Advice To Those Looking At Approved Used Cars

A checklist of considerations when looking at approved used cars such as the Audi A3, BMW M5 and Citroen C6.

Most people now realise that buying a brand new car is rarely advisable, the premium that you pay to be the first to drive a car away is huge. It may have that new car smell but it will most likely be a waste of money. Add the high rates of depreciation that accompanies most new cars and it would truly be foolhardy to buy new. A far better idea is to look at approved used cars such as an Audi, BMW, Ford or Renault. Unbelievable deals can be had when buying used, and when they have been approved by dealerships at least you know the condition of the car will also be good.

When you are looking at an approved used car it is important to study all of the cars in that particular range. For instance, the Audi A6, Citroen C6 and the BMW 6 Series could all be defined as saloon cars. It is important to make comparisons such as whether the Audi has a better fuel efficiency than the BMW or whether the Citroen has better safety features than its German equivalent. It is a long a studious choice that will take time and should be deliberated carefully; after all a car, new or used is an expensive item that is an investment as much as a vehicle.

Depreciation rates make an approved used car the ideal alternative to buying new. Recent reports have shown that on average a new car will depreciate as much as thirty five percent in its first year and a further thirty percent over the next five. Hence, buying a car that is reaching the five year mark is usually advisable, especially when considering the prices of premium companies such as Mercedes, Audi and BMW. In some respects the name of the game when buying a car is to minimise the damage it will cause to your wallet, this is why buying an approved used car, that can limit maintenance costs is worthwhile.

Running a car is becoming increasingly expensive with rises in fuel costs and garage bills. Fuel efficiency should be a major concern, keeping away from models such as the BMW X5 and instead buying a fuel efficient car such as an Audi A3 or the Toyota Corolla will limit the costs of fuel. If you wanted to get an even more fuel efficient car however, hybrid cars are becoming increasingly popular thanks to their high efficiency and eco-friendly selling point. With the environment becoming evermore etched on many people's consciences the drive towards hybrid and other fuel efficient cars is unsurprising.

Before you sign on the dotted line for any approved used car however a test drive is essential. This will allow you to get a feel for the car and gain an awareness of any problems that may become apparent. Remember however if you are driving a car of a sporty nature such as the Audi S3, BMW M5 or Alfa Romeo Brera do not be overcome by the performance and form an emotional attachment; it is important to keep a cool head and make a logical decision.

It is usually worth taking someone with you who has a good knowledge of cars when you are thinking of getting an approved used one. Their knowledge can be invaluable as they can have a look under the bonnet and check out the engine, from this they should be able to gain an understanding of the quality of the car more generally.

Ultimately the choice of approved used car is yours, it is hard to not get attached to a specific car and only want that one; for instance mine at the moment is the Audi TT although I am still waiting for the newer models to reach the approved used stage. Try and stay logical and make an informed decision, by following this advice motoring heaven shouldn't be far away.

About the author: Motoring expert Thomas Pretty looks into the downsides of buying new and why a car like an approved used Audi is a great way to make savings.