Helpful Advice

Where to Buy

There are no definite answers to this question. You need to consider whether you want the protection of buying from a reputable dealer or the possibility of a bargain when you buy through the private market.

Whichever you choose, you must check the vehicle thoroughly. Your vehicle is probably the second largest purchase you will make after your house, so take the same care. Don't leave anything to chance.

With a  very affordable vehicle data check from Auteco, you can sleep peaceful in the knowledge that your vehicle holds no nasty surprises

A Franchised Dealer

A Vehicle Dealership has a hard won reputation to protect, and that makes it one of the safest places to buy. They are also covered by consumer protection laws that give you a greater level of protection than if you buy privately. They are responsible for various actions, such as ensuring that the vehicle has no outstanding finance, and they must describe the vehicle accurately. Sometimes they originally sold the vehicle, and have serviced it from new, so they know its history.

If you have decided on the make and model of vehicle you want, then a franchised dealer will usually be able to give you a wide choice of quality vehicles and they will usually accept you old vehicle as part-exchange. But be careful, don't pay over the odds to get a good part exchange deal, always focus on the 'price to change' the difference between the cost of the new vehicle and the part exchange value.

A Used Car Dealer

These dealers vary a lot. Some are well established with a good local reputation, others come and go. Often the dealer will specialise in types or ages of vehicles. A reputable dealer will have checked the vehicles thoroughly, checked they have no hidden problems or history, and settled any outstanding finance.

A Private Deal

This may be the way to get a bargain, but it is the riskiest way to buy a vehicle. There are all kinds of pitfalls, the vehicle may not belong to the seller, it could be a repaired write-off, or be stolen. Always check the documentation carefully, meet at the seller's house or work place, make sure you know what questions to ask and make a list, to remind you. Ask the following questions:

• Do they own the vehicle
• Is there outstanding finance
• Has the vehicle been involved in an accident

And always get a signed receipt for any payments you make.