For many people, buying a car is the second most expensive purchase they ever make, second to buying a house. Recent trends in the UK however seem to suggest that people are starting to opt for cheaper means of making this purchase decision hence the continued rise of the used cars for sale market segment.

In 2010, BBC reported that UK consumers were spending a staggering £24billion on 3.6 million secondhand cars every year. This trend may not be unconnected to the prevailing state of the economy. A report from the automotive group of the University of Buckingham suggests that economic uncertainty and increasing costs of fuel may be some of the factors causing a spike in the demand of cheaper, smaller and more economical used cars.

Whatever the reason might be, the fact is that more and more people are buying used cars and should therefore know the pros and cons of their purchase. We’ve already noted that opting for a used car gives the buyer a price advantage. It is usually good value for money and depending on who you buy from, you could get quality after sales support in addition.

Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

The Office of Fair Trading in a report on second hand car dealers, claim that one in five people who buy a used car from a trader discover problems with their vehicles soon after purchase. While, this report may be scary, it is not always the case and doesn’t have to be the case for you. Buyers need to be aware of their rights and what to check for when buying used cars. The Sale of Goods Act 1979 stipulates that items being bought from a trader should be of satisfactory quality, or as described.

Many people spend money buying used cars without knowing much about what they are buying. You don’t necessarily have to know a lot about cars, you can have it independently checked. The Retail Motor Industry Federation recommends checking the underside, bodywork, tyres, paintwork, locks, doors and all to make sure everything is in satisfactory condition. You can also test drive it to know if it drives as well as advertised.

Beyond that, you need to also check the paperwork and history of the used car for sale so as to reduce the risk of buying a stolen vehicle.

The DVLA and Directgov.co.uk have a list of questions to ask and things to check before buying a used car. One obvious one is to check the current market value of the car. If the offer price is too cheap, ask yourself why. You should also check if the used car has outstanding finance or whether it has been written off. There are a number of companies who provide this service. There are also a number of companies from whom you can hire qualified vehicle examiners to accompany you to see the car.

So if you are thinking of buying a used car, research the car for sale properly and everything else will fall into place.

Richard Chilcot is an author and blogger on subjects from motor reviews to used cars for sale.

Richard Chilcot is an author and blogger on subjects from motor reviews to used cars for sale (Freeads Motors – http://www.freeads.co.uk/uk/buy__sell/motors/cars/).

Author Bio: Richard Chilcot is an author and blogger on subjects from motor reviews to used cars for sale.

Category: Automotive
Keywords: used, cars, for , sale, buy, advice, shopping, second, hand, motors, automobile