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Buying a secondhand car can save you lots of money, but you want to make sure that the vehicle you're getting is in working order and won't let you down soon after you've bought it. Criminals and unscrupulous owners who lie about a vehicle's history are active on the used car market, ready to sell dodgy vehicles to unsuspecting buyers. Consumers need to be aware of what to look out for when they buy a used car.
Buying a secondhand car in Spain involves some paperwork. The buyer must register the car in his name, and the seller must notify the local traffic department of the transfer. Motor tax is payable on cars in Spain, as is a fee for registration. Cars must also have a valid Inspección Técnica (ITV) test certificate to be driven on the road.
Buying a secondhand car can you save you a lot of money over buying a new one, but only if you're careful and know what you're doing. If you spend less to buy an inferior or problematic car, you will pay more in the long run to keep it running, and you'll experience the inconvenience and frustration of having an unreliable car. Learn everything you can about a car before you buy it.
Buying a used car in Ireland can be done in one of three ways: through a dealer, through a private seller or by auction. Advertisements can be seen online through car sales websites, in newspapers or on dealer lots. Documentation that should be provided with the car are the registration documents, a National Car Test (NCT) certification (cert) for cars over four years old and registered before January 1980 and a motor tax certificate. Sellers should complete a change of ownership form at the time of sale.
You can buy secondhand cars in France from a registered dealer, through local newspaper advertisements or at auctions. The advantage of using a dealer is that you normally get a one-year guarantee, and the paperwork is usually in order.
Proper research and preparation will eliminate some of the risk in buying a secondhand car, according to the How to Buy A Used Car website. Reading consumer reports and car reviews, and asking the right questions, help to ensure a good transaction.
Buying a vehicle from a private seller is generally cheaper than from a dealer, but precautions should be taken to protect yourself from paying too much, or from purchasing a mechanically problematic vehicle.
Buying a used car can cost you more money than the car is worth. To prevent future headaches, research, take your time and know your options before you make a purchase.
