Buying a used car: 5 things to look out for

Frits Pieper
24 October 2018

You are going to buy a used car from a car company or private individual. A used car is cheaper to buy than a similar new car and the supply is enormous. But there are also a few things you should pay attention to when buying a used car.

We have listed a number of tips and advice for you when purchasing a used car.

Test drive

Of course you want to take a test drive in the car you have in mind. Not all salespeople are willing to cooperate. Because who is responsible for the damage if something goes wrong during the test drive? You can prevent misunderstandings about this by filling out a test drive formYou can then get behind the wheel yourself and the seller can sit in the passenger seat with peace of mind.

Mileage, maintenance history and damage history

A test drive tells you a lot, but not everything about the current condition of a car. Therefore always check if the mileage is correct. More information about checking the odometer reading can be found here.

Also check the maintenance interval and maintenance history. Has the car had regular maintenance? And, given the maintenance history, are you facing expensive repairs, such as replacing the timing belt or clutch?

Finally, also look at any damage history. You can do this by requesting a damage report, although this does not rule out a hidden damage history.

Purchase inspection

Does the car you have your eye on have a recent MOT? That's great. But an MOT inspection only provides limited insight into the technical condition of a car and is mainly focused on safety and the environment. A purchase inspection is a much more extensive inspection and gives you a much better picture of the general condition of the car. In addition to the current condition of the car, the maintenance history, damage history and mileage history are also examined. A test drive is also made.

Selling price

Based on the license plate, you can easily calculate the current value of the car you are interested in online. Based on the current value, you can estimate whether the price the seller is asking for the car is realistic. Although the current value and the market value can differ.

The current value is based on brand, type, version, options, year of manufacture and odometer reading, while the market value is a matter of supply and demand. You can also have the car appraised by an expert. Then you know what the car is really worth.

The purchase and transfer

Although a handshake is generally sufficient to seal the deal, it is better to purchase agreement have it drawn up. This creates clarity for the seller, but certainly for you as a buyer. Examples of purchase agreements can easily be found on the internet.

To have the car transferred to your name, you as the buyer must go to a registration office or post office. Car companies usually have their own registration office. After the transfer, you will receive the first part of the registration code. The second part and the registration card will be sent to you. You will receive a certificate of indemnity for the seller. He can use this to prove that the registration number is no longer in his name.

If you do buy a new car, make sure that you the new car is running in wellThis will prevent any maintenance issues that may arise in the long term.

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