Before you add a car to your garage, ensuring you’ve picked the right one is critical. Unfortunately, it’s not always that easy. In reality, the process of buying a used car can be much more involved. And, if you find yourself in a tricky situation, you could easily end up thousands out of pocket. Not a good place to be! Luckily, today’s six simple steps should help you buy used more safely, in turn.

Six Essential Steps When Buying a Used Car 

If purchasing a vehicle second-hand car is on your list of to-dos, there are several key steps you should follow. And, while this might seem simple, getting this process right isn’t always easy.

• Decide on the right type of car. Before you begin looking for a used car, deciding on the right type of vehicle is critical. Indeed, it should come as no surprise that different vehicle types have different features. This can influence their suitability for your needs.

• Choose a buying platform. You’ve decided the type of car you’re looking for. As such, the next step is selecting a buying platform. There are numerous ways to buy, and many people these days will look online; sites such as Facebook Marketplace and AutoTrader are common places to start your search.

• Look for suitable vehicles that match your specification. Not every car that’s listed will necessarily be suitable, even if it’s the right type. Therein, carefully inspect each car to ensure that it offers everything you’ll need. If you’re not entirely certain, there’s nothing wrong with asking the seller for a little additional  clarity.

• Ask for more pictures and videos (and a viewing). You should never buy a car unseen. Getting more pictures and videos of the vehicle can help ensure the seller is honest, especially if it’s of something niche. In addition, arranging a viewing allows you to check in person if the car matches the description. If it doesn’t? Well, don’t feel bad to back out.

• Complete a vehicle history check. In order to ascertain whether the car you’re looking to buy is genuine, completing a vehicle history check is vital. This allows you to see information such as vehicle make and model, financing data, stolen or write off status, etc. This can allow you to make a more informed decision, in turn, regarding your car purchase.

• Buy your new car. By now, everything should be in place and you’re ready to purchase your brand new vehicle. Be sure to stay vigilant, though, when handing over money; even if the car is genuine, there’s always still the slight chance the seller might not be.

Don’t Leave it to Chance!

Unfortunately, it’s easy to get caught out when buying a used car, but this shouldn’t have to be the case. And, so long as you follow today’s steps – and ensure you’ve run a car history check – you should be okay. So, for the sake of a few minutes, don’t take the risk; it might just save you from buying a vehicle that’s not quite as genuine as it seems on the surface!