Bargain or scrap? What to watch out for before buying a used car!

What are you looking for and what budget do you have?

Nobody is looking for just any car. If you want to buy a used car, you already have an idea of ​​what you need. The good news is that the choice is vast for almost every segment of the market. Also as regards the budget: for example, it is possible to buy a Mercedes in good condition with the MOT valid for one year, for the modest price of 500-1000 euros. In this sense the market has changed in favor of the consumer. Even in the higher segments it is easy to find many good value used cars in el cajon.

However, it is just as easy to run into a scam. If the 1200 euro car breaks down in a year, it’s easier to accept than a 5000 euro car which gives you a lot of problems. An inexpensive car can be easily replaced. If you start investing a few thousand euros in the car for visits to the mechanic , it is often unacceptable.

Cost devaluation factor

Typically, the value of a used car halves over the course of five years. A car with a recent inspection and apparently in good condition can be valued between 800 and 1200 euros, even after ten years. Many factors influence this margin: the fundamental criteria are the mileage and the maintenance status, but it must also be considered that the trader tries to make the maximum profit.

Used car – buy from a private individual or in a dealership?

If you buy your car at a dealership, you can usually expect a one-year warranty. On the other hand, these retailers have much higher prices. The dealer is always under pressure and tries to get the best possible deal. If, on the other hand, you buy from a private individual. you have no guarantee. Usually private individuals sell their cars to get rid of it. Depending on the age of the car, a purchase from a private individual can therefore be cheaper.

What determines the commercial value of a used car?

The factors that influence the estimated value of the car are as follows:

– Original price

– Age

– Mileage

– Condition

– Maintenance-registration booklet

Of course, the original price, especially in the first five years, is the basis for the price evolution. This is why it is very important to know how much the car used to cost. A good alternative to new cars are cars that have not been used a little, i.e. employees’ cars or models for showrooms at a discounted price . The advantages of these cars are the low mileage, the warranty and the price, as they were bought with 30% discount from the list price.