Teletext Cars

Advice and Tips

How to buy a used car online

When choosing a used car, it is vital to research a particular model thoroughly.

On paper, a car may look ideal but could be a dud with poor long term reliability, build quality and deprecation.

Check lists such as the JD Power Survey which are created by polling owners about what their cars are like to live with. You will find some surprising results - Mercedes has fared badly in recent times; shocking considering its pedigree.

The advantages of sourcing a used car online are many - there's a huge choice which is updated on a daily basis; there's something to suit any budget; and prices can be compared with ease.

Before deciding you've found a bargain, do double check where the seller is located.

Any savings you could make may be offset by the costly delivery/pick up expenses if the seller is several counties away.

Viewing ads online either at dealer websites or at Teletext Cars is becoming the norm for sourcing a used motor.

Check any ad thoroughly though - for instance, if the ad features no mileage details, then it will most likely have done many, many thousands of miles.

Also, research the seller - use a search engine to see if any upset customers are venting their spleen by posting angry comments online about particular dealers.

A popular way to buy a used car is through online auctions such as eBay.

Before committing to a bid, check the seller's feedback rating to see if they have good reputation. Also ensure that they have the car's log book (V5 form).

Finally, don't get carried away with the bidding process. Bidding wars can break out and you could find yourself bidding over what you wanted to pay - remember, the winning bid is legally binding.

When phoning a private seller about their car, make sure it is to a landline i.e. their home, not just a mobile number.

Start with "I am calling about the car". If they reply "which one?", be wary - it could be a dealer flogging a car they can't shift due to its poor condition.

If the seller wants to show you the car anywhere but outside their own home, it may mean that they don't want you to know where they live because the car is dodgy.

Whether you're buying a used car through an online ad or via an auction site, it is essential to have a HPI check carried out.

This checks if the car has a 'history' - whether it is stolen, is a write-off or has any outstanding finance owing on it.

Also recommended is a vehicle inspection. This does cost in excess of one hundred pounds but that investment could save thousands in hidden repair costs later.

Never pay the asking price until you've actually seen the used car you're buying.

After all, does the car tally with the ad? Are the service records in order? Does the mileage reflect the car's appearance? Excessive stone chippings can betray its age. Also check that the car's VIN number matches the log book's.

Finally, go to the AA's website, which offers a printable document that includes a legal contract for the seller to sign.