It’s all too easy to get carried away with the excitement when you are searching for a used car to buy, but act in haste, and you could regret it.

The good news is that by asking the right questions and doing a bit of essential homework you can narrow your search down and choose from a proven selection of reliable used cars.

Here’s some essential tips that will help lead you to a great car buy.

Take your time and have a good look around

Once you think you have pinpointed a vehicle that warrants your attention your next course of action is to arrange to view it in the flesh.

Even if the car looks stunning and immaculate at first glance, it’s really important to take your time to look around the exterior and interior of the car. These checks will allow you to look for any blemishes like scratches or dents that weren’t mentioned. Check to see if the tires look worn or have uneven treads, as this can sometimes be an indication that it has alignment or suspension issues.

When looking inside the car try to gauge whether it has the look and feel of a vehicle that matches the description, especially age and mileage. A low-mileage car shouldn’t have too much wear and tear, so that’s a red flag if the seats look tired.

Make sure everything works

Don’t ever be made to feel rushed or intimidated into agreeing to buy without being satisfied that you have checked everything works as it should do.

Be sure to check simple things like the windows, radio, locks, and headlights, for instance, all work as they should do. Ask to start the engine, and check the lights that come up on the dashboard to see if there are any warnings to note.

Go for a test drive

Once you are satisfied with the vehicle’s condition and checked that everything works as intended, the next step is to take it for a spin.

Pay attention to how smooth the ride is and how well the brakes respond. Don’t have the radio on when you are taking a test drive. This enables you to focus on how the car is driving and allows you to listen out for any unusual or concerning mechanical sounds such as grinding or clunking noises.

Be sure to check the paperwork thoroughly

If you are happy with the car’s condition and the way it drives, it’s time to negotiate and agree a deal to buy.

As part of that process, it’s imperative to diligently check all the paperwork. That includes seeing proof of ownership and seeing receipts for servicing and repairs. If the seller is claiming that the car has a service history it’s perfectly acceptable to ask to see that paperwork before sitting down and signing a deal to purchase.

Although these steps might seem like pure commonsense, it’s sometimes easy to forget or dismiss the need to carry out some necessary checks. Before you get carried away with the excitement of owning an attractive used car, make sure you have truly found a great buy.