Used Cars: Research Tips - By: Kirsten Hendrich

Buying used cars can be a somewhat tricky process, but with some good quality research many of the common pitfalls can be easily avoided. This article lays out some advice on how you can go about gaining a good picture of the cars you are interested in buying. Time after time, people buy a car and only then do they find out about common faults, or expensive parts. Doing your homework first avoids all of these unnecessary problems and should help you spend your hard earned cash wisely.

Below is a list of our top five places with which to conduct some research prior to parting with your cash.

1. Auto Trader

Autotrader is perhaps the most comprehensive online resource for used cars. With around 370,000 cars listed every week you are sure to find a range of cars that suit you. Of particular interest here, is the ability to easily look at the market and see what's on offer and how much car you expect to get for your money. It really is a great way to find out how much you should be spending on what. Having a good understanding of prices is vital when viewing cars.

2. Online Forums

Online forums are a fantastic way to both glean information about certain cars, and also ask questions should be worried about anything in particular. By searching on Google for the car in question followed by the word 'forum', you should be spoiled for choice. Online forums are full of people talking about their experiences both good and bad.

3. Specialist Clubs

If you are looking for a classic car, or something that's slightly more specialised, you can bet your bottom dollar that a members club exists somewhere. Car clubs are groups of people who are passionate about certain makes or models. This is a great way to seek advice about your potential new car.

4. Viewings

It's highly advisable to get out and see some cars before you go shopping. Treat your first viewing trips as research based exercises only, then go home and consider all that you have found out. Too many people just jump into test rides and viewings, and buy the first car they see. Viewing cars for research purposes will give you a really good idea as to what's around and the quality of cars available.

5. Friends and Family

Once you have an idea of potential new cars, ask around your friends and family to see if anyone they know has had any experience of the car you are thinking about buying. This may sound obvious, but word spreads extremely quickly, particularly if someone has had a bad experience. You never know, someone may actually know of a bargain for sale. Don't ask, don't get!

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