USFUL TIPS ON BUYING A CAR New or Used Car

Buying a new car is something that happens every day, somewhere someone might be walking into a car showroom right now to purchase a brand new car.

Is it as simple as it sounds ! You have the cash in your pocket just waiting to hand over, or more than likely you are going to commit yourself to a few years of paying a finance company. Don't do it lightly, it is a big decision and if you are wise you will do a bit of homework first.

Before you visit a dealer arm yourself with information about prices for the make and model of the car you want to buy. There are many places to get this information, buy a car magazine or visit one of the many websites for information about cars their prices and dealers.

Here are the top ten tips you may find useful. . . . . . . . .

1. Ask the dealer for a demonstration car so you can try it out for a few hours, if this is not posible then hire the same make and model for a day, You can then ensure that it is comfortable over a period of time, and that it offers all what you are looking for. Also check that it will fit into your garage if you have one.
   
   
2. An ideal time to buy your car is towards the end of the month, by then the dealer will be trying to hit sales targets so he may be more flexible with the price he is asking. If price is the most important thing, then opt for a model that is about to be replaced soon or redesigned, The dealers will want show the latest models to their customers so they may discount an earlier edition.
   
   
3. Do your maths and work out how much you can afford to pay every month. Don't be persuaded to go for a higher price than what you can afford.
   
   
4. An important detail to ask the dealer is how much will the tax be, what are the running costs, and how many miles does it go on a full tank.
   
   
5. Do not buy on your first visit, check out at least two other dealers for the make and model of the car you want. Ask for details of prices, you may find one more than willing to negotiate on the price.
   
   
6. Do not be hurried into a sale,and watch out for pursuasive tactics, An old trick is a second salesman interupting and making out that someone else is interested in the same car, Ignore him and take your time.
   
   
7. Negotiate over the price, if salesman seems unmovable ask to speak to the manager about what he can do to reduce the price, if he thinks he is about to lose the sale he may agree to further discount.
   
   
8. Ask about free extras. The dealer may agree to get you to sign on the dotted line.
   
   
9. Check that the price includes - delivery, number plates, road tax, free insurance, and car mats etc.
   
   
10. Read the warrenty details carefully, if you don't have it serviced at the right intervals you could find your warrenty won't cover you.

Not every one can afford to buy a new car so you begin by looking at the secondhand market, If you are searching the ads in newspapers for a private sale beware. If you ring an advert in the paper to ask about a car they have advertised you will soon know if its a dealer if they ask you "Which car?"

Top Ten Tips when Buying a Second hand car

1. Ask Questions, If its a private sale the law states that it has to be as described', So ask if the car has been in any accidents, The seller must tell if it has. Also ask why he or she is selling the car and when was it last serviced or had any new parts.
   
   
2. Check out the car in daylight, and not when it is raining, this can hide any scratches or dents. Do the seats look saggy ? if so it could be that the car is older than stated and the mileage may have altered. Check out the seat belts, do they take ages to wind back up? This is another indication that the car could be older. Check the headlights for paint splashes, this can tell you if it has been resprayed posibly after an accident.
   
   
3. Always check the paper work, make sure that the vin number matches the one on the documents and that the registration papers and MOT certificate all match the cars registration.
   
   
4. If all you know about is driving a car then take a friend along who knows something about them, if your friends are like you then it is worth paying for an AA or RAC car inspector to check the car for you.
   
   
5. If you don't want the police to come along one day and take your car off you, then do a check on the financial history, this will reveal if the car has been stolen or recorded as as a write off, or has any out standing finance payments oweing on it, This is some thing else the AA or RAC can check for you.
   
   
6. Always test drive the car, listen for odd noises and cranky gears, check the light switches heating, and any extras that come with the car, also check the windows go up and down easily.
   
   
7. If you are buying your car from a dealer, ask about waranties and what they cover.
   
   
8. Offer a lower price than what the car is advertised at, most sellers expect this and they have most probably upped the price to cover this eventualtity
   
   
9. Don't pay any cash untill you are completely satisfied and can arrange collection or drive away in the car.
   
   
10. If anything seems dodgy about the sale, for instance it is too much of a bargain, It could be stolen, or involved in an accident. my advice, Steer clear.