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Buying a <a href="https://www.caruno.co.uk/cars/">used car</a> may seem like a daunting prospect. You might cast your thoughts back to Danny De Vito’s cunning tricks in ‘Matilda’, where he manually decreased the mileage and used super glue to fix the bumper. Thankfully, this doesn’t happen in real life. At caruno, we put all our cars through a rigorous <a href="https://www.caruno.co.uk/about-us/caruno-car-quality/">275-point inspection</a> before we offer them to you.. And we offer a hassle-free <a href="https://www.caruno.co.uk/money-back-guarantee">14-day money-back guarantee</a> so you have full control.

With the global semiconductor chip shortage and supply chain delays making it difficult to get a new car instantly, the used car market has seen a huge surge with UK drivers. More recently, a CarGurus study revealed that more than half of used car buyers found the buying process stressful. However, 84 per cent believe they got a great or good deal on their used car purchase.

It's important now more than ever that buyers are equipped with the right information before they start their car buying journey. Caruno has some useful tips for buying a used car and what mistakes to avoid…

What to look for when buying a used car&nbsp;

Generally, buyers do tend to know what they’re looking for in a new vehicle when they embark on their search to find the perfect used car for them. That may alter slightly or massively when new makes and models are found, and the more you come across different variants. However, it’s essential that you stay focused on your initial ‘ideal model’ or similar range - otherwise the task at hand can consume you and before you know it, you’re back to square one not knowing which car to buy!&nbsp;

To help, come up with a shortlist of cars, and look at the engine, year, shape, and size of the ones that really catch your eye but, more importantly, fit your lifestyle. There is an endless minefield of cars out there and having a good idea of the type you want – and need – will help to minimise and direct your search time.

This is another extremely common mistake that second-hand car buyers make. Used cars are usually cheaper than buying a new car straight from the dealership, and there are more popular models available for buyers to choose from. This can prove detrimental because some buyers may feel overwhelmed and begin to stretch their budget to include newer tech or a more appealing transmission, for example.&nbsp;

Though it might make sense to go for an upgraded version of what you originally wanted, or if you get enticed by a whole new make and model, make sure that you are being realistic about what comes after you’ve bought the car. This includes how much it costs to run, your insurance premium, if it has a good safety score, how often you’ll need maintenance and repairs, and so on. For better long-term results, it’s better to stick to your – it’ll be worth it!&nbsp;

Great, so you’ve got your shortlist of cars and your budget is set. It’s time to begin your search, and this is where you should cast your net far and wide. It’s good to get out and visit local dealerships to see if the car you want is available for a test drive and how you feel driving it.&nbsp;

You may find that it’s not what you expected – or even better than expected. You can get a real-world idea of specifications, space and more. It also helps you set standards for when you search for the car online, for example. Seeing it in real life allows you to understand what to look out for in photos.&nbsp;

There may be other cars within your price range at the dealership that catch your eye instantaneously. But, if you’re happy with your original choice, shop around and speak to dealerships and online car marketplaces to find the most competitive price.

The first one doesn't necessarily mean the best one&nbsp;

Due to the changing landscape of markets, there is almost always likely to be a cheaper deal out there. Dealerships and marketplaces are always striving to be competitive and that’s why it’s important to shop around.&nbsp;

Once you have seen the car in person, you can then start to scour the market to find the deal that suits you the most. At caruno, we have hundreds of approved used cars available on different types of finance. You can choose your car, apply for finance, and even part-exchange an existing one – entirely online.&nbsp;

Sometimes you must be savvy. There could be a slightly altered variation of the car you like available out there - there is bound to be.

&nbsp;Check for documentation and history

It is all well and good finally acquiring the car that you are in the market for, and you would be excused for wanting to drive it straight away. However, one major mistake that prospective buyers make when purchasing their chosen vehicle is that they fail to check the history of the car.&nbsp;

Problems such as MOT failure are not uncommon in cars that have recently switched hands, leaving some buyers extremely frustrated. You can check the MOT history of any vehicle post-2005 online, and this is something that is highly recommended ahead of your purchase. Service histories are not a legal requirement, although they are useful to know about if your car is to stay on the road for as long as possible.

Furthermore, the logbook is a crucial piece of document to receive upon buying a car. It is widely considered that buyers should not be tempted by a vehicle that doesn’t have a logbook (otherwise known as a V5C) due to the problems that may occur down the line.

Calculate roughly how many years you expect to have the used car for and how many miles you predict to drive. Buying a used car with a higher mileage means that it may be prone to more wear and tear earlier than you’re expecting. So, if the options for the car you want all have a higher mileage, you may want to look at newer similar models.&nbsp;

If you drive shorter distances and need a vehicle to run errands, you will be fine with a used car that has a higher mileage. However, if your lifestyle requires longer trips, for work or leisure, you’re likely to get more drive and longevity from a used car with fewer miles on the clock than an older, cheaper model with higher mileage.

Used car prices aren’t always set in stone. There is some leeway to negotiate, especially if the place you’re buying from offer price matching or special offers. Even if you find a bargain on the car you want, it’s still worth asking if the price is negotiable to save as much money as possible. Usually, a good approach is to use the phrase ‘I’ll take it today’ at the end of your offer - it gives the seller an ultimatum, and if they agree to your price, you’ll save yourself some extra cash.&nbsp;

Another good way to leverage the price you want is to thoroughly look at the car. If you notice any scratches on the exterior or damage to the interior, no matter how small, this is a valid reason to ask for a discount. Also, if you can provide evidence that the same car with other companies is available for less, then use this to your advantage to save some pounds.

Now that you’ve found the car you really want and you like the look, price, feel, all that’s left to do is test the car out. The last thing you want is to be led into the perfect deal, only to get behind the wheel after buying it and realising it isn’t the right car for your lifestyle. One key factor that people buying vehicles of any kind sometimes fail to take into consideration is how the car drives in different areas, and roads.&nbsp;

Ask the dealership or party you are taking the vehicle off if you can take it for a test drive and drive along a dual carriageway, an inner-city street, some A roads and even the motorway if you can. How the car feels and drives on different road types will either reaffirm your decision to stick with the car or put you completely off it. Either way, it is a good way to help you decide.

You may have found the car that you really like, and the test drive has proved successful. Now it’s time to find the right finance option if you’re not buying the car outright. There are several types of car finance that you may qualify for, and most decisions are based on a soft credit check – which won’t initially impact your credit score. At caruno, we offer cars on Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP) when you’re buying a car. Our fast eligibility checker can give you a decision in minutes.&nbsp;

Tips for teenagers buying a used car&nbsp;

The thrill of passing your test and getting the keys to your first car is unrivalled. You no longer need to rely on buses, trains, or taxis to get anywhere. But there are drawbacks. Simply put, teenagers will be looking to use their first cars as often as possible. With busy social lives, university or job commutes, and weekend road trips with friends, teens are more likely to be in their car than out of it!&nbsp;

As a result, more money will be spent on petrol, and that comes at a cost. Finding a fuel-efficient vehicle would be a great place to start. And, as new drivers’ insurance premiums are usually higher, a car that is cost-effective to run, typically with a smaller engine is ideal for a first-car purchase. Use caruno’s advanced search filters to narrow down the selection of cars that match your requirements.

This adds further to the point about new drivers and cost efficiency. The general consensus is that a young driver will change their car up to three or four years after purchasing their first car, and that will likely be for a nicer upgrade. With that in mind, buying a cheap and reliable first car means that not only is it easier to run, but it also gives first-time drivers the chance to get familiar with real-world driving and gauge what they like and don’t like about a car.&nbsp;

It also allows young drivers to become more aware of the expenses related with driving and owning a car. This can have a major impact on their future motoring decisions, especially if their first car is relatively cheap, very reliable, and drives well.

Don’t be distracted by gadgets and screens&nbsp;

Infotainment, connectivity, and tech are all a big part of cars nowadays, but they don’t have to be the make or break of a deal. Though teenagers might want a personal hub to show off to their peers, it’s how your car performs and how reliable it is that will ultimately keep you impressed – and on the move. Cars with hi-tech features will naturally come at a higher price. Luckily, we are in a time where even used cars that go back a few years will likely have a decent infotainment system and tons of tech features.&nbsp;

More than anything, look for certain driver assistance systems that encourage safer driving, and remember to consider future costs when making your decision on which car to buy. 

Common car buying mistakes to avoid&nbsp;

This happens to be one of the most common mistakes that buyers make when searching for a used car. With the excitement of buying a new vehicle, some buyers rush into a deal with little thought and research. But buying a car is a huge decision that is incredibly hard to reverse – not liking your car isn’t a good enough reason for places to accept a return, especially when you’ve had it over any money-back guarantee period.&nbsp;

Research makes and models, make a list of the features you want and what you’ll be using the car for. Doing your research about everything from boot capacity to the connectivity features and the fuel efficiency are all important aspects to consider before you buy a car. This will help to reduce the list of prospective cars to buy and help you to further avoid going for any features that don’t work in your favour.

Miscalculating the value of your Part-Ex&nbsp;

You may have an existing car to trade in for your new one. You can use this amount to lower the price of your new car, whether you’re buying outright or getting a car on finance. Do some market research and check around for a car valuation to ensure that you’re getting a fair price. You could end up getting a big chunk off the price of your new car, helping to save you hundreds if not thousands of pounds. And having a part-exchange vehicle is also a good bargaining tool – so don’t underestimate its value.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Use caruno’s quick and easy <a href="https://www.caruno.co.uk/part-exchange/">part-exchange form</a> to get a competitive valuation for your existing car.

Not having the car you’re looking at inspected&nbsp;

This is something that many buyers fail to ask about. At caruno, we all our cars go through an extensive 275-point inspection before we offer them on our website – at no cost to you. Our skilled mechanics and technicians fix any faults, and we even take the cars out for a road test to note any noise or vibrations that need to be fixed.&nbsp;

We check and replenish all essential car fluid levels too. Followed by a deep clean of everything from the engine to the boot, and in between. As part of our used car promise, we even make you aware of any imperfections inside and out, upfront.&nbsp;

Plus, we only buy our cars from trusted dealers – making sure that the cars we choose haven’t been in any major accidents, written off, or have any outstanding finance.&nbsp;

Be aware if you decide to buy privately. Ask for an inspection before you commit to buying, though this might come at a cost. However, for the sake of finding out the car’s condition, it’s worth having an inspection and a small price to pay to avoid any unexpected repairs in the future.

Being too fixated on a specific make or model&nbsp;

Of course, it may be hard to accept that your dream car is out of your price range, or unavailable. The great thing about the used car market right now is the variety of makes and models available. So, if you were thinking of getting a Ford Ka, and for some reason it was out of budget or unavailable, you might consider the Skoda Citigo or the Volkswagen Up! As both offer similar body types and specs. You may be in the market for a family-friendly SUV and have your heart set on a Mazda CX-5 but find you don’t like the colour or variant. Don’t be disheartened. The category alternatives are just as good; Nissan Qashqai, Toyota RAV4, Jeep Renegade, and more.&nbsp;

What we’re saying is, have a backup option that you really like and be open to other models with similar features. Sure, having a car with a touchscreen, a quicker engine and a slicker look is inviting, but there may be some models that you have yet to see which are priced cheaper. It’s always beneficial to do your research and explore your car options.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Extras can be extremely beneficial to certain individuals if they are sure that they need, and will use, the extras. You might be offered a maintenance plan, windscreen or tyre cover, finance protection, or even new car mats. Either way, it’s important to consider if you will need these extras. For example, we offer <a href="https://www.caruno.co.uk/about-us/caruno-care">Caruno Care</a> extended warranty plans which provide regular servicing, MOT, repairs, breakdown assistance, and even tyre replacement.&nbsp;

Starting at just £24.99 a month, it’s a great extra for stress-free driving in the long term. That said, car mats and windscreen accessories might not be a priority so, remember, extras are cool, but you shouldn’t feel pressured into buying them for your used car – unless they are genuinely valuable. 

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Tips for buying a used car and what mistakes to avoid