Make sure that your vehicle will last: What to look for when buying cheap used cars

A cheap used car is a dream come true, especially with the prices of cars in this day and age. When you find a good deal, sometimes there is a serious reason why you’re getting such a bargain – a reason you may end up paying much more money for further down the road. In this case you have to be smart about your purchasing decision. Read on to find out what you need to look for when buying a cheap used car.

1. Check the tyres. The car’s position pre-inspection is important. Make sure it is parked on a flat, level surface. This is to ensure you can easily spot if any part of the car is dipped lower than the rest. This is a sign of a flat tyre or damaged wheel.
   
   
2. Carefully examine the paint work. The paint on a car can give away so many clues as to what kind of damage the car has endured. A slight change in the colour signals that part of the car, such as the door or bonnet has been replaced. This means that the damage was so severe that this part of the car couldn’t be repaired. Find out why this is the case and you might find out just why this car is so cheap.
   
   
3. Look for signs of rust and water damage. Look inside the boot for the real giveaway of this kind of damage. It may look perfect on the outside, but often times the inside of the boot gives away damage caused by rust and water.
   
   
4. Check the VIN number on the fenders. All fenders should have matching VIN numbers under the bonnet. If not, the fender has been replaced. This is another clue as to the cheap price of the car. While under the bonnet, check the hoses and belts for cracks, and make sure the radiator hoses are not soft.
   
   
5. Always test drive the car. Listen out for any strange noises and rattles, test the air conditioning and read the mileage. A car does an average of 10 000km per year, so bear this in mind when you find out the age of the car. Is the mileage strangely low? Find out why.

There are many factors that could make a used car cheap. Some are fantastic bargains, but others could spell danger. Look out for shady deals by being thorough. Looking for a cheap used car? Contact us today.

The benefits of buying accident damaged cars

Accident damaged cars can make for a solid investment. There are many benefits to buying a car that has previously been in an accident, and for a wide range of uses, not just for a car that will be driven. If you’re thinking of purchasing an accident damaged car, read on to find out more about the benefits of this investment.

Feeling the pinch of the recession 

In this day and age, very few people are in the position to go out and buy a brand new car off the lot. In fact, this is usually not even advisable, since these cars depreciate in value by such a huge amount as soon as you drive away with them. An accident damaged car can mean a huge discount on a car that would normally cost a lot, even as a second hand vehicle. There are many cars available that are still perfectly driveable and reliable even after an accident such as a small bumper-bashing or similar. In the time of the recession, discounts on vehicles are welcome.

Just be clever about it 

The massive savings on accident damaged cars is extremely attractive – you just need to be clever about what you’re buying. You can’t just lay down thousands on the first bashed up car you find just because the price is good. Do some research first. Find out what the regulations are in terms of accident damaged cars – some may not be legal to drive. However, you may just be looking for a good deal for parts. Many cars still carry some pretty decent parts. You can also buy a car that requires a bit of TLC to get into good condition again, just make sure you save more money than it will cost to get it fixed. Do the following:

• Find out the value of the make, model and mileage of the same car without the damage;
• Get a professional assessment on the damage on the car you’re interested in;
• Gather a few quotes to get an idea on the cost of fixing it up. Note that most of the time, you will end up paying more.

After you have done this research, you can make a decision. If it will save you a lot of money, it’s a good deal. Don’t know where to start in buying an accident damaged car? Contact us today to get started.