: The private market for used cars can be a minefield, so the right tips for buying a used car dealers Cornwall UK are essential when making a second-hand purchase. For every new car bought in Cornwall, UK, almost 2.5 used cars are bought. Buying a used car from a private party instead of a dealership is definitely something to think about. Because cars are so complicated and have so many sensitive moving parts, it is not always clear what to look for when buying a used car. This is especially true if you’re not buying the car from a trusted dealership.
What to ask when buying a used car in Cornwall
Knowing what to ask when buying a used car is key to making an informed purchase. If you’re looking to buy a used car in Cornwall, you should ask the seller these questions and see what they say…
Can I see the logbook?
This is an obvious one. When buying a used car, you’ll need to see a Logbook. This should always be the first question you ask when looking at a car, since the Logbook will quickly show that the owner is real.
Has the car ever been in an accident?
After you’ve looked at the logbook, ask the seller if the car has ever been in an accident. This may catch the seller off guard, but the way they respond can be a good sign of whether or not they are being honest. A great tip for buying a used car is to find out how honest the seller is.
Is this the original paintwork?
This has the same purpose as the last question. You want to find out how trustworthy the seller is before our next question.
Does the car have a full service history? May I see it?
At TYR Cars, we use and give the seller the right paperwork. You should now be able to prove if the last two answers you got were completely honest. A full service history is the best way to know if the car has been taken care of regularly. A full list of all the work done on the car so far is also a great way to get a sense of how reliable it has been over time.
Does the car have an up-to-date NCT?
The NCT is required, and it is the driver’s job to make sure that their car has an up-to-date NCT Certificate. If someone is selling a car and the NCT deadline is coming up, they may be worried about whether or not the car will pass. A car that just passed the NCT will, of course, be worth more than a used car whose NCT is coming up soon.
How many previous owners has the car had?
You should be able to find this information in the logbook, but it’s always a good idea to ask. If the car has had a lot of owners, it’s unlikely that all of them took really good care of it. One or two owners is better. The fewer owners a car has, the more likely it is to be in good shape and hold its value.
Why are you selling this car?
An obvious question but a crucial one! If the used car is in perfect working condition, why sell it? Of course, there are plenty of good reasons. They could be upgrading, getting a company car, or needing a bigger car because their family is growing, etc. But it’s smart to put the seller on the spot with this question to see what they might say…
Can you lower the price?
Nothing ventured, nothing won! No one ever advertises at the lowest price. Try to start low and find a price that everyone is happy with.
The Seller’s Demeanor
This is, of course, one of the tips for buying a used car that can be interpreted in many different ways. But when dealing with a private seller, the way they handle the sale can say a lot. If the seller seems eager to sell quickly or isn’t willing to answer straight-forward questions, this could be a sign that they aren’t being totally honest about the car’s condition. Tell the seller that you need some time alone to check out the car. If they aren’t willing to give you that time, you might want to rethink your purchase. Suggest to the seller that you have a mechanic take a look at the car. If the seller doesn’t want a third party to check out the car, they may have something to hide.
What to check when buying a used car in Cornwall
If you live in Cornwall, the first step to making an informed decision about buying a used car is to know exactly what to check when buying a new car. Run through this list to make sure everything is in order with the car you want to buy.
- Make sure that all the lines on the car’s body are the same.
- Look for any signs that the car has been repainted. Overspray on the window rubber or different colors on the different panels of the body. Repainting is usually a sign that the car has been in an accident.
- Check to see if the car’s tires are wearing unevenly. Tires that wear unevenly could be out of alignment, which can be a sign of more serious problems.
- Check for different or aftermarket headlights. Changed headlights could be a sign that the car has been in an accident.
- Check the pedal rubbers, gear stick, and steering wheel for signs of wear.
- Check the odometer for any signs of tampering or interference.
- Make sure that the keys provided work on all four doors and that there is a spare set.
- You should also check all the keys Make sure that all of the keys can start the ignition. Sometimes cut keys are not the right kind of “transponder key” that will work with the car’s ignition.
- During your test drive, if possible, get the car moving in every gear.
- During your test drive, you should also check that all lights, indicators, and electrics are working as they should.
- Make sure that all of the car’s seatbelts are in full working order.