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Buying a Car

Used Cars

  • While you may be able to obtain a used car more cheaply by purchasing from a private seller, remember that, here in the United Kingdom, you will not have the same consumer rights that you have when buying from a dealer.
  • A sufficient number of used cars have a 'dodgy' history to make it worthwhile thinking about getting a car data check through an organisation such as The AA.  For a relatively modest fee you could find out whether there are any known identity, ownership, insurance or finance problems associated with the vehicle.  In some instances, it can also be possible to obtain mileage data.
  • Unless you or a friend are competent to carry out a mechanical inspection of a used car, consider having it checked over by a motoring organisation or reputable local garage.  While relatively expensive, this could save you money further down the line.  (Some organisations offer a combined technical inspection and car data check which can work out cheaper than buying them separately.)
  • Get a rough idea of the price you would expect to pay for a used car by consulting a reputable price guide such as Parker's.
  • Buying from a dealer?  Be aware of the various ways in which they could increase the purchase price by convincing you to purchase unnecessary extras. Although aimed at the US market, http://www.buycartips.com/ contains some advice that you may find useful when negotiating to buy a new or used car.

Jargon

APR

Annual Percentage Rate.

Cut and Shut

Two or more parts of separate cars that have been joined together to make a single car.  For example, the front of one car joined to the rear of another.

DVLA

Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency.

MGFV

Minimum Guaranteed Future Value.

MOT

Historically 'Ministry of Transport'.  Now used to describe the scheme for the statutory testing of vehicles.  The purpose of the MOT Test is to ensure that cars, other light vehicles (including some light goods vehicles), private buses and motorcycles over a prescribed age are checked at least once a year to see that they comply with key roadworthiness and environmental requirements

PCP

Personal Contract Purchase.  A method of acquiring the use of a car for a fixed term, usually by paying in monthly instalments.  At the end of the term the car can either be purchased for the MGFV or returned to the dealer.

Ringer

The identity of one car taken on by another.

VIN

Vehicle Identification Number. 

Write-Off

A car that has suffered severe accident damage making it unroadworthy.

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Links

bullet Parker's Online
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bullet The AA: Car Data Check

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