CONSIDERING getting a new set of wheels? Buying a used car can be tricky and costly, so we asked Dan Meeghan, UK country lead at motor-checking app Carly, for his advice. 7 Five tips to help you driver hard bargain and buy a second-hand motor for less Credit: Getty Here are his steers . .
. CHECK THE CONDITION: Before purchasing a vehicle, assess potential future fixes. A well-maintained motor should not present immediate repairs, so you need to find out how regularly it has been serviced.
Services at authorised dealerships should include a vehicle health check, which points out necessary upcoming repairs. IT’S ALL HISTORY: Investigating the car’s MOT history provides insight into how well it has been maintained. Ideally, you want evidence of issues being addressed promptly.
An owner who has done that is likely to have maintained the vehicle well, reducing risk of future problems. PRICE IT RIGHT: Research the vehicle’s value compared to similar models online to understand if the price is reasonable. Most read in Money LEXI'S BATTLE Amanda Holden’s daughter Lexi rushed to hospital with life-threatening bug PLUSH PAD Ryan Christie forks out almost £900k for flat in expensive Scotland street GOLDEN YEARS Commonwealth Gold hero unrecognisable & now a cleaner 10 years after victory GERS 0 MAN UTD 2 Clement needs new stars fast as former Ger stuns old club at Murrayfield Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, as they are often indicative of underlying problems.
There’s always room for negotiation — and take into account future costs, such as a need for new tyres or brakes. Five steps to get a better deal on your next car WATCH OUT: If buying a used car from a dealership, keep price negotiations separate from discussions about extras and financing. Evaluate each additional product or service offered in terms of cost and necessity to ensure a fair deal.
Avoid being swayed by any attractive monthly payments without understanding the total financial commitment — and don’t be afraid to take your time. SUMMER SENSE CHECK: When buying at this time of year, consider issues that might worsen in winter. Take at least a 30-minute test drive to let the engine reach full temperature, then turn it off and see if it restarts easily when hot.
Cars can perform differently at various temperatures due to component expansion. Check the air-con works, and that the heaters function properly once the car is up to temperature. Check out the new free Used Car History Checker at mycarly.
com. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
Deal of the day 7 Save £40 on this hanging chair Credit: Supplied RELAX in your own hanging chair – this one was £150, now £110 at onlinehomeshop. com, plus it folds away so it’s perfect for cosy spaces. SAVE: £40 Cheap treat 7 Save 75p on a pack of Rowntrees watermelon lollies with a Tesco Clubcard Credit: Supplied COOL down with a pack of Rowntrees watermelon lollies, usually £2.
50, now £1.75 when you use a Tesco Clubcard . SAVE: 75p What's new JUST in time for the school holidays, kids now eat free at PizzaExpress when adults buy a main course.
The free Piccolo meal includes dough balls, pizza or pasta and a drink. Offer ends August 11. Top swap 7 This Beauty Light Wand in Pinkgasm is £30 at Charlottetilbury.
com 7 But the Lottie London Cheeky Glow Wand in Rose Bubbles is just £7.95 Credit: Supplied GIVE yourself a fabulous sunkissed glow with a charlottetilbury.com Beauty Light Wand in Pinkgasm, priced £30, or try the Lottie.
London Cheeky Glow Wand in Rose Bubbles, £7.95. SAVE: £22.
05 Little helper CLAIM one of 5,000 free gelatos at Bella Italia! Get the Carbonara Sundae or two scoops of your favourite gelato by signing up for their newsletter at bellaitalia.co.uk/sign-up to get a voucher.
Offer ends July 28. Shop & save 7 Save £21 on the Chad Valley Pirate Ship pool at Argos Credit: Supplied NO need to splash out on pricey garden toys – the Chad Valley Pirate Ship pool was £30, now £9 at Argos. SAVE: £21 Hot right now MAKE like the Love Islanders and get 33 per cent off strip lashes at eyelashemporium.
com, plus a free Strip Lash Cleanser worth £7.95 with every order. PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 7 Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.
Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Read more on the Scottish Sun TES-GO! ‘Grab me 2 for that price’ cry shoppers as garden buy slashed to £7.45 in Tesco PLUSH PAD Ryan Christie forks out almost £900k for flat in expensive Scotland street Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.
The more codes you enter, the more tickets you'll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!.
