Consumers prefer to buy used. Whether in clothing or automobiles, this ideology is increasingly attractive. To this end, the used car market is continually reinventing itself. Ranges of modern vehicles are offered and their condition sometimes has nothing to envy to new cars. Are you also considering buying a used vehicle? Dealerships, agents, car sales sites and many other brands have a wide selection of used vehicles. You just have to choose the model that suits you. Here are some criteria to take into consideration to find the used car of your dreams.
Several advantages of buying a used car
Before embarking on the purchase of a used vehicle, you must first understand the real interests. The more attractive price of used cars is one of the main interests. Since they have already been used, the sellers will give them to you at a much lower price compared to their initial value. You will therefore be able to make significant savings thanks to this reduction.
Used cars are also accessible to people on a tight budget. The market is also quite extensive and you will have the choice between various models, all brands combined: Peugeot, Renault, Citroën, Ford, Audi… You can choose the car that meets your expectations, but above all your financial capacities.
The advantages of buying a used car are most often financial. Your taxes will be significantly reduced as well as the car insurance you would have to pay. Ask the seller or your insurer for information on taxes and insurance for a used car.
Criteria for buying a used car
To purchase a used vehicle, you must first refer to very specific criteria. These vary according to your needs, the budget available and your preferences. In any case, you must check several points in order to avoid finding a vehicle that is too worn.
Choose a vehicle from the most robust range
Car manufacturers are constantly innovating in their manufacturing. For the same model, you will find different ranges. They are distinguished by their bodywork, which displays certain angulations and revisions. One of the criteria for choosing a used car correctly is to refer to the most robust range of the vehicle. Some are deemed reliable depending on the brand. This is the case for the old Peugeot or the Volkswagen.
You just need to ask about the most robust range or the one with the most positive reviews. The sites of consumers and car enthusiasts are real references in the field. They are even real decision-making tools.
Opt for the brand of your choice
The reliability of German cars is acclaimed in various media (sports magazine, print media article, etc.). Experts actually attest to the robustness of certain ranges of Volkswagen and Audi. French brands like Peugeot or Renault, however, have nothing to envy them. Over the past ten years, these manufacturers have enjoyed real success, especially in the production of SUVs. Even on the used market, dealers know the value of a nice car. You must therefore know how to choose the brand that you like, but also the one that has the best points in its range.
Whether it is a French, Italian, German, Japanese or American brand vehicle, they each have their own specificity. If you have a preference, you stay free to buy the model that appeals to you the most.
Prioritize a car with low mileage
If there is an essential criterion in the purchase of a used car, it is the mileage. The lower it is, the more the vehicle displays a certain quality. Indeed, this means that the car, although already used, has had little use. It is therefore almost new and does not show too much wear. A mileage is considered low if it is less than 5,000 kilometers. Cars with mileage between 10,000 and 20,000 are also recommended. These display an attractive price-performance ratio for those who don’t want to break the bank while enjoying a vehicle in excellent condition.
The mileage gives you a rough idea of the overall condition of the vehicle. Even if the bodywork is impeccable and the interior is brand new, the more than 140,000 km displayed on the odometer may hide defects. However, this is not a generalized fact. Used vehicles with more than 100,000 km on the odometer can be in perfect working order without presenting the slightest major problem. It all depends on the maintenance they received.
Choose a vehicle with an engine that is easy to maintain
At one time, drivers swore by combustion engine cars. Nowadays, gasoline and diesel engines no longer monopolize the market. Hybrid, LPG, electric and E85 engines are also invading the market, including the second-hand market. Since this is a used vehicle, the best thing to do is to buy a model with an easy-to-maintain engine. This way, you won’t have the risk that the previous owner has already tinkered with the vehicle and that you will have similar problems.
The motorization of a used vehicle is a criterion of choice insofar as it will depend on the type of journeys made on a daily basis. The preference will not be the same for a purely urban need. An electric or hybrid city car might be fine for city errands, while a gas-powered car is more recommended if you’re on the highways often. For a more advanced opinion on the ideal motorization of a used car, find out about each of the particularities of the engines. You will know how to weigh the pros and cons of each model.
Where to buy a used vehicle?
Apart from the criteria for buying a used vehicle, it is also necessary to define the ideal place to buy it. Even if there are many sites favoring sales between individuals, these are the riskiest. Neophytes think they’re getting a good deal there given the prices offered, but it’s quite the opposite. If the previous owners hide problems with the car from you, the losses are likely to be significant.
The purchase of a used car is then based on the choice of dealer or agent. Only approved structures can offer you used cars where all the problems are listed. This avoids unpleasant surprises. Indeed, scams and scams are among the risks in the purchase of a used vehicle. By turning to a reliable and referenced brand, you will have the certainty of obtaining a used vehicle, but still in good working order.
The used ecological vehicle: what you need to know
With the government project which insists on the ecological transition, you must also take into account pollution and the ecological penalty in the purchase of a used vehicle. Models with a diesel or gasoline engine are currently singled out. Some ranges are considered too polluting and can increase your carbon taxes. Even electric and hybrid cars are now entering the second-hand market. You will therefore have the opportunity to become the proud owner of a so-called clean vehicle at an attractive price.
Dealerships actually have a range of clean vehicles in stock that may allow you to benefit from government assistance. Many aids exist so that you can swap your car for a more ecological model. They can be new or used vehicles, the choice is yours.