subject: Dont Get Ripped Off This Christmas [print this page] Analyse the needs of the prospective owner, which might be you or someone youre buying for, and how much you have available to spend, then start doing your homework.
The internet is one of the best places to start your research as there are a wealth of sites and tools available. You should gauge what to buy, where from and how much to pay before you extend your search to the garage forecourts and showrooms in your area. To do this you could read manufacturer and owner reviews, look at valuation sites and also dealer sites, to see what offers and promotions are running.
Finally, once youve decided on the what, where and how much, youre recommended to check up on the dealer youve chosen in a little more detail, for example by checking if they are a member of any trade bodies such as the Retail Motor Industry Federation.
Some garages offer different vehicle checks and warranties or guarantees, dont be afraid to benchmark these offerings and compare and contrast to other suppliers. If necessary you could also use these extras as parts of your negotiations tactic however do consider that some products are optional, often there are exceptions to consider and extra costs may be associated in certain circumstances.
There are some companies that offer background checks on cars which should give you a heads up about any potential problems associated to the cars history for example outstanding finance or whether the car has been involved in an accident or worse, has been written off. If the car youre buying doesnt come with one, ask for one or carry out the checks yourself using a reliable online service. Any of these issues would be massively concerning as the new owner of a car as in many cases you would be liable.
Another important thing which many take for granted is the test drive. Usually your only chance to get into the driving seat and see how the car drives, you should try to drive for around 10-20 minutes and in different driving conditions and scenarios for example doing a stretch within a town and then on the motorway. If youre not a car expert but you know someone who is, take them with you as they might spot something you dont.
Finally dont be afraid to ask any questions and to negotiate on price when youre at that stage of the buying process. Any dealer, whatever size, or private seller, if worth their salt will be willing to answer any questions and should be willing to negotiate (negotiating on price might not apply to garages with a no haggle policy).
by: Robert Brightside
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