Buying privately? Run a car check first

Thanks to the Internet it’s easier to buy a used car privately than ever before. The days of printed adverts in the paper have been replaced by sophisticated online search facilities that put prospective buyers in touch with sellers up and down the country. They can filter their search based on price, location and model to find the perfect car for them.

Car dealers might get a bad rap in certain quarters, but good ones are worth their weight in gold. Reputable dealers service cars before selling them on complete with some sort of warranty, plus they’ll run a check for any issues like outstanding finance. Use a trusted local dealer and buyers can be sure that they won’t be buying a stolen or damaged car. Buy privately and it can be a very different story with a very different outcome.

Buying direct from the owner is an attractive proposition because there’s no mark up from a dealer. It can offer better value for money, but buyers need to be wary and keep their wits about them. It’s easy to get carried away with cars, but emotions should never overrule common sense. It always pays to be cautious when it comes to used cars.

Running a car check first can save heartache and financial ruin longer term. These days it’s just so easy thanks to the Internet. Prospective buyers can input registration details and run a simple but thorough vehicle check super fast. And for a very modest fee. Just stopping to take time out and check is a smart move that any buyer should make.

Once the check is clear it’s OK to proceed and snap up that bargain car. Hopefully it will give its new owner many happy years of trouble free motoring. And money saved is always sweet. Provided it’s done sensibly of course.