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