The Lancashire Telegraph has launched its new used car website, which will compile the best deals on used car sales across Lancashire and the North West. To help you find your perfect next car we have created an infographic, giving a step by step guide on what to look for to get the best deal.

Buying a second hand car can be a great cost saver for many people, whether you are looking for a first car or hoping to get your dream car on a tight budget. Whilst new cars can lose up to 40% of their value within the first year, second hand cars hold their value and prove to be a great wallet-friendly alternative.

However as we all know, a used car can often come with many risks and pitfalls, especially if you’re unsure of what you should be looking for. This infographic, along with our tips below, can lead you through the process of purchasing a used car so that you don’t feel like you’ve been ripped off a few months down the line.

Budget

Budget can often be the key influential factor in any car purchase. It is extremely important to know the value of the car you are looking to buy, however many car buyers overlook the expense necessary to run and maintain the car.

After you’ve done the research on the make and model of the car you’re looking to buy, use comparison websites to estimate how much it’s going to cost you for fuel, services, insurance and tax, as these will be the biggest annual fees you will have to pay for.

Research  

Researching the value of a car can ensure that you’re not paying more than it may be worth, and you can get a really good idea of the kind of condition it should be in for its age. Use price comparison sites to find out what you should be paying, pay attention to the specification of the car as this can make a big difference to the price.

Look for cars that come with a full service history to minimise the chance of future mechanical issues which can be extremely costly to fix.

Time

As detailed in the infographic, checking a car should be quite a lengthy process in order to get a full understanding of its condition, so this activity should not be rushed.

Take time to visit the car during the day time, have a good look to get an understanding of its physical condition. Taking a test drive is a great way to ensure there are no obvious faults with the car, such as issues with the clutch, suspension or breaks. During the test drive you can also get a feel for the interior and make sure features such as the radio and speakers function as expected.

For the best local used car deals visit http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/cars