You might be forgiven for thinking that buying a new car is much less risky than buying a used one. After all, these vehicles are fresh off the production line, with minimal wear and tear. So, what could possibly go wrong?
The risks of buying new are different from the risks of buying used. But that doesn’t mean that they aren’t risks. By performing a few basic checks before you part with your money, you’ll help yourself to avoid problems.
Is the dealer reputable?
Certain dealers enjoy better reputations than others. Look into online reviews, and ask people you know about their experiences. Buying a car is something that many, many people have done, and it might be that you can get some valuable guidance just by asking.
When you’re shopping from a reputable dealer with a proven track record, you’ll be much more likely to be looked after when things go wrong. After all, disreputable dealers become so by failing to look after their customers.
Is the paperwork in order?
Every car should come with a set of documents that prove that it hasn’t been altered or otherwise tampered with. This is a risk when you’re buying a used car, but it’s also something to watch out for when you’re buying new. Make sure that the car comes with all of the options you requested, and that you get the V5C document.
Can you afford to run it?
A car that might appear to be affordable might, in the long term, turn out to be something of a money pit. Look into how fuel-efficient your car is, and how much road tax you will be paying. Factor in the cost of your car insurance, too. Depreciation also matters – and it’s more severe during the first few weeks and months of a car’s life.
Check the bodywork
If you notice flaws in the bodywork of your car, it might indicate that there’s something amiss. If you’re buying new, you have a right to return the product within thirty days under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. But if there’s a dent in the car that you didn’t notice previously, then you might find that the dealership disputes this. Bear in mind that, even though the car is new, it has still been driven, and thus there’s always a risk of it suffering damage. If you notice the damage, you’ll want to say so, even if you’ve had to wait weeks or months for the vehicle to arrive. Private sales are not covered, here – which is another good reason to shop from a reputable dealership.