5 Points to Consider Before Buying a Used Car in 2021

Buying a used car can be an exceptionally big investment, or at least, an investment that can return to haunt you if you end up making the wrong decision. To get the best banger for your buck, it is worth thinking about a few key points. These points may look slightly different in 2021, particularly as eco-concerns continue to rise and sustainability is on the minds of many.

Here are some points to hopefully get you started on the right track to finding your new, used car in no time.

1.   Warranty

Buying what you thought was the ideal car, just to have it breakdown in the first few miles out of the dealership is likely nobody’s idea of a fun time. Make sure to look for a warranty certification, as this can enable you to effectively protect yourself against this eventuality.

Some dealerships can offer great warranty options, particularly those that are partnered with trusted companies like the RAC. You might want to check out Crossways Garage for a great example of a car dealership that offers some superb benefits in the way of warranties and professionalism.

2.   Carbon Emissions

There is a higher tax for vehicles that fail to meet the RDE2 standard, and this can be a great deal of money in some cases. Moreover, certain places in the UK have strict regulations (or are about to) imposed on high-polluting vehicles, such as Cardiff, Bristol, Bath, and Birmingham.

If you are trying to save money on a vehicle by opting for a used model, checking out the emissions rate before buying is a must, otherwise you might find yourself paying for it later on down the line, literally.

3.   Testing

Buying used can be tricky in that you may not always be certain of whether or not the car has been fully tested unless they state otherwise, of course.

Seeking out dealerships that thoroughly test and inspect their vehicles should be high on the list of priorities. This is closely linked with the warranty aspect of buying a used car, so if the warranty is better, you can generally be safe to assume the car has been properly tested.

This is not always the case, and you should always take the car out for a test drive before going ahead with the purchase – you may find you love or loath the feeling of driving it, despite whatever the price may be.

4.   Your Needs

While it can be easy to think about the many thousands of various options at your fingertips, the used car market is absolutely huge, so it is worth thinking about what you specifically need your car for before jumping into a new purchase.

Whether it happens to be zipping around the city or traversing the rolling hills, there is likely a vehicle that appears to be made just for you.

5.   The Market is Booming

Now might be the perfect time to start searching for your ideal car, as the market boom may be set to continue for a little while longer, according to the Evening Standard. A market boom means more choice, competitive rates, and possibly a better deal on your part exchange should you need to make one.