According to the AA, brand new cars lose around forty per cent of their value in the first 12 months. You can avoid such a dramatic loss financially by opting to buy a used vehicle instead. However, there are some risks to be aware of so before you rush in to find a cheap Volvo in the paper, read through these tips that will ensure you buy with your head and not just your heart.

Be Aware of Buying from Private Sellers

If you want to buy a car from a private seller rather than through a dealership you must take extra care. There are certain problems that you’ll want to avoid, such as:

• Clocking – when the odometer is illegally turned back to make it appear as if the vehicle has driven less miles than it really has. Each time the mileage is reduced by 1000 the value increases.
• Car Cloning – a vehicle is given the identity of another one by switching the number plates.
• Cut and shut – when two cars that have been damaged in accidents are welded together to make a whole car. The put-together car will then be given the ID of one of the two cars used.

It’s better to avoid these issues entirely by either buying from a family member or a friend you can trust entirely, or buy using a used car dealership instead.

Buying Advice

When you decide to buy a used Volvo from a dealer or someone you trust entirely you still need to shop sensibly. Start off by working out your budget and decide how much money you can afford to borrow if you’re taking out a loan. It’s worth investigating the cost of the loans before you go to a dealership as you’ll then be able to compare the finance deals that may be available so you’re sure you’re getting a better deal.

Research Your Volvos

Always spend some time looking at the different models that are available. You need to find a car that will be suited to you and your general needs. Pick a car that will have the right size and have the appropriate number of doors, engine size and power. Once you know the model you want you can begin investigating the going rates for the various versions of that model to help you know what price you should expect to pay from a dealership. This will help you make sensible offers when working through the negotiation process.

Check the History of the Car

When you buy any used vehicle you should always look at the history of the car. The history should be consistent and include any details regarding persistent faults, the service record as well as the old MOT certificates. The V5C registration document is also essential as it will show you the past owners.

With these tips you can make sure you don’t make a rash decision when buying any used vehicle. Always do your maths, investigate the car, check the history and take the car on a test drive before you decide to buy.

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