If your buying a used car you'll no doubt consider whether or not you should buy direct from a person who is selling their car or from a dealership. There are advantages and disadvantages inherent in both. Firstly, if your buying a used car from a dealer then the chances are that you'll get a guarantee and that the car will be in good shape ? this will not always be the case, however it's more likely to be the case than it would be in a direct sale. The extra security surrounding the purchase, however, comes at a price. You might be able to sleep easy at night knowing you've not been ripped off if you buy from a dealer, however it's unlikely you'll be able to get the cheapest deal that is out there. If your buying direct then it's best that you know your stuff, and that you get a written agreement with the person your buying from ? in this agreement you can outline the expectations you have and place provisions in the contract which will outline what happens in the instance where things don't go to plan.
Don't Be Scared To Haggle
If you have managed to find the used car that your looking for, then don't assume you can only get it for the price that's advertised. Through the art of negotiation it may be possible to get the price down to something that is cheaper. With used cars you can find online guides that detail the recommended price of a used car based on its model, age, condition and mileage. Through referencing a guide like this you'll be able to show that you know what your talking about. If you notice any imperfections on the car, or are aware of any factors that could negatively influence its value, then don't be scared to bring this up. You may be able to persuade the seller that the car isn't worth what they are asking for.
Get Your Hands Dirty
If you know your stuff about cars then ensure that it's running properly before you part with your cash. Look under the bonnet and take it for a test drive to ensure that everything is running smoothly. If you don't know enough about cars then bring along someone who does, or pay for a mechanic to take a look before you part with your cash. You wouldn't buy a house without paying for a survey, so don't do buy a car without knowing exactly what your paying for.
Ensure A Smooth Transaction
Don't make any advance payments, and ensure that you get the keys and access to the car at the same time as you hand over the money. This will ensure that you don't end up forking out the cash without ever getting access to the car! This is particularly important if your buying direct from a person ? rather than through a dealership or legitimate business.
