The used car market is one of the few that have seen a boost with this credit crunch. At a time when people are looking to save money and only buying the necessities of life, and cars come under that category, many industries are feeling the pinch of people withholding finances and directing them towards absolute essentials. Those feeling this withdrawal of disposable income are new car dealers.
Cars have become one of life's necessities and are no longer a luxury. But when is there ever a good time to buy a new car?
Unless you are a fully paid up member of that elite club of the uber rich, then a new car that doesn't belong to a company fleet is always going to be one of those one off, probably spur of the moment buys.
However, given the economics of the day, even spur of the moment purchases are being sharply reigned in and car dealers are feeling it with the empty show rooms and depleted bank accounts.
Not so for the used car dealers. Everybody needs a reliable form of transport and cars are certainly something that needs keeping on top if they are to stay reliable. Cars are not built like they used to be. Everything is meant to be a disposable commodity these days and there will come a time when that car simply gives up on you. Replacing it can be difficult and costly.
So, you have three options. Buy brand new, buy second hand from a private seller or buy from a used car dealer.
As already discussed, the brand new option is for those who have more money than they need. These people, today, are few and far between and would have no need of this article. Buying second hand from a private seller is an option and it is usually the cheapest one.
However, it is also the riskiest. Scams are set up all around the country for so-called 'private' sellers to pass on cars that have been stolen or 'cut and shut' vehicles which are extremely dangerous.
False documents are used to pass the car on immediately and before you know it, you're pulled over by the boys in blue for driving a stolen vehicle, you find your documents are false and you lose your car and your money. Try to go back to the people you purchased the car from and you find that they have disappeared. Of course, this is not always the case and you can bag yourself a bargain from a private seller if you know what you are looking for. Just remember, the moment you drive that car away you have no recompense whatsoever for any problems you find with it after that date.
Buying from a used car dealer is a little more expensive but you get more security for your money. Certain checks have to be made on the car before it can be legitimately sold and a guarantee covering the basics will be made available as well as having the added luxury of a thorough clean!
If anything should go wrong with your car in the first three to six months, you can return it and get it sorted out quite promptly. Checks can be made, by the used car dealer and by yourself, to ensure you are getting a legitimate used car with genuine paperwork. So, it would appear that this is the safest option when replacing your car, particularly during times of hardship.
