Buying used cars can save you a considerable amount of money compared to the cost of buying brand new cars from the showroom. Many second hand cars can still be essentially good as new, provided their owners have treated them well and kept up with maintenance, and when you consider that a car loses most of its resell value within the first three years of its manufacture, it makes clear financial sense to look for vehicles that have already had at least one careful owner.

However, buying used cars also brings its own unique dangers, which inexperienced motorists often fall victim to if they haven’t carried out their research. The good news is that it doesn’t take long to learn and master the skills of a savvy used car buyer, so you’ll know what to look for and can avoid paying too high a price or being conned with an unreliable vehicle.

Perhaps the best place to turn when you’re looking for your next car is to people within your own social circle, including your family and work colleagues, to see whether anyone is thinking of selling their car. You can usually receive a fairer price from someone you know, and both parties will have the peace of mind of knowing each other beforehand.

This isn’t always an option of course, but fortunately you won’t have to look too far to find high quality used cars for sale. Cars may be being sold out of driveways in your own street or neighbourhood, or there may be a used car auction coming up which can be the best place to bag bargains. Classified ads in your local paper can also be a valuable resource, and don’t overlook the internet as a great place to find more low-cost local deals.

When you’ve found a car you’re interested in, you’ll need to know what to look for. Even a quick visual inspection can reveal major faults that could knock the price down or cause you to look elsewhere, and asking for a test drive could give you a clearer idea of how the car behaves. You shouldn’t let any component pass you by on your scrupulous examination, from the condition of the headlights and brakes to the air conditioning system, tyres and car radio.

You should also ensure the previous owner provides you with a full repair history of the vehicle as well as its ownership history, as this could be vital when arranging your new car insurance or when taking your new vehicle for servicing.