Essential things to be kept in mind while buying a used car:

1. Which types of car do you need?
2. How much space do you require?
3. Which is better to buy; Petrol or diesel
4. Know the insurance and service costs
5. Do know whether you want an automatic or manual gearbox.

Where to buy?

1. Franchised dealers: These dealers generally have new cars, which has less mileage. But they charge a lot

2. Independent dealers: They provide the same facilities as of franchise dealer, but they have higher mileage.

3. Auctions: you will get lower prices here but you may get a bad car if a person is not careful.

Buyers beware:
Check the MOT certificate, registration document, call up the earlier owner and ask about the car, see that it is serviced and see that it is insured.

Do test drive:

1. Before buying see that the steering wheel and gear knob have not been damaged
2. Check the interiors that it is not worn out
3. See to it that all the electrics work

Basic checks:

1. See to it that the car does not have any dents or scrap in the body
2. Also check that the tyres are not worn out otherwise you have to spend to buy the new tyres
3. Do get an HPI check to see that the car does not have any outstanding finance
4. Also see that it has a spare and a master key.

Peace of mind:

1. When you buy a car through a dealer it will give u warranty but u have to pay more for his overheads. When buying a car privately do look after the following things:
2. Don't buy a car from a person who just gives his mobile number because you can't find him if something goes wrong with the car.
3. A car looks nice at night or during the rain because of its paintwork so never get influenced by it.
4. Go to the seller's house to check that the address that he has given in the registration document is correct.

Professional inspection
Before buying a car get it checked by a professional engineer as he will have the right tools and the right equipment and give you the correct picture of the car.

Doing the deal
The seller generally sets the price so don't pay more than that. If he is ready to give a discount that would be very good. Once you are settled with the price keep the following things in mind

1. Buying privately
Check the car properly because it would be difficult to get your money back again from a private seller. Try to give a banker's draft. Make sure that you have all the necessary documents, all the keys.

2. Buying from the dealer
Try to pay through debit or credit as it gives a legal protection. A banker's draft is still a good way to pay. Dealers have to correctly describe the car details, otherwise they have to provide another vehicle or refund the money.