Tips on Buying a used car

Buying a used car can be an uncomfortable and at times a difficult experience, so at Thame Service Station we have put together this list of tips to help you in your purchase, and make life much easier for you.

1) Understanding your used car needs
Make sure you know what you need before you go shopping... Ask yourself these questions:

Will I be taking lots of people in the back of my car? Do I need a 3 or a 5 door?
Do I need a lot of boot space or will it only be used on an odd occasion?
Do I need a petrol or a diesel car? If you are only doing a small annual mileage then a petrol may be more appropriate. Why would a petrol be more appropriate, please explain the differences
Can I get it in the garage? Have you measured your parking area?
What do I need now and in the future? Will a 5 seat car fit my future family plans?
What sort of journeys will I use the car for, will they be motorway journeys or just town driving?

2) Where to buy you used car...
Where you choose to buy your car will determine the type, price and level of service you receive

Shopping on line for a used car will give you a good idea of price range. However just because a car is advertised for that price doesn't always mean they can do that deal, or supply very quickly.
Car Supermarkets are a great place to browse a large selection of makes and models. The prices are usually competitive. However you may be disappointed if you like to haggle or have a part exchange to trade in.
Car Main dealers are a good source of 2-3 year old used cars. You will have to pay a higher premium for these cars but you should expect a high level of service during and after your car sale.
Independent Specialist Car Dealers can really give you some great choice on nearly new cars. If possible make sure that the car dealer you are going to has been recommended to you by someone who has bought a car from that dealer.

To see testimonials from our customers click here, or visit the reviews left in our profile on the good garage scheme

3) How to get the best value from your test drive

Take the car on a drive where you would normally drive. So if you are a town driver make sure the car performs well in that area. If you are a motorway user, make sure you take it on the motorway. Don't just drive the car round the block.
If you can, choose a car to test drive during the week when the roads are less busy.
Make sure you have the car fitted to you before you set off. Make sure the mirrors, seat and height of the steering are in the correct position for you.
Don't be put off testing more than one car in a visit, it could be the only time you try the car before you buy it.
Check that you can see clearly out of the back window and door mirrors; you spend a lot more time than you think actually parking your car.
If a salesman won't let you test drive the car you want... don't buy it!

We are happy to offer all visitors the chance to test drive the used cars they are interested in. Simply call 0844 2471873 (calls charged at local rate) to book your test drive today!

4) Trading in your old car

Most car dealers will take your old car in part exchange but it is worth checking with them before you set out.
You can do your research on the value of your old car online through valuation websites. However the best way to value your car in the market place is Autotrader; this will give you a real time value.
It is always worth cleaning your car before you take it in for part exchange; it will add some value.
Make sure you can find both sets of keys and your V5 and MOT certificate. The whole car sales process can slow up without these documents.
Make sure you have your up-to-date service book in the car; this will make a difference in valuation.

We offer a part exchange option against all the used cars in our online showroom. To get a valuation of your part exchange simply click the ‘value my part ex’ button for the car you are interested in buying and complete the form or alternativly call us on 0844 2471873 (calls charged at local rate).

5) Financing your new car

Do your research, check out online what types of deals you can get. But beware - don't be fooled by headline rates. Often the headline rate is not the one you get.
Make sure you understand the difference between Hire Purchase Motor Finance and Personal loans from Banks or direct lenders like Tesco. Often the personal loan may be slightly cheaper per month but the support if something goes wrong with your car or you have to repay early may not be as good as HP. Don't forget with HP the loan is secured against the car not against you.
Compare like with like when looking around. Don't just focus on rate and monthly payment, look out for the hidden charges and the total cost of the finance agreement.
Make sure your dealer supplies you with a written quote.

Find out more about the services we offer in used car finance