Check Everything (Before) You Buy a Car

Your first car purchase should not overshadow the significance of passing your test. However, you shouldn't rush into this. It is crucial that you have a clear idea of what it is you're trying to find. You could have found what seems like the ideal first car, but not everything is as it seems. Going to a viewing unprepared is like giving someone your money without completing any research. Get a rough estimate of the car's value by some preliminary research before you go, and then use that knowledge to your advantage during negotiations.

The cost of the vehicle you're interested in. Considering it is free, I highly suggest Parkers (search for it on Google). There are a few places online where you may see what other people are selling cars like yours for.

Verify if the car has the required documents. Amongst these are

a. Vehicle Safety Test Reports; b. Service Records; c. Vehicle Registration Form (V5)

Use the resource at the bottom of this piece to check the vehicle's current M.O.T. status online;

Use the link at the bottom of the article to view your vehicle's previous M.O.T. report;

The v5c registration certificate's VIN and MOT number or document reference number are required.

If the seller is lacking any of the above, you should inquire as to why. If the seller doesn't give you an answer you're happy with, you're free to walk away from the deal. Keep in mind that if you are unsure about including something, it is best to leave it out. But...If you're still intrigued, though, you should know that a vehicle without a current M.O.T. may not be safe to drive. Make the buyer insist on an M.O.T. before the sale is finalized.

Lost or stolen service records are more prevalent than you might think. The more that's missing, the more mystery there is about the car's maintenance history and possible clocking. Without these papers, the value of the vehicle drops significantly. If you're willing to take the chance, you should obtain a discount that adequately compensates for the potential downsides.

Be very wary of a vehicle that is being sold to you without a V5 document; insist that the seller obtain another one from the DVLA; consider negotiating for a car history check as part of the deal.

Be sure to schedule a convenient viewing time. This necessitates a daytime, clear-weather viewing of the vehicle. You'll have about as much luck seeing the car in the dark as you had with your last nightlife date. It could look good at the moment, but when exposed to light, flaws such as scratches and dents would become readily apparent.

Viewings must take place at the location indicated on the V5 Document. This verifies that the vendor actually owns the car and that it hasn't been stolen. It's important to make sure the supplier is legitimate, thus it may be necessary to travel a significant distance.

This prevents you from becoming a victim of horror stories like this one.

The buyer was having trouble making the trip to see the vehicle because of how far it was. Since the buyer had a three-hour drive ahead of them, the seller proposed meeting in the middle at a gas station. After making the MOT CLASS 4 Farnborough  and forking over over £8000 in cash, the vehicle was discovered to be stolen. The car was confiscated by the police, leaving the buyer without transportation and £8,000 poorer.

Investigate the vehicle's past. As the finest bargain on the market, mycarcheck comes highly recommended from us. You should definitely perform the background check before setting out on a long trip to examine this automobile, especially if you intend to buy it on the spot. There's no use in paying for a history check on a car you might not wind up buying, so if the cars are relatively close and you wouldn't mind making another trip, you could inspect the car first and complete the car check only if you want to buy the car.

Now you know the answer. If the preliminary checks out, you should be in good shape to purchase your first vehicle. Just don't rush into anything. Seeing the vehicle in person is still necessary. You can utilize the information in this article while shopping for any vehicle, not just your first car.