Second Hand Cars UK: Part One: Choosing a Car

Choosing to buy a second hand car over a new car in the UK is often a financial decision as well as one based on motoring values. However a quality used car made in Britain can often last you just as long or more years than you would get out of some new cars these days. It is important however that you choose a UK make and model that will give you value for money. There is no point in spending £1000 less than you would on a new car and having it break down in a year; that is not getting the most for your money.

When you are deciding which second hand car UK you would really like, there are several things to think about; where will I be driving, how much petrol do I use, am I a confidant driver? etc. You also need to think about the manufacturer's reputation as a maker of quality, long-lasting cars.

Where Do You Drive In The UK?
If you will be driving in a UK town or city a smaller car is best as this will be easier to manoeuvre and park in tight spaces. Should you be driving along tracks or country lanes in the UK, a 4X4 might be an option as it will allow you to see over hedges and round corners for oncoming vehicles. Think about getting a car with a larger engine if you need to be able to overtake on your daily commute, likewise, go for a smaller engine if you like driving at a steadier speed.

UK Petrol Problems
The price of the car itself is not the only expenditure you will have over the rice of your car. Insurance, tax, petrol; all of these will cost you money for the life of your new car, especially with the price of petrol in the UK. If you know that you will be driving long distances, choose a car that does not use too much petrol; a smaller engine is best. Alternatively, if you do not drive that far and like to be able to quickly accelerate; go for a bigger engine. However do not buy a particular car just because it can go fast- there is no point in spending more money on petrol just for the badge on the front of the car.

UK Manufacturers
When thinking about UK manufacturers there are so many to choose from; do you pick a foreign make or stick with a British name for example. Vauxhall cars are great; they have a history of reliability and both the corsa and astra are good choices. Other reliable makes include Ford, Land Rover and Volkswagen. Stick with second hand cars UK if you want to support national companies.

Buying and running a car is expensive, so you need to think carefully about the make, model, fuel type and engine size of the vehicle you want. Take the above points into consideration and if you have any other driving needs think about these too. Try to decide on one or two manufacturers which you would prefer your new car to be made by; this will make looking for a second hand car in the UK easier.