| Which camp do you belong to? The one that | | | | |
| says real bargains are out there and waiting | | | | Also ensure that you protect yourself as much |
| to be snapped up? Or are you firmly in the | | | | as possible by asking all the right |
| camp that says "you get what you pay for"? | | | | questions. Try to ascertain whether the car |
| | | | has been repaired or rebuilt as a result of |
| Like most people, experience puts me firmly | | | | an accident as that will significantly affect |
| in the latter, but I'm equally sure that | | | | its value. Also, if the car is fairly new |
| somewhere there are some real quality used | | | | make sure you ask whether there is any |
| car bargains to be had – if you look | | | | outstanding finance due on the vehicle. |
| hard enough and if you have the expertise to | | | | |
| spot a gem from a lemon. And there lies the | | | | But, the biggest rule is if something seems |
| rub. Few of us possess the expertise and | | | | too good to be true, it invariably is. If a |
| knowledge to be able to tell them apart, and | | | | car is worth £10,000 and someone says they |
| how many of us have a qualified mechanic as a | | | | are willing to sell it for £3,000 because |
| best mate? | | | | they want a quick sale – beware! A |
| | | | quick sale doesn't necessitate a 70% |
| When it comes to buying quality cheap used | | | | discount! In the circumstances described it |
| cars, unless you know what you are doing you | | | | will most probably be a scam, and to be |
| are at risk. So, how do you minimise your | | | | avoided at all costs. |
| exposure to a potentially bad deal? The car | | | | |
| associations such as the RAC and AAA offer | | | | One last tip; before even going to look at a |
| varying types of vehicle inspection, | | | | vehicle, make sure you've done your homework. |
| depending upon the degree of examination you | | | | Know what sort of price the car you are |
| need. | | | | interested in should be retailing for and |
| | | | make allowances for condition and mileage. |
| But, as well as visual and mechanical | | | | |
| inspections there are other things you need | | | | In summary, just be sensible. Steer clear of |
| to do to protect yourself. Some are fairly | | | | "too good to be true" bargains because they |
| obvious; if buying from a private individual | | | | are. But, make sure you have a clear idea of |
| don't hand over any money before you get the | | | | what the car you are interested in should |
| keys and documents to the vehicle. Beware, if | | | | sell for then negotiate to get a bargain, |
| people insist you pay a hefty deposit up | | | | don't wait for one to be handed to you on a |
| front in cash. You may never see your money, | | | | plate. |
| the car nor the person you dealt with again! | | | | |