The majority of people in the UK will buy at least one second hand car in their life. It could be the very first vehicle you get after passing your test. Or it could be a better deal than buying new. Whatever the case, there is usually big demand for these vehicles. It can give people a great opportunity to make money by offering a car broker service. We help with that by sharing our extensive knowledge and carefully curated materials.
Whether you are new to buying a used car or have experience, it is important to make sure the vehicle is safe. The last thing you want is to buy and then find there are serious problems or the vehicle should not be on the road. With that in mind, we want to provide some tips on what you can do to make sure a purchase is safe to go ahead with.
Test drive
Buying a second hand car is easier than ever before. You can visit a dealership, find listings in newspapers and magazines, go to an auction, look online, and more. Really, you are spoilt for choice.
However, some of these options raise the risk of buying an unsuitable vehicle. It is highest if you can’t view before you buy. There will also be concerns if you can’t test drive it. You should never skip this, even if everything looks in order from an inspection.
The thing to keep in mind here is you can’t get a proper feel for a car without driving it. Even a short trip can tell you about things like the suspension, brakes, and steering. You should be looking for any signs or sounds that something isn’t right.
Get a third party inspection
One of the best things you can do for your peace of mind is ask an independent mechanic to check over the vehicle. They will be impartial and should tell you if there are any areas of concern.
What you should do here is make sure you choose a third party you are happy with. Some sellers will have their own mechanic or recommend someone. You need to be wary in case there is bias. It is best to make sure there are no links to the seller.
Check the history
The biggest concern with any second hand car is it may no longer be allowed on the road. It could have been in an accident and have a write-off order. If so, you could get in big trouble for driving it even if everything looks in fine.
What you should always do is check the history of the vehicle. There are a number of insurance databases online where you can search for registrations. It should show the history, including info of accidents or damage.
You should also look for gaps in ownership. They could indicate that the vehicle has been parked on a forecourt or not driven for a long time. That can have an impact on various parts and may affect performance.
Do you want to offer a car broker service?
At Auto Car Brokers we understand why so many people love second hand cars. They can be a great way into vehicle ownership and even make prestige models more accessible. Most importantly, buyers can get more choice for their budget.
We want to play a part here in helping more people get the cars they want. What we do is offer materials and support so you can set up a car broker service. You can then work with dealers to source the vehicles they are looking for. In return, they will pay you commission for every car you can find for them.
If you would like to find out more about owning your own broking business and offering a car broker service, browse our website. You can then contact us for more or order our materials online to help you get started.
