People in Gloucester who are on the lookout for a new set of wheels can this month get some free advice from a car dealership in the city.
Wessex Garages on Mercia Road hassome top tips for anyone thinking about buying a used vehicle.
Darren Preddy, sick General Manager at the dealership, thumb said: “Purchasing a used car can be a very daunting experience. To help people, we have come up with some top tips on what to bear in mind and check when buying a used car.
“Before looking we recommend people spend some time working out what they can afford taking into consideration car insurance and tax too.
“People planning to sell their old car privately or part-exchange it with a dealer may find it beneficial to find out how much their current car is worth.”
Wessex Garages has an instant online car valuation tool people can use to find this out.
Darren continued: “With so many different makes and models out there it can be quite bewildering so we advise people to consider what they want from a car and make a list to help narrow their search.
“Looking at price guides can also help people work out the current value of the car they are interested in.”
Wessex Garages is advising drivers to check the following when they go to view a used vehicle:
- Get a car history check to establish if the car has any outstanding finance, has been stolen or written off
- Ask to see the logbook, service history and previous MOT certificates
- Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) matches the one recorded in the logbook. The VIN is usually situated at the base of the windscreen, under the bonnet and stamped into the chassis under the carpet beside the driver’s seat
- Inspect bodywork for rust, mismatched paint and misaligned body panels as these can be indications that the car has been repaired after a shunt
- Test the electrics
- Look for leaks by inspecting the engine and surrounding parts. Oil will leave brown stains, while water will leave a white chalky residue. Check the ground under the car too.
- One of the biggest on-going expenses for car owners are tyres. It is important to inspect the condition of them particularly as they can affect braking and handling of the vehicle. Keep an eye out for any sidewall damage and also check the tread depth.
Darren added: “The next step is test driving the vehicle and we recommend taking a test drive for a minimum of 15 minutes and going somewhere where there is a chance to drive at different speeds.
“People should keep a note of how the steering, brakes and gears handle as well as listening out for any strange noises.
“Before making an offer on a car, people should find out how much it is worth and what they’re happy to pay.”
Wessex Garages is a privately owned company that has outlets in Bristol, Cardiff, Gloucester and Newport. It specialises in new and used car sales across South Wales and the South West.