Buying a used car is not the same as getting your older sibling’s hand-me-downs. For one thing, it’s your choice to buy a pre-loved car, and for another, you have a wide range of vehicles to choose from! And buying second-hand doesn’t just have to be a worthy course, taken to protect the environment or to save a few pounds (although the second-hand market does both!) You can find a used car that is both stylish and practical and that will not break the bank. Let’s take a look.
What’s the Budget?
First of all, work out how much you will need to be able to afford a good second-hand car. While they are cheaper than new models, used cars are still a considerable investment of your hard-earned savings. It is estimated that around 35% of people looking to buy a pre-owned car want to pick one up for under £15,000, and a staggering 74% – nearly three quarters of all those looking to pick up a used car – want to walk away having spent less than £20,000. And most of them are ultimately successful, assuming they manage their expectations about what is actually available! So, bearing these figures in mind, set your budget before you begin to narrow down your choices.
What Do You Need in a Car?
Of course, there is no point in buying a small Fiat, for example, if you have four children who all indulge in equipment-heavy activities: musical instruments; American football gear and even swimming kit all take up a lot of space in the boot or on the back seat of the car. Also decide what the car will be needed for outside the daily round. If you all enjoy camping, for example, and head off once a month or so, choose a car that will be able to tackle rougher roads, longer drives and be able to hold all the camping equipment that you’ll need. A great way to help pick a style and size of vehicle is to pop into a used car dealership, to see what they have on offer. If you find used cars with KAP Motor Group’s used car dealerships, they will have a range of used cars for you to try out for size and durability, plus they offer great warranties and post-sales options that can offer you peace of mind and great savings.
Some Choices to Consider
Some excellent second-hand options to think about:
- SEAT Leon Cupra: A sporty hatchback, this car – first produced in 2014 – offers surprising manoeuvrability and verve, while being an entirely practical small car, perfect for couples or one-child families who love to travel
- Volvo V70: Volvo have long been famed for their family-friendly sturdiness, and this estate car is no different. Plenty of space and easy handling combine with a sleek exterior, giving you the best of both worlds
- Škoda Octavia Mk3: Škoda have morphed, over the last twenty years or so, from something of a laughing stock to a respected manufacturer of sleek luxurious-looking cars that come with a surprisingly modest price tag. Indulge your love of luxury with your inner frugality and try one of these sleek and stylish beauties
The world of second-hand cars makes it easier than ever for drivers to have the car of their dreams for less than they might expect.
