Buying a Used Car

Shopping for a used car can be exciting, but it can also feel a little overwhelming at first. With so many options out there, from sporty Audi’s and reliable Volkswagens to family friendly SUVs and compact town cars, it’s not always easy to know where to begin - but looking for the best used car is a journey that can lead to the perfect destination when you find the model that is right for you.

The good news? Finding the right place to buy a used car doesn’t have to be complicated. With the correct approach, you can enjoy peace of mind, great value and drive away in something that matches you to a tee!

Grey Audi A5 Sportback rear angle

Top Websites for Used Cars

These days, most people start their search online, it’s a quick way to see what’s available and you can get a feel for current prices. Whether you’re at home with a cup of tea or scrolling on your phone during a break at work, browsing online gives you the chance to narrow down your options before you step onto a forecourt.

That said, not all websites offer the same reassurance. Marketplace sites can be useful for research, but when it comes to actually buying, many people prefer going straight to a trusted retailer. Dealership websites, like ours at Swansway, make it easy to search by brand, mileage, or price and every car listed has already been checked over by experts. It’s that little bit of extra peace of mind you don’t always get elsewhere when looking to buy a car.

Best Places to Find Used Cars

So, where’s the best place to find your next car? Well, that depends on what matters most to you. If choice and security are your priorities, then dealerships are hard to beat. Not only do you get a wide selection of vehicles from premium brands like Audi and Volkswagen, to budget friendly options, but you also get the reassurance of warranties and thorough inspections.

For many drivers, it’s this combination of choice and confidence that makes dealerships the go to option, especially if you’re after something as dependable as a Volkswagen Golf or as refined as an Audi A4.

Family getting out of a Used Audi

Where to Buy Reliable Used Cars

Reliability is a big factor when you’re spending your hard earned money on a car. While private sales can sometimes seem tempting, they don’t offer much in the way of protection if something goes wrong. Buying from an established retailer means every car has been checked, paperwork is in order, and you’ve got somewhere to turn if you need help after driving away.

At Swansway and Motor Match, we put all our cars through thorough checks so you can be confident that you’re getting a vehicle that’s not only stylish, but safe and reliable too.

Essential Tips for Buying Used Cars

It’s always worth taking your time and thinking about the bigger picture when you’re buying a car. Rather than focusing only on the price, think about running costs like fuel economy, tax, and insurance. A car might look like a bargain at first glance but could cost more in the long run.

Checking the service history is another great way to understand how well the car has been looked after, and if you can take it out for a test drive, sometimes you only know a car is right for you once you’ve felt it out on the road.

Online vs In Person Car Shopping

One of the biggest changes in recent years is the way people buy cars. More drivers than ever are happy to reserve their next car online, complete the paperwork digitally, and then simply collect it from the showroom. It’s quick, convenient, and can be done from the comfort of your sofa.

On the other hand, nothing quite beats sitting behind the wheel and seeing how a car feels before you buy it. That’s why so many people choose a mix of the two, reserving online, then popping into the dealership for a test drive before making the final decision.

vw tiguan allspace driving on a road

Finding the Best Used Car Deals

If you’re hoping to save money, there are a few ways to find a good deal without cutting corners. Nearly new cars such as ex-demonstrator or pre-registered models, often have very low mileage but come at a lower price than brand new versions.Seasonal offers can also be worth looking out for, as dealerships often refresh their stock and run promotions throughout the year. If you’ve got a car to part exchange, that can bring the cost of your next car down too.

How to Choose the Right Used Car

Think about your lifestyle first, and the right car often becomes obvious. If you’ve got a growing family, something with space like a Volkswagen Tiguan or Audi Q5 might suit you better. If you’re looking for something sleek but practical, the Audi A3 or VW Golf are always solid choices. If keeping costs low is the priority, a smaller hatchback or hybrid could tick all the boxes.

The key is to picture how you’ll use your car day to day, school runs, motorway commutes, weekend getaways and make sure the one you choose fits that routine comfortably.

man using hands free tailgate on vw touran

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Used Cars

One of the most common mistakes people make is rushing into a purchase. It’s tempting to go for the first car that looks like a bargain, but without checking the history or condition, it can end up costing more in the long run. Another easy mistake is forgetting to factor in things like insurance or road tax which can quickly add up.

While it can feel like an extra step, always try to take the car for a test drive. You’ll learn far more about how it suits you in ten minutes on the road than you will from photos and descriptions.

Where’s the Best Place to Buy a Used Car?

The truth is the best place to buy a used car is wherever you feel most confident and supported. For many drivers, that’s a trusted dealership, somewhere with a wide choice of vehicles, proper checks, and friendly experts to guide you through the process.

At Swansway Motor Group, we pride ourselves on making the journey as smooth and stress-free as possible, whether you’re browsing online, visiting us in person, or a little bit of both. With quality used cars from top brands like Audi and Volkswagen, as well as plenty of choice across other makes and models, finding your perfect car has never been easier.

Browse our latest used Audi and Volkswagen stock

HP Finance representative example

Total cash price£33,109.Borrowing£39,950with a£1,250deposit at a representative APR of10.3%.

  • Cash Price£33,109
  • Deposit£1,250
  • APR10.3%
  • Monthly Payment£806
  • Rate of interest10.33%
  • Total Payable£39,950
  • Term48 months
  • Total Deposit£1,250
  • Deposit Contribution£250

Frequently Asked Questions on used cars

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