Buying a used car is an exciting experience. You’re on the path to a new set of wheels and here at David Hayton, that’s something we specialise in through our wide variety of high-quality pre-owned vehicles.
But if you’re buying a used car for the first time, what should you be thinking about? In this article, we’re going to explore some of the key considerations to make before you buy a used car.
What kind of budget have I got to work with?
It’s a good idea to establish a budget before you even turn the key to a potential purchase. Think about how much you’re willing to spend for the car and then factor in additional costs such as servicing and repairs - as well as insurance - as a way of giving yourself a clearer picture of the costs which lay ahead.
Remember, there are finance options available here at David Hayton if you’d rather spread a car’s cost over smaller monthly instalments. Get in touch with a member of the team today to find out more.
What kind of car do I need?
After you’ve got your budget sorted, think about the type of car you really need. It’s a good idea to consider how your life could change in the next few years, too, as a way of future-proofing yourself through any car you purchase.
For instance, if you plan on getting a pet in the future you may need a car with a bigger boot in order to take a dog along with you. Likewise, if you’re mainly driving around a town or city, then a smaller and easier-to-park car could make everyday life a little easier.
Automatic or manual?
Consider what type of gearbox setup would work for you too. If you’re used to driving a manual, then making the switch to an automatic could feel a little strange. However, if you do long motorway journeys or regularly find yourself stuck in traffic, then a car with an automatic gearbox can help to take some of the strain away.
However, if you’re looking to keep costs down, then you’ll often find that a car with a manual gearbox is cheaper to run as it’s less complex and easier to maintain.
How much space do I require?
Again, working out the kind of space you need from a car can help to make the whole second-hand buying experience a little easier. We wouldn’t advise bringing along a suitcase to a test drive, but there’s no reason why you couldn’t bring a backpack along to see just how much space a car’s boot will offer.
If you often take a few more passengers then try out the rear-seat legroom to check that it’s enough for what you need. If you’re tall - or frequently drive with someone who is - then make sure that there’s plenty of headroom, too.
Are there any ‘must-have’ features?
There are all kinds of features that you can find on second-hand cars, so think about which ones you’d like the best. Of course, there has to be a level of compromise - you’d be hard-pressed to find a car with absolutely everything on your must-have list - but picking out which features you’d really need is a good idea.
Would an electric car work?
Many people might think that an electric car might be out of reach, but there are plenty of options in the second-hand market. Here at David Hayton, we’ve got a number of excellent pre-used electric cars that bring a high level of equipment with some very low running costs.
Cars like the Peugeot e-208 bring sharp, modern looks with a nippy battery-powered setup underneath. Take advantage of home charging prices and it’ll cost very little to run, too.
At David Hayton, we’ve got a wide variety of excellent pre-owned cars which means we’ll be able to offer something for all types of drivers. If you’d like to find out more then browse our ‘used car’ pages, or get in touch with a member of the team today should you have any more questions.
