car buying online Archives

Is Buying a Car Online Cheaper?

There’s no hard-and-fast answer to the question of whether it’s cheaper to buy a car online. Buying a vehicle online has its conveniences, but it does also have drawbacks, including limitations on your car finance eligibility.

What to think about when buying a car online

Consumers in almost every area are moving towards digital-first purchasing. Whether it’s your food shop, a new coat or even a car, there’s a lot to be said for the convenience of online purchases.

When it comes to buying a car, there are advantages to purchasing one online. Firstly, it saves you the time and effort of having to shop around different dealerships, and also reduces the pressure of haggling with a salesperson. Plus, if you know exactly what car you want and aren’t phased about test driving different models, then purchasing a car online can be expedient.

That said, there are potential drawbacks to buying a car online. Whilst purchasing a car on the internet ensures you won’t be pestered by any sales people, you’re less likely to be able to take advantage of discounts, and your potential to negotiate will be significantly reduced.

You’ll also be limited in terms of your car finance options. You’ll be able to fund the purchase of a vehicle online by way of a personal loan or a car loan, but other forms of car financing may not be available. Buying the car through a personal loan would also make you the car’s outright owner, which is a responsibility that you may not want.

Find out more about financing an online car

If you’re thinking about buying a car online but have questions about what kind of car finance this may afford you, contact our friendly car credit specialists today on enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

Where Do ‘We Buy Any Car’ Sell Their Cars?

With more than 400 branches across the UK, We Buy Any Car is one of the biggest and most recognised auto dealerships in the country. Headquartered in Surrey, the industry giant employees more than 700 people and prides itself on quick and easy service.

The promises are lofty, with the company pledging to “sell your car in under an hour” and value your car in just 60 seconds. The service has been an undeniable hit with British motorists, who have left more than 100,000 reviews on Trustpilot and an overall rating of ‘excellent’. That said, the reviews aren’t all glowing – we’ll touch more on that later.

So, what does We Buy Any Car do with its influx of vehicles? We take you behind the scenes and reveal where do We Buy Any Car sell their cars.

Dealerships, car supermarkets and auction houses

Where do We Buy Any Car sell their cars? When you sell your vehicle to this company, it’s generally heading straight to a nearby dealership where it will be sold at a profit to another driver. Alternatively, it may be listed on an online ‘car supermarket’ where it will also be sold at a profit.

If the car isn’t in great condition, it may be relocated to one of the company’s regional centres where it’s offered to a different set of car dealerships and traders. If the car isn’t sold here, it will likely be sent to a car auction and ideally sold for a profit, though this is not guaranteed.

This is why We Buy Any Car covets vehicles that are in good or excellent condition, as the chances of turning a profit are much higher. The risk of having to send a car to auction and losing money is much higher for older and less desirable vehicles.

The pros of We Buy Any Car

A tried and tested service that’s fast, easy and hassle free.
100,000 positive reviews on Trustpilot and an ‘excellent’ overall rating.
More than 400 branches across the UK, making the service easy to access from almost anywhere in the country.
Claims not to bombard you with ‘pushy sales tactics’ leaving you free to decide.

The cons of We Buy Any Car

Sellers generally receive a lower than market value price, even for cars in good or excellent condition.
Frequent reports of sellers receiving higher price quotes online, then being lowballed at the dealership.
Has previously been in hot water with bodies like the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) for misleading motorists.

Buying from We Buy Any Car

Now you know more about where do We Buy Any Car sell their cars, let’s cover how the service may affect you as a buyer. Chances are, you’ll come across cars purchased and resold by We Buy Any Car when shopping for a used vehicle. There are some great deals to snap up, but you do need to be savvy when browsing the market.

This is where My Car Credit comes in. We regularly vet all our preferred dealers for status with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), ensuring you receive transparency and excellent customer service. Coupled with award-winning and highly competitive rates and even poor credit car finance, My Car Credit is the best platform to use when shopping for a new set of wheels.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

How Much Does Car Finance Cost? Check Now!

Can I Finance an Automatic Car?

How to Finance a Car in 4 Easy Steps

Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

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Best Used Car Websites – Our Top 5

Person browsing the internet for the best used car websites

In many ways, finding and buying a used car has never been simpler thanks to the internet. Gone are the days when you came across second-hand vehicles with For Sale signs by the side of the road. Today, you pop online and search for them via the web and get access to thousands of results in a matter of seconds.

However, this is part of the problem. How do you know which website to trust and which to avoid? It’s an age-old question, but thankfully, My Car Credit has the answers. All you need to do is use our top five recommendations for the best used car websites, all of which you can find below.

1. Cazoo

Cazoo is a specialist in all things used car-related. Its unique selling point is that it offers its customers the entire package, from the motor itself to finance, delivery services and part exchanges. That means Cazoo is your one-stop-shop for all your vehicle requirements if you can’t afford to waste time and mess around with quotes from different providers.

There are 250 makes and models to choose from, so a lack of options is never an issue. Plus, reliability is a strong point because Cazoo owns all of its cars, which means it can give them a rigorous check before selling. Something interesting to watch out for is the subscription model of motoring, a market Cazoo welcomes with open arms.

2. Cinch

Cinch is another new motoring company that is performing well within a saturated market, hence it making our list of best used car websites. Part of the reason for this is that Cinch sticks to the basics, which is something customers love because it removes any confusion. You can expect any vehicle you look at to be no older than seven years old, travelled fewer than 70,000 miles, and pass a 225-point quality check.

Probably the biggest selling point for Cinch is its 14-day money-back guarantee that allows you to return your purchase for any reason within the deadline. Finance is available too, such as HP and PCP, as is a part-exchange. However, the latter is only for people who have bought an online model.

3. AA Cars

When you see AA, you know you can trust the brand. AA Cars is no different as the operator is one of the biggest classified platforms in the UK. This is down to the strict criteria that sellers must meet if they are allowed to advertise on the website. But this doesn’t put many individuals or companies off. Far from it. Typically, there are over 150,000 adverts from franchised and independent dealers, meaning you get an incredible combination of variety and peace of mind.

While AA Cars isn’t a vehicle seller, it does supplement its listings with accessories drivers need, such as breakdown cover and a vehicle history check. Most cars come with a 128-point check and an extensive report.

4. CarShop

CarShop has been one of the UK’s leading car supermarkets since 1997, making it the most established on our list of best used car websites. And, because it’s been servicing the industry for decades, it understands what features to focus on. For example, there is a 14-day money-back guarantee, similar to Cinch’s. It is worth pointing out that this is double Cazoo’s.

Next, there is a 586-point inspection, which is a couple of hundred points greater than its rivals. Of course, PCP and HP finance packages are also provided.

The best feature is the £99 refundable deposit you can put down to reserve a car. Whether you end up buying it or not, the reserve means you have the flexibility to shop around without missing out on suitable deals. No other used car website has this bonus, which is why it’s so impressive.

5. My Car Credit

We’d be silly if we didn’t include ourselves on a list of best used car websites! The reason being, as well as comparing finance deals across a large panel of lenders, My Car Credit wants to make it easier to ensure your next car is the right car. Using our My Car Search, you can find a quality used car in the same place you complete a car finance soft credit check.

All dealers are regularly vetted for financial stability and customer service in line with the Financial Conduct Authority. It’s simply a case of finding your favourite make and model from a wide selection of cars.

To find out more about My Car Credit and how we can help you, simply call us on 01246 458 810 or email enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

How Quickly Can You Buy a Car?

5 Best Car Picks for Elderly Drivers

What’s the Best Month to Buy a Car?

Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

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How Much Mileage Is Good for a Used Car?

UK motorway adding large mileage to a used car

It’s one of the most commonly asked questions whenever someone is searching for a second-hand set of wheels. As an important indicator of how intensively a car has been used – and how much longer it’s likely to last before significant maintenance work must be undertaken – used car mileage is a key consideration for any buyer.

However, it shouldn’t be the be-all and end-all when it comes to deciding whether or not to splash out on a used car. The age of the car, its service history and its current condition are all equally as indicative of a car’s likely longevity. With that in mind, weighing up all those factors is crucial to arriving at a balanced decision.

Age: just a number?

While most buyers will regard mileage as the chief concern when it comes to weighing up a car’s merits, its age can actually be just as influential on how much it could cost you further down the line. That’s because manufacturers are now offering longer warranties with their vehicles. This means that a younger car has a good chance of remaining eligible, while an older one could be discounted on those grounds before any other issues are taken into account.

For example, Kia has set the standard for others to follow when it comes to extended warranties, offering seven years on all of its models. Hyundai, Toyota, Mitsubishi and Subaru are not far behind, with five years of warranty provided for most of their vehicles. What’s more, Renault offer four years for the majority of their models. Remember, of course, that there is often a mileage ceiling for warranties as well – but that age is generally the first factor which will preclude a car from coverage.

Condition is key

Besides used car mileage and age, condition is another incredibly important factor to consider when buying a second-hand car. After all, a 10-year-old vehicle that has covered over 100,000 miles but has been driven sensibly, serviced on time and generally well cared for is a great proposition. In comparison, a car half its age, with a fraction of the mileage, driven recklessly and maintained on a shoestring budget is less so!

The cosmetic appearance of the car is the first thing you’ll notice about it, so pay attention to any dents, scrapes or bumps that haven’t been treated by its previous owners. This will give you an indication of their overall attitude towards the vehicle and will likely reflect how the car has been treated on the whole. The same goes for uneven paint jobs, rusting and discolouration. In addition, any grinding, juddering or unpleasant noises during a test drive are major red flags that shouldn’t be ignored.

As well as subjecting the car to a thorough examination and a test drive, it’s also essential that you cast an eye over the paperwork. Ask to see its complete service history – if one isn’t provided, steer clear straight away – and check for major surgery. In particular, look out for big ticket operations like cam belt replacement, which can affect many other components of the car. This could result in a hefty bill if the work needs to be carried out under your ownership.

How much mileage is good for a used car?

Having said all that, many buyers are still keen to have a ballpark figure in their head when it comes to considering used car mileage. As a general rule of thumb, a car is expected to cover an average of between 10,000 and 12,000 miles per year. With that in mind, it’s simply a case of doing the sums and checking to see whether your prospective new motor has been under or over-performing during its lifespan to date.

For those buyers who wish to take advantage of car financing to fund their purchase, it should be remembered that most lenders will put a cap on the number of miles a vehicle has driven to be approved for a deal. That exact figure will vary from lender to lender and can change depending on the unique circumstances of the arrangement. However, it’s normally around 100,000 miles. Bear that in mind if you wish to obtain a PCP, PCH or HP deal when buying a used car.

Extenuating circumstances

Of course, the above ballpark is meant merely as a guideline that can help influence your decision. There are also exceptions to the rule which can mean that a higher mileage isn’t necessarily indicative of a problem. For example, if the vehicle has been used as part of a professional fleet, it could easily cover upwards of 30,000 miles a year, which sounds like a lot of tarmac under its belt.

However, company cars often spend much more time driving in motorway conditions as opposed to urban metropoles. This can mean that the steady nature of coasting is far less taxing than the stop-start rhythms of a busy city centre. What’s more, a company-owned vehicle is almost certainly going to have been serviced regularly and cared for with a professional approach, meaning it’s less likely to suffer from serious issues under the bonnet.

Trust your instincts

When approaching a potential automotive transaction, thinking about how much mileage is good for a used car is a solid starting point, as is factoring in its age, track record and current condition. However, there’s simply no substitute for your own judgement when it comes to these matters. Buy with your head (and not with your heart) and you’ll find that your own instincts will often alert you to whether a deal is a sound investment or not.

Thankfully, much of your homework can be done in advance of an in-person inspection. With a wide variety of car buying sites available online, you can research different makes and models, ask questions of dealers and see 360° photos of the vehicles in question. You can even use a car finance calculator to ascertain how much the car will set you back in the long run through used car finance! Trust your gut, then reinforce that decision by doing your due diligence and you won’t go far wrong. Happy trails!

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

What’s the Cheapest Way to Finance a Car?

Can I Finance an Automatic Car?

What is the Oldest Car a Bank Will Finance?

Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

car buying car buying online high mileage mileage used cars

4 of the Best Online Car Buying Sites

Man sat at home shopping online for a new used car

Buying a new car was once something of a daunting prospect for many people, especially those who were in the market for a second-hand set of wheels. Limited knowledge of what goes on under the bonnet, alongside the unreliable reputation of used car salesmen in general, often meant a trip to a dealership forecourt was something that many people avoided like the dentist.

Fortunately, that kind of ordeal has become a thing of the past. The wonders of modern technology mean that the automotive market has, like many other industries, moved largely online. Nowadays, you can log on to any number of car buying websites to browse their available wares, peruse 360° photographs of the vehicles in question and even use car finance calculators to understand how much the purchase might cost you over time.

While this has undoubtedly made the whole process easier, fairer and more convenient, the sheer wealth of options out there can make it difficult to know where to begin. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the best online car buying sites on the internet today, along with a quick rundown of their USPs, benefits and drawbacks. And when you’ve finally struck upon the car of your dreams, you can count on My Car Credit to help you find the financing so that you can afford it. Read on to find out more about four of the best online car buying sites.

1. Auto Trader

First founded in 1975, Auto Trader is the oldest and most popular option for finding a new car on the internet. Once a hugely popular print magazine, Auto Trader migrated fully online in 2013 and has never looked back. Today, it’s the biggest database of new and used cars you’ll find anywhere in the UK, with over 90% of its more than half a million vehicles sourced from licensed dealers and the remainder sold by private owners.

Auto Trader has integrated a number of handy search functions into its site, allowing you to narrow the parameters based upon size, fuel type, emissions ratings and cost, both upfront and monthly should you choose to take a finance plan. However, visitors should be aware that the default search results are ranked according to the fee paid to the site by the dealer, so adjusting those rankings is paramount to finding the best deal for you and not the best deal for Auto Trader.

2. Motors

Motors has the second largest collection used cars online, though it does not stock new models and its overall listings still lag some way behind market leaders Auto Trader. Having said that, Motors has made great use of the available technology to create a site that’s incredibly user-friendly and easy on the eye at the same time.

With the use of clean graphics and an intuitive interface, Motors allows buyers to adjust their search according to a whole host of preferences, including things like the road tax that the car carries and the bells and whistles that it comes with. One slight drawback of Motors’ system is that the reviews left by other buyers on the site don’t always correspond to the image of the car in question, with reviews grouped together by make and model rather than individual vehicle.

3. Cazoo

Cazoo is one of the fastest growing sites for used cars in the UK, with over 250 makes and models to choose from. Their USP is that they were launched by those with a vested interest in facilitating the process of finding a new car, which means that every vehicle in their online showroom has been subjected to a meticulous 150-point inspection, as well as a recent service, MOT and reconditioning where necessary.

Cazoo also pride themselves on promoting transparency and fairness in every deal they do, so you don’t have to worry about hidden fees or costs when it comes to signing on the dotted line. Best of all, they offer a seven-day, no-questions-asked returns policy alongside a 90-day warranty, giving you complete peace of mind that your purchase is the right one for you.

4. Cinch Cars

Another up-and-coming star of the used car market, Cinch Cars are one of the best online car buying sites for those on the lookout for a second-hand vehicle with first-class quality. Each of the thousands of cars available in their database is less than seven years old and has fewer than 70,000 miles on the clock, so you can be sure you’re getting only the crème de la crème of used motors.

Like Cazoo, Cinch Cars also conduct a thorough inspection of each vehicle in their care, refusing to sell anything that doesn’t cut their mustard. What’s more, the entire process – from searching for your next ride to finding the finance to suit to signing the papers – can be handled online and you won’t even have to leave your home to get behind the wheel! That’s because Cinch offer a delivery service at the date and time of your choosing. Now that’s convenience.

Which is the best online car buying site?

To put it simply, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Each of the sites listed above come with their own unique advantages, meaning the one which is best for you will depend on your own preferences and tastes. Auto Trader and Motors both offer enormous databases of hundreds of thousands of vehicles, while Cazoo and Cinch Cars prioritise quality, transparency and convenience in their dealings.

Whatever site you decide to use for your next vehicle purchase, My Car Credit is here to provide the financing you need to seal the deal. We consider all circumstances – even if you have a poor credit rating or you’re a young driver – and we’ll give you a fair decision within minutes of receiving your application. Want to learn more? Give us a ring on 01246 458 810 or send us an email to enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk and we’ll start the ball rolling on your application today.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

How Quickly Can You Buy a Car?

5 Best Car Picks for Elderly Drivers

What’s the Best Month to Buy a Car?

Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

car buying car buying online online car finance

5 Tips for Buying a Used Car from a Dealer

Car buyer googling tips for buying a used car on macbook

Fourteen hours. That’s the average amount of time people take to research the used car model they want. This makes sense to us: buying a car is one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make. However, the same amount of time isn’t taken to research the car dealer to buy it from, which needs to change. We believe the right car will always come from the right place. Read on for our five tips for buying a used car from a dealer.

Choosing a reputable used car dealer comes down to lots of things. However, to make things a bit easier we’ve outlined the five main questions you should ask yourself before making any final decisions.

1. Does the dealer have a strong online presence?

A good, functional website is a positive sign of a reputable business. Take a look around and see if it’s easy to browse and navigate – a disorganised website could indicate a disorganised company.

Secondly, search for information around the dealer’s reputation. Any reputable company will want to promote the way they operate and their previous success. What’s more, you’ll also get a good indication of whether their approach to doing business matches with how you like things done.

Thirdly, make sure there is plenty of information on the cars they have listed. For instance, there should be be lots of images of the interior and exterior, a detailed record of specification, previous owners, mileage, etc.

2. Have you read the dealer’s reviews?

Reviews can give you a good understanding of the overall quality of the dealership. In addition, reviews give insight into their previous customers’ experiences. It is a great sign when the dealer is comfortable asking for reviews and posting them on their website or social media platform. This suggests that they are passionate and confident about their customer service.

As well as checking the dealer’s website, it’s also good to have a look at their social media platforms. Since these platforms encourage interaction between customers and business, you’ll get a good sense of their customer service levels. If there are questionable conversations on their social media platform, that’s not a good sign.

3. How long has the dealer been trading for?

Selling used cars can be a tough business so many used car dealers come and go. Of course, this can be due to a number of uncontrollable factors. However, it’s also important to consider that well-established dealerships remain in the market for a reason.

Bear in mind that if you have issues with your car and it is under warranty, you’ll not be able to get a resolution if they stopped trading twelve months earlier! Therefore, it is usually safer to choose a well-established dealership.

4. Is the dealer a member of any industry-recognised associations?

Being a member of recognised associations proves that you are proud of what you do. What’s more, you are willing to be held accountable for your work. All reputable dealers should display a trade association member logo. Probably more than other industries, this is considered a must in the car dealership trade.

Examples of associations that are worth looking out for are the ‘Financial Conduct Authority’ (FCA), the ‘Institute of the Motor Industry’ (IMI) or ‘Retail Motor Industry Federation’ (RMIF).

5. What aftercare would be available to you?

Buying a car is a substantial commitment. You’ll want to be sure that you are safeguarded if anything should go wrong. That’s why we believe every reputable dealer should have some form of aftercare scheme in place.

If a dealer is willing to offer good aftercare services (such as MOT, car repairs or car servicing) you know that they are committed to looking after their customers.

What My Car Credit offers

We recognised how challenging it can be to look for a used car. We hope these tips for buying a used car help you in your search. In addition, we have our own network of approved ‘My Car Dealers’.

My Car Dealers have been vetted by us for their status with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which establishes their trustworthiness and financial stability. What’s more, we conduct audits to ensure that they are personable too. You’ll get access to an extensive stock list of quality nearly-new and used cars. In addition, you can be confident that you’ll get a wide choice, the best experience and excellent after-sale service.

So, put these tips for buying a used car into action today and get the wheels in motion for your next car!

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

How Quickly Can You Buy a Car?

5 Best Car Picks for Elderly Drivers

What’s the Best Month to Buy a Car?

Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

car buying car buying online car buying tips car dealer consumer rights used cars

A Guide to Buying A Used Car Online

Two people searching online for their next used car

Online shopping has boomed in the last couple of decades, and car buying is no exception to the rule. Not only is buying a car online incredibly convenient, but you'll be able to search thousands of different makes and models, all from the comfort of your own home.

But what if you want to buy a used car? What are the differences with the sales process compared to purchasing a brand-new vehicle online, and are there any risks you’ll need to be aware of?

In this short guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know so you can search and buy your next used car online with total peace of mind.

Is buying a used car online safe?

More than likely, the very first concern you’ll have when buying a used car online is whether it’s safe.

It can be easy to focus on the negative stories you may hear about when browsing the web, but there is a perfectly safe way of purchasing a preowned vehicle online. Here are a few things to bear in mind:

Be aware of the dangers

While there are tonnes of great deals online, and many people have successfully purchased a used car online, there will always be situations where people can take advantage.

Only buy from an approved and reputable seller and be aware of online phishing. Anyone can put an ad out online, so do the proper due diligence to ensure the vehicle exists, and the registration number is valid. Sometimes, when the offer sounds too good to be true, it is!

If the worst happens and you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, the very first thing to do will be to report the issue to Action Fraud and contact your bank or building society to freeze your account temporarily.

Know your rights

Vehicles, new and used, bought through a dealership via ‘Click and Collect’ and ‘Click and Deliver’ fall under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Buyers have a 14-day money-back guarantee to return the car if they decide they have changed their minds. This forms part of ‘distance selling regulations’.

There isn’t the same protection when buying from a private seller. However, the car must still meet the description of the advert and be road-worthy. Otherwise, the buyer may claim a refund under the Misrepresentation Act. The seller must also have the legal right to sell it.

It’s important to remember that when buying a used car privately, the buyer is responsible for ensuring that the vehicle is fit for purpose.

Do your research

As you would with any sizable purchase, it is crucial to do the necessary research into the product you are buying and check whether it matches the ad’s description.

If you are buying a used car from a local dealer, you’re given the freedom to inspect and test drive the car for yourself before parting with any cash. Where you cannot inspect the car, many dealerships and online dealers will provide you with comprehensive images of the vehicle along with videos and walk-arounds. Plus, you are protected by the distance selling regulations should a vehicle not live up to its description.

Be wise about payment

There are several ways to pay for a used car online, and there are different ways to ensure it’s safe, depending on who you are purchasing from.

When buying from a private seller, you should never hand over cash without seeing the vehicle beforehand. Reputable dealers and garages will always represent the car’s history, mileage, and condition in the advertisement correctly. However, if you’re unfortunate to come across a dodgy seller, it is comforting to know you haven’t parted with your money if the product doesn’t match the expectation.

Buying a used car from a dealer is much lower risk, and most will offer finance packages, allowing you to spread the cost across two to five years, dependent on the type of car finance you go for.

Arranging tax and insurance for a used car

Once you’ve placed an order or made a successful bid for a used car, you need to consider the best insurance policy for the vehicle. You can browse prices on comparison websites while you wait for delivery or pick up the car and then arrange for the insurance to start on the day it arrives.

Since you’re buying a used car, you may be conscious of any rising costs. If this is the case, there are certain modifications you can make to your insurance to lower the price. These include:

Have a black box fitted to monitor and carefully set premiums based on your driving habits.
Pay all of the policy off in one go rather than monthly or weekly.
Ensure the car is parked on a private driveway or garage rather than at the roadside.
Put the car on a multi-car insurance policy.
Improve your credit rating.
Remove any unnecessary extras you may not need.

A used car will more often than not be cheaper to insure than a brand-new model, but you need to consider that the age of used cars can make them more likely to break down and need maintenance. Repairs could hike up the overall cost significantly, which is why research and inspection are so vital.

You won’t be able to tax the vehicle until it is in your possession as you will need the official licensing documents. But don’t worry, this is a quick process that can be done over the phone or online, meaning you’ll be out on the road in no time.

Is it a good idea to finance a used car?

A used car financing deal can be a superb choice if you are money conscious or wish to spread the costs over months or years. The exact length of time it will take to pay off the car fully will vary depending on your agreement with the dealer or seller, so there is room for flexibility.

The two most popular ways of financing a car are Hire Purchase (HP) and Personal Contract Purchase (PCP).

With HP agreements, the cost of the car plus interest is spread across a set period of time. Once you’ve paid in full, the car then becomes your property. PCP agreements differ slightly, with lower payments across the term but with a deferred ‘optional final payment’ (sometimes called ‘balloon payment’) at the end in order to own the car. We cover more about these two car finance options on a separate article.

To secure a finance agreement, buyers need to pass a credit score check, as well as provide proof of identification and any other requested car finance paperwork. You can also opt to pay a deposit up front, but this is not a requirement. To ensure you’re in the best position to get accepted, you’ll need an active credit history to show you can manage money responsibly such as an owning active credit card, having a mobile phone contract or being on the electoral roll.

Getting finance deals on private sales, such as auctions or online bidding sites, is much rarer and complex. Cash, a personal loan or paying with a credit card tend to be the more favoured choices.

Do you need further help with buying a used car online?

As long as you avoid the pitfalls and do the critical research, buying a used car online could be one of the best things you’ll ever do and could save you thousands of pounds compared to buying brand new. There are plenty of reliable dealers and sellers out there that make purchasing a stress-free breeze.

However, you might still want that extra hand understanding all the specifics of finding a safe dealer and calculating the finance rate payments. That’s where My Car Credit can step in.

Simply give us a call on 01246 458 810 or drop us an email at enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk – one of our friendly specialists will be in touch shortly.

For additional information, you can also explore our the hundreds of helpful blogs and articles we have created to support you in your car buying journey.

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