If your child has just passed their driving test, you are naturally going to want to pay close attention to the car they are driving.
Safety and price will of course be chief among your concerns, but there are many other features to be aware of in order to settle on a vehicle which satisfies both parent and young driver.
RRG Group has experienced this situation with second hand vehicles a popular option when buying that first car. With Christmas just around the corner, it is likely to become a hot topic among families across the country.
Some things to consider when buying a used car
Price
While safety will of course be your biggest consideration, it is likely that price will prove the biggest sticking point when discussing the purchase. Of course, this all depends on individual circumstance; if your child is putting in some of the money then they are less likely to push for a more expensive option.
There are also things like insurance, running costs and after care to consider. Anyone who has ever bought a car knows that the rates are significantly higher for younger drivers, while if the car is being used for longer journeys you should consider its running costs.
Try to find a retailer who offers an after sales service, too, as this will ensure someone will be there to help when you need it. This is something we offer at our Manchester used car centres, and in our experience this is a sure way to improve customer satisfaction. In particular, look out for MOT services and accident repair.
Setting a budget beforehand is always a good idea, and if you’re searching online you should look for sites that allow you to put a budget filter in place so that your child won’t be drawn towards vehicles that are too expensive.
Safety
You will want to find out as much as possible about your used car before buying, and you should be able to get your questions answered in a straightforward, honest manner. If this doesn’t happen, you should back away from the deal.
For example, at our Manchester used car dealerships we have experienced staff on hand to answer all your queries personally prior to purchase, which really is the best way to ensure peace of mind. A full service history will reveal if there is anything untoward, such as the car being listed as stolen, while you should certainly ask to see original copies of all the relevant documents, including a MOT certificate.
Again, an online search could help you narrow the field in this regard – many parents would be horrified at the thought of their child behind the wheel of a sports car or 4×4, so eliminate these from your results.
Keeping your child happy
These are just a few pointers, and of course there are many more factors to consider in this important decision, such as the colour of the car, which is often one of the most important features for teenage drivers out to impress their friends.
In order to be absolutely sure you’ve got things right, you should check out your options in person.
With a little compromising here and there, you should be able to find something that keeps everyone happy.