
For most people, entering into the world of second hand cars is a daunting prospect, and for good reason, as we all hear on the TV and in the newspapers about unfortunate individuals that bought a wreck with a bit of cosmetic surgery. Yet there are ways to avoid such things, and if you are soon to be looking at used cars, here is some useful advice to help ensure total satisfaction.
- Avoid Small Dealers – We have all seen the stereotype image of the used car salesman, who could sell ice to the Eskimos, and in order to avoid such an encounter, stick to well established car dealers. The garage that does deal in suspect vehicles would never manage to grow beyond a single outlet, and he would be constantly looking for new customers, as there are never any recommendations. Typically, this type of garage closes down after a year or two, then reopens under a different name and in another region of the country. Fortunately, they are few and far between in this day and age, and by only talking to established dealerships, you can always be sure that your vehicle is in tip-top condition. If, for example, you wanted to buy a used BMW in Yorkshire, you are in luck, as there is a great BMW dealer in Wakefield, and with a comprehensive warranty on every car, you know exactly what you are getting for your money.
- The Risk of Buying Privately – Buying a car from an individual is a game of hit and miss, and often the owner is unaware that the car has issues, and as luck would have it, things go wrong shortly after you take possession. Most private vehicles are “sold as seen” which really leaves you open to some serious expense, and for this reason alone, one must have a comprehensive warranty on a used car, and the only way to do that is buy from an established dealership.
- Quality Cars at Affordable Prices- If you take a look at how a major car dealership works, you will see that the vast majority of customers buy new cars. This is very much the dealership’s bread and butter, as the profits are high, and in order to facilitate this, the dealer must offer a part exchange program. This means that many cars are coming into the workshops, and most will be their own vehicles, so they know the car’s history, and once a vehicle has been through the thorough inspection process and any work carried out, the car will be put on the forecourt. The dealer is not hoping to make a big profit on this sale, preferring to move the cars quickly by offering a lower than normal price, and with a comprehensive warranty, the buyer has added confidence. Knowing this allows you to negotiate a little when you do see something that ticks all the boxes, and with cars coming in all the time, the dealer certainly needs the floor space.
A two year old BMW gives you a quality car at an affordable price, and by using the same dealer every time, you will always have a top notch ride, and won’t be paying too much for the privilege.