Balakumar
For many people, buying a car is one of the biggest single purchases they will make. Apart from buying a home, there aren’t many other purchases that require the need to budget and save for such an acquisition. If you are a newly qualified driver who has just passed your driving test, a car will give you the freedom to travel when and where you want, no longer needing to rely on public transport or friends and family. If this is your first car, or you are on a tight budget, you will likely be seeking to buy a used car rather than a new one.
Depending on their age, model, and condition, a used car can cost significantly less than a new one. The key is to choose a vehicle that is well-priced and one that will not constantly need to be repaired or maintained. This article will discuss some top tips that will help you buy a suitable used car with confidence.
Consider insurance costs in your budget
Firstly, it is important to make a budget for your used car so that you have a clear idea of the total amount of money you can use for this purchase. As a rule, you should aim to spend no more than 20% of your annual income on a used car. However, if this is your first car, you may not be in full-time employment and are purely relying on personal savings. Ideally, your budget will ensure that you do not need to take outside finance to afford the vehicle. In addition, it is incredibly important to consider the insurance costs for the vehicles you have in mind. If you are a young driver, insurance costs can be incredibly expensive as insurance agents will view you as a high-risk driver. In these circumstances, the model and engine size of the car will have a significant impact on your insurance fees, so it is wise to choose a smaller, less powerful car.
It is also wise to speak to a range of independent car insurance agents. Such agents will have years of experience in offering car insurance that is right for your circumstances. You may find that you can receive more comprehensive coverage or a policy that is more competitively priced than other larger insurance companies.
Take the car for an inspection
When you have found some suitable vehicles that warrant further consideration, it is important to view them in person. If you are not knowledgeable about cars, take a friend or relative who is. A thorough visual inspection will help ensure that the vehicle has no obvious faults or problems that may be costly to repair after you purchase the car. However, if you are seriously considering purchasing one of the vehicles you have viewed, always take it for a full mechanical inspection at a reputable local garage. Any trustworthy seller will be happy to let you do this as they will be confident that the car is in good condition. Be extremely wary of sellers who will not let a thorough inspection take place. Whilst an inspection may cost a fair amount of money, it will assure you that the vehicle is fully roadworthy and that there are no hidden problems that could potentially cost you far more in time.
