How to buy cars in the UK

Buying a car can be a daunting prospect. It is, after all, likely to be the second largest expenditure you will make. How do you go about doing it? Where should you buy from and what are the areas to be particularly careful of? Read on for advice on how to buy a car in the UK.

Buying a new car

Buying a new car is something only some of us will ever do. Once you've done the rounds of the various dealerships and compared their wares, where do you turn next to complete the purchase? The first thing to remember is that there may be a better deal out there. Try the online car brokers and other dealers to see if they can sell you your new auto cheap. Collect as many car quotes as you can before settling on the best one. Next, consider how you intend to pay for your car. Dealers will always be ready to sell you a car on finance but this may not be the most competitive way to buy. There are many other companies that offer loans for cars so, once again, get some free quotes in order to find a good deal. Once you have arranged a payment method, there is very little left for the new car buyer to do. The dealer will arrange the vehicle's registration and car tax for you. All that you need to do is turn up at the appointed time to collect your shiny new motor.

Buying a used car

As a used car buyer, there is more to think about. Initially, you have to choose where to purchase from. If you decide on a main dealer, then they will give you much the same service as with a new vehicle. If, on the other hand, you decide to buy privately, then there are a raft of possible places from which to buy. Private ads and used car dealers are obvious choices but buying a car online is becoming more popular, although it isn't without its pitfalls. Never buy a car unseen, even if you are covered by a contract as sites like eBay. Always check whether the ownership is legitimate before parting with your cash. Whichever way you buy, it will be your legal responsibility to re-register the car in your name. It is also down to you to ensure that the car is legitimately for sale and not stolen. If it is, you will lose your money and the car. Finally, you need to be certain that the car is roadworthy before using it, so check the MOT if the car is over three years old.