Buying a used car: step by step

1. 1

   Set a budget

   Count what it costs to run as well as the price: fuel, insurance, registration, WoF and servicing.

   • Typical prices for every model
   • What a car costs to run (AA)
2. 2

   Shortlist models

   • Safest, cheapest to run and least wear and tear, within your budget
3. 3

   Find cars for sale

   • Search cars for sale
4. 4

   Check the asking price

   • Price check
5. and

   Check the car over

   Before you pay, have it inspected and check there's no money owing on it.

   • Book a pre-purchase inspection (AA)
   • Check for money owing (PPSR)
   • Check a dealer is registered (Motor Vehicle Traders Register)
   • Your rights buying from a dealer (Consumer Protection)
   • Which models wear best, by budget
6. 5

   Trade in your current car

   • Trade-in estimate

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