Buying used. There are many reasons to choose second-hand over brand-new. However, not everyone will realise that there are significant risks associated, too. This could leave you at risk of potentially getting caught out. In line with this thought, today, we’re diving into the world of used car purchases to help keep you safe.

7 Simple Tips to Purchase Second-Hand Safely

With these thoughts in mind, the importance of buying safely is paramount for second-hand cars. But how can you make sure your purchase is genuine? Well, the following seven tips may help.

1. Know what you need. One of the most common mistakes is buying a car that doesn’t suit your needs. Always clearly define your requirements first to ensure the vehicle will do the job for you.
2. Consider where to search. Not all selling sites are as safe as others. Often, platforms such as Facebook Marketplace – though a great place to find genuine cars – can also have many scammers. This could leave you at risk. If you’re at all unsure, look for a site that’s known to have fewer scammers.
3. Check listings thoroughly. The first place to look for a scam is the listing itself. Check photos and text to make sure these correspond with one another. If there is limited information about the vehicle in the listing, it may be worth a degree of skepticism.
4. Ask the seller questions. Never buy a car based on the listing alone. Always ask the seller questions about the car and request additional photos; if they can’t give these, it may indicate they don’t actually own the vehicle.
5. Run a car history check. If you’re happy the seller seems genuine, the next step is to run the plate through a car checker. This allows you to see information about a car, such as MOT records, write-off status, etc. In turn, it may help inform your choice.
6. View the car in person with a friend. Never buy a car unseen. Always view it in person first – preferably with a friend. After all, you’re meeting someone you don’t know, so don’t go alone.
7. Always check the logbook is genuine. Finally, make sure the V5 is handed over when you take on the car. Furthermore, take some time to quickly check it’s genuine, and look for common signs of a fraudulent document.

What are the Risks of Buying a Used Car?

There are many risks of buying a used car; considering these could prove vital when it comes to your own purchase. Of course, the most obvious risk is getting scammed. Many fraudulent individuals will use second-hand car sales as a means to cheat people out of money. Such scams are commonly found on platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, so always be aware of these.

In addition, there’s the risk of getting a car that’s not all it’s cracked up to be. This may not always be dishonest, though. While some sellers will knowingly “big up” their vehicle, others may genuinely be unaware their claims aren’t accurate. This can leave people selling a car with false claims – leaving you taking on more than you bargained for.

Final Thoughts

Second-hand buying can come with risks. However, these are often balanced out by the great benefits that come with used cars. So, if you go down this route, always keep today’s tips in mind. And, crucially, always run a car history check just to be sure.