Buying a used car is usually considered a wise decision. It has a lower cost, lower car finance cost, and thus easier repayments. As per your usage of the vehicle and financial priorities, buying a used car is a good decision.

You may have a poor credit score, and getting a new car loan may not be possible due to high deposit demands. You have at least an option of guaranteed car finance for bad credit people. As a result, affordable repayments, hence you can explore borrowing options hassle-free.

However, getting a good deal for a used vehicle needs an organized strategy. Car’s cost, depreciation speed, ownership, and history are all factors that need to be scrutinized well.

In the case of a new car, everything is assured, whether it is the performance of the vehicle or its longevity. But in the case of a used one, there can be hidden facts that you may get to know later.

Tips to get the real value for money on a used car

Here is a complete guide you can consider following for safe decision-making.

• It is important to set a clear budget

Before you finalize a car and its funding option, the most important thing is budgeting. You should know your financial limits, then only is it possible to take a rational decision. This also saves you from unnecessary upgrades and stretches your finances unnecessarily.

Some budgeting tips –

• Know about costs like fuel, insurance, tax, and regular servicing, and not just the sale price.
• Always keep some buffer amount for unpredictable repair needs. Used cars always need more maintenance than new vehicles.
• In case you choose to get a personal loan, be aware of the cost. Loan tenure, APR, and make sure they are budget-friendly.

 

• Explore and finalize the car model you find suitable

Not every used car can be suitable for you. It all depends on your daily commute needs, family size, mileage preferences, distance of your home from the city, etc.

Hence, take time and identify the car option that suits your vehicle preferences best.

Ask yourself these questions to choose the right option

• Do you need a spacious family SUV or a compact car?
• Do you need tech or advanced safety benefits?
• Is fuel efficiency your priority?
• Do you drive long distances often?

 

• Research for the best market prices

Make an informed decision, and for that, knowing the price of the chosen car model with different dealers is vital.

Where to check?

• Car zone
• Auto trader
• Donedeal
• Dealer websites
• Facebook marketplaces

Compare the prices as per the following factors –

• Mileage
• Year
• Fuel type
• Trim model
• Service history
• Number of owners

A low-priced car does not always mean that you have got a good deal. It also means a red flag due to a big issue in the vehicle. Service records, condition, dealer warranties, or features.

• Check the car’s history

The vehicle’s history reveals many things that even the seller may not reveal. Hence, you should obtain the car’s history report and check the following factors.

The history report has the following details –

• If it’s a stolen car
• If it’s a written-off vehicle
• Outstanding finance on the vehicle
• If there was an accident
• Previous owners
• Import history
• Mileage discrepancies

 

• Detailed physical inspection is necessary

In the case of used cars, physical inspection of a vehicle is extremely important. Old vehicles always hide something unpredictable; therefore, a scrutiny is vital. Here is a list of interior and exterior checklists you cannot skip.

Interior checklist	Exterior checklist
Check the heater and air conditioning.	Check for colour differences indicating repainting.
Check seat fabric for excessive wear.	Inspect for wheel arches and damage under the car, and rust around the doors.
Inspect the controls, electric windows, and infotainment screen.	Ensure that the tyre tread depth is evenly worn.
Ensure all dashboard lights, check if they turn on and off with the engine.	Check if all lights and indicators work.

 

 

Engine bay checklist

Ensure there are no oil leaks in the engine.

Check belts and hoses for any damage.

Engine oil colour should not be too black.

There shouldn’t be crusty white residue. It signals coolant leaks.

 

• Never skip a test drive

Oh yes, this is like the final chance to notice and know what is wrong with the car and get it repaired. Never skip this step, or you will regret it badly later.

What to listen for	What to test for
Steering pulling to one side	Suspension over bumps
Brake vibrations or noises	Parking brake on a hill
Dashboard warning lights	Cruise control, tech features and sensors.
Dashboard warning lights	Engine start from cold
Delayed acceleration	Smoothness of the car while driving

 

• Check the service history

If a car has a regular service history, it will give more value to your car. At the same time, the one with an irregular service record may mean a poor performance and recurring issues.

What to look for?	Red flags
Idol regular servicing is usually needed every 10,000–15,000 km.	Long gaps between services for no clear reason
Oil filter changes	Unexplained mileage jumps
Timing belt replacement records	Missing the service book
Brake service	No receipts for major repairs
Transmission fluid changes	Sudden service right after the previous one

 

• Understand depreciation

Depreciation is the strongest factor that affects purchase decisions in the case of used cars. The following information will help to work on this factor well.

Cars that depreciate slow	Cars that depreciate fast
Honda	High-performance sports cars
Kia	Large luxury sedans
Toyota	Cars with high tax brackets
Hyundai	Electric cars with older battery
Volkswagen	Niche or discontinued models

• Buy from Reputable Sources

Buying from a known and reputable place is vital to prevent fraud. Such places also help get your car financed through a reliable source.

Private seller	Online marketplace	Auctions	Dealer
Often cheaper	Requires extra caution	High risk	May offer a warranty
No warranty included	Better combined with history checks	Usually, no test drive	Provides receipts and paperwork
Limited legal protection	Convenient and wide selection	Very cheap	More expensive but safer

 

• Negotiate Smartly and Confidently

Negotiation is an art that you will learn best while buying a used car. New cars create fewer or no concerns for the buyer. But in the case of old ones, price bargaining always demands more attention.

Tips to negotiate better –

• Never appear desperate.
• Compare prices beforehand to show you are an informed buyer.
• Be polite but determined.
• Be ready to leave the deal to show you cannot be driven.
• Point out valid issues such as scratches, types, missing records, etc.
• Work on ownership and insurance transfer

The ownership and insurance transfer needs special attention in the case of used cars.

• The insurance quotes should be budget-friendly.
• The seller’s name should match the name in the logbook.
• There should be no pending loan on the car.
• Keep the proof of sale after the transfer of the vehicle.

Conclusion

As you can read above, with a planned approach, you can find an affordable used car deal. About finances, don’t worry, as affordable options are available for all credit score types. Yes, even loans for bad credit in Ireland for used cars are available for car buyers. However, the interest rate will be higher considering your high-risk profile. But still, budgeting is always needed to plan better for the big purchase.