10 Things to Consider When Buying a Used Car
When it comes to purchasing the perfect used car, there can be a lot to consider. From choosing the right model to ensuring it’s in perfect condition, our handy guide will take you through the top 10 most important factors to consider when you’re buying a used car, so you can make your purchase with complete confidence.
1. Make and Model
Before making your purchase decision, consider whether the car is the right make and model for your needs and budget. Are you after a car for off-road adventures, or for city driving, or a convertible so you can soak up the sun? Do some research into the different models out there, and consider what would suit your needs.
At Lloyd Motor Group, we offer used vehicles from a wide range of manufactures, including BMW, MINI, Kia, Volvo, Land Rover, Jaguar, Mercedes, Audi, Volkswagenand much more. With a variety of different options available, you’re sure to found the perfect vehicle amongst our used car stock.
2. Age
When making your decision, take the vehicle’s age into account. Newer vehicles will have more up-to-date technology and design features, and may also be more reliable. On the other hand, older cars may be more affordable when purchasing, but can need more frequent repairs and maintenance.
Here on our website, we’ve got plenty of nearly new cars to choose from, whichare all up to 12 months old. These vehicles come with the benefits of low mileage and high specifications, and also offer significant savings against the new RRP. They're a great option if you're after a newer car with up-to-date features.
3. Mileage
Consider the car’s mileage - A car with lower mileage’s mechanical components will have suffered less wear and tear than a car with higher mileage, and may require fewer repairs over time. Here at Lloyd Motor Group, we have over 1,400 premium used vehicles to choose from, many of which are under 7 years old and have low mileage.
4. MOT and Service History
Make sure that the car has an up-to-date MOT and service history. Have a look through the documents that the seller provides to see how well the car has been cared for, and check whether the seller has all of the receipts.
When purchasing a used vehicle from Lloyd Motor Group, your vehicle will have an up-to-date MOT, and we will provide you with the vehicle’s service history.
5. Fuel Type
Fuel type is another important factor - think about the type of journeys you will be doing, fuel economy, and running costs. Diesel cars are a good option for drivers who often do long journeys, whilst petrol cars tend to be better for drivers who take shorter trips. Electric and hybrid cars can also cover a fair amount of distance, and can also offer lower running costs. At Lloyd Motor Group, we offer used cars of all fuel types, including Diesel, Petrol, Electricand Hybrid cars.
6. Documentation
For your peace of mind, it's important to make sure that you're presented with all of the following documents when buying a used vehicle:
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The V5
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Service History Documentation
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A current MOT certificate
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The car’s handbook
With any used vehicle purachsed from us, we will always provide these documents. However, if you choose to purchase a used car privately, the seller may not be able to present you with all of these. For your peace of mind, remember to consider a reputable dealership like Lloyd Motor Group when purchasing your used vehicle.
7. Personal Needs
Consider how you’re going to be using the car, and what do you need it for. Do you need a 7-seater car that will fit the whole family like a used Land Rover Discovery, or something small for commuting like a used Kia Picanto? If you’ll be using the vehicle for long journeys, make sure the seats are comfortable, and if you’ll be using your car to go on getaways, make sure there’s plenty of space in the rear and the boot.
At Lloyd Motor Group, we offer all types of used vehicles to suit a variety of different lifestyles, including:
- Used Hatchbacks - Perfect for city drivers and those who prioritise fuel efficiency.
- Used Coupes - A great option for drivers who appreciate sporty design and performance.
- Used Estates - Excellent for families, or for drivers who frequently need to transport larger items.
- Used Pickups - If you need something to move heavy items or live and work in a rural area, then we're sure to have a capapable used pickup for you.
- Used Convertibles - For drivers who prioritise style and open-air adventures.
- Used SUVs - Perfect for families who need space for multiple passengers, or outdoor enthusiasts who might need four-wheel drive.
- Used Saloons - Great for commuters who spend a lot of time driving, and value a compfortable and well-euqipped cabin.
8. Condition
Examine the car from bonnet to bumper to check for signs of damage. Look out for scratches, dents, and check the interior for any damage, as well as the wheels and tyres. It’s also important to take the car for a test drive to get a feel for its condition, including its steering, brakes, gears, clutch, handbrake and more.
When you purchase a Lloyd Select used vehicle, you can rest assured that you're getting a vehicle of the highest quality. For your peace of mind, all of our Lloyd Select cars undergo a 97-point check, which includes inspections of the brakes and exhaust system, suspension and engine, paintwork, tyres and more. This means that you can drive away from our dealerships with complete confidence that your used vehicle is second to none.
9. Warranty
Does your used car come with a warranty for additional protection? When purchasing a used car from a dealership, you’re likely to provided with their used vehicle scheme warranty. However, if you purchase privately, you should check if the car is still under warranty, and if so how long is left on it.
By purchasing your used vehicle Lloyd Motor Group, not only will you benefit from a wide variety of used vehicles to choose from, but your vehicle will come with a minimum 12-month warranty and an industry-leading benefits package for your peace of mind.
10. Price, Budgest & Insurance Costs
You budget will play a big part in your final purchase decision. Consider how much you want to spend on your car, and how much you’ll be spending on running the car, tax, and insurance.
We offer different finance options at Lloyd Motor Group including PCP, PCH and HP. We appreciate that everyone has different needs when it comes to financing their vehicle, and our range of options make driving a used car from Lloyd Motor Group as affordable and simple as possible. To learn more about financing, tap the button below.