In 2010 used car sales actually increased by 4% compared to 2009, making it the first year to actually see an increase in used cars for sale since 2006. Despite the government’s attempts to entice owners to buy new through the scrappage scheme, many consumers opted to buy second hand, saving invaluable amounts of money in financially difficult times.
When looking for a second hand car, a good place to start is by looking at French models. From a used Citroen to a used Peugeot or even a used Renault, the French market caters for all tastes and price ranges. However, when buying a used car, there are some important points to note. Firstly, set a budget and stick to it. Running a car can be very expensive with MOT costs, road tax, insurance and repairs all causing unexpected headaches. It is therefore crucial that before buying a car, you are aware of exactly what your budget is. Even though the seller will try to convince you otherwise, you should not go over budget unless you really can afford to.
Secondly, test drive the vehicle. Most second hand cars are ‘sold as seen’, which means that they come without a warranty or guarantee. By test driving the car yourself, you can be sure that you are getting a good deal without any nasty surprises later down the line.
Finally, do your homework. Use one of the hundreds of car valuation websites to check the average price of any used car and ensure you will not end up paying over the odds for the car you want.
