Essential Tips for Buying a Used Car in CornwallEssential Tips for Buying a Used Car in Cornwall
The private market for used cars can be a minefield, so the right tips for buying a quality used cars Cornwall are invaluable when making a second-hand purchase. Nearly 2.5 used cars are bought for every new car bought in Cornwall, UK. Buying a used car from a private seller instead of a dealership is definitely something to think about. Because cars are so complicated and have so many moving, sensitive parts, it’s not always clear what to look for when buying a used one. This is especially true if you aren’t buying the car from a trusted dealership.
What to ask when buying a used car in Cornwall
Knowing what to ask when buying a used car is key to making an informed purchase. If you want to buy a used car in Cornwall, you should definitely ask the seller these questions and see what they say…
Can I see the logbook?
This one is pretty clear. You will need to see a Logbook when you buy a used car. This should always be the first question you ask when looking at a car, because the Logbook will quickly show that the owner is real.
Has the car ever been in an accident?
Ask the seller if the car has ever been in an accident after you’ve looked at the logbook. This may catch the seller off guard, but how they react can be a good sign of whether or not they are telling the truth. When buying a used car, it’s a good idea to find out how honest the seller is.
Is this the original paint?
This question is the same as the last one. Before our next question, you want to find out if the seller can be trusted.
Does the car have a full service history? Can I look at it?
At TYR Cars, we use the right paperwork and give it to the seller. You should now be able to tell if the last two answers you got were completely true. The best way to know if the car has been taken care of regularly is to look at its full service history. You can also get a good idea of the car’s reliability over time by looking at a list of all the work that has been done on it so far.
Does the car have a valid NCT?
The NCT is required, and it’s the driver’s job to make sure their car has a current NCT Certificate. If someone is selling a car that is almost due for its NCT, they may be worried about whether or not the car will pass. A car that just passed its NCT will, of course, be worth more than a used car whose NCT is coming up soon.
How many people have owned the car before? You should be able to find this information in the logbook, but asking is always a good idea. If the car has had a lot of owners, it’s unlikely that every single one of them took great care of it. It’s better to have one or two owners. The less times a car has been sold, the more likely it is to be in good shape and keep its value.
Why are you selling this car?
An obvious question but a crucial one! Why sell the used car if it still works perfectly? There are, of course, a lot of good reasons. They might be moving up, getting a company car, or needing a bigger car because their family is growing, etc. But it’s smart to put the seller on the spot with this question and see what they might say…
Can you lower the price? Nothing ventured, nothing gained! No one ever advertises the lowest price possible. Try to start low and work your way up to a price that works for everyone.
What to look for when buying a used car
One of the most important things to know when buying a used car in Cornwall is what to look for. The first step to buying the right used car is to know what to look for.
Paintwork
Always try to meet the seller of a used car on a dry day. If you know what to look for, small flaws in the paint can quickly point to bigger problems with the car. Water on the car’s body can make it look like the paint is smooth, even if it’s not. When looking at the car, you should take a few steps back and think about how the sun reflects off the whole car. The car’s body should be the same color all the way around. If the paint job isn’t even, it could mean that the car was in an accident and was only cheaply fixed. Crash damage should always be a red flag when buying a used car. The paint job can also give you more subtle clues about the car’s history. Open the door of the car and look at the bolts that hold the door to the car. Does the paint on the brackets match the paint that was used at the factory? If not, it’s likely that the door has been changed. If the door was replaced after the car was sold, it might not be the best used car for you.