| The vast majority of people in the UK can't afford to | | | | finance dealer, even from a mate down the pub! |
| buy a brand new car, and why would you want to | | | | Though it's possible to get some real bargains |
| anyway? In terms of investments, new cars are one | | | | through the less official channels, you've really got to |
| of the worst; as soon as you drive it off the | | | | know a bit about cars to avoid landing yourself with |
| showroom floor - you've just lost 20% of its value. | | | | a vehicle which has some serious underlying |
| In real terms, this means that if you've just spent | | | | mechanical problems. |
| £20,000, you can kiss £4000 goodbye | | | | For this reason, many people prefer to buy used cars |
| almost straight away! Within five years, it will have | | | | from established second hand dealers. You tend to |
| lost almost 50% of its original value - so unless | | | | pay a little more, but you car comes with something |
| you've got money to burn, buying a brand new car is | | | | not normally offered by the man down the pub - |
| not the best way to get your hands on a motor. | | | | peace of mind. With a used car dealership, every car |
| Used cars generally offer a far better deal; the price | | | | will have to undergo a thorough inspection by a |
| of a car that is over two years old will have already | | | | qualified mechanic, so you can be pretty sure that it |
| dropped considerably, a car which is six or more | | | | won't break down the drive it away. Many used car |
| years old can be up to 75% cheaper than when it | | | | dealerships also offer certain optional guarantees, and |
| was new. | | | | extended warranties, thereby further reducing the |
| But of course there can be more risk when buying a | | | | chances of you being left out of pocket sometime |
| used car. When buying new, a car tends to come | | | | down the line. |
| with all sorts of warranties and guarantees that will | | | | In conclusion, unless you're a mechanical genius or |
| cover the costs of any problems should they occur | | | | you just enjoy taking risks, your best bet for |
| during the first three years after purchase. However, | | | | avoiding a banger is to visit a used car dealership, |
| the used car market is much more variable; you can | | | | spend time talking to the sales guys, don't appear |
| buy a car from any number of sources: from | | | | too keen and be ready to walk away if the price isn't |
| newspaper classifieds, from eBay, from a used car | | | | right. |