Experian or HPI will tell you if a vehicle has been so badly damaged that an insurer has declared it a total loss or a has been involved in a major accident.
- Any skeletons in the boot?
The V5 is not proof of ownership but it does contain a lot of useful information. You can contact the previous keeper to confirm the car's history. Or compare keeper change dates with the result of your car check, to ensure you're not looking at a forged or altered document.
Use the dates and mileages in the service book to tell you about the car's past life and check to see if details like ‘full service history’ are actually true.
- How many miles on the clock?
A common trick used by dodgy sellers to fetch a higher price, is reducing the mileage of a vehicle by turning back the odometer. A vehicle mileage check should alert you to any known warnings but you should check carefully yourself.
The screw-heads should be unmarked on the speedometer housing case and the digits perfectly aligned. Examine steering wheels, gearshift and seats for excessive wear, and look outside for stone chips.
- Take a varied test drive and use all your senses
Test drive the car on a range of roads for a drive of at least 10-15 miles. Make sure you are properly insured and take a friend with you.
Look and listen carefully for any unusual rattles, creaks, groans or clonking noises. Watch for smoke when you start-up (especially blue smoke), and pay special attention to the steering. Check for wandering and pulling under braking, bearing in mind that wide tyres can make cars more sensitive to white lines and camber changes.
- You can always walk away
If you’re unhappy with any aspect of the car, remember you don’t have to buy it. Don’t let emotion or a bargain price, blind you to the fact that a vehicle or seller isn’t up to scratch.
- What should I expect from a dealer?
Any reputable dealership abides by the law. That means they should be retailing good quality vehicles, with some kind of warranty cover. In addition they should be using reputable companies to carry out necessary checks and ensure that they are describing their cars properly.
- Does the money add up?
Don’t undo all the hard work you’ve put in finding a great car at a great price by lumbering yourself with an expensive loan. Make sure you get the best possible finance deal and ensure it meets your needs. Think about the logistics too – how long will it take to arrange? Some internet-based lenders can require up to five working days.
- Getting home
If you do make the decision to buy, ensure you have car insurance and road cover in place. Don’t risk it, even if it’s only a ten-minute drive home.