Facebook no script

How do I know if a used car is too expensive?

The price of pre-owned cars might be on the rise, but how can you tell if that car you are looking at is too expensive?

Buying a Car

Since the global pandemic has slowed the production of semiconductor chips and subsequently affected new car assembly globally, we have seen a shortage of new cars, and indeed, the price of pre-owned products skyrocket. Despite the hike in pre-owned car prices, it is entirely possible that that car you have your eye on is overpriced, so how do you ensure that you are paying the right amount for your next ride? We have a few ways that you can avoid this.

Compare, compare, compare

Since you have access to a large motoring marketplace in the form of AutoTrader, you can fill in the specifics of the vehicle you are looking at and have similar vehicles with which to compare pricing. 

Do an evaluation

At AutoTrader we have developed a Car Valuation tool that will allow you to put the details of the car you are after into our system in order to determine an approximate value, allowing you to see what you should be paying.

Inspect the roadworthy

The vehicle that you are purchasing should go for a thorough inspection before you go ahead with the deal, so have a good look through the report and ensure that there are no glaring issues that will cost you down the line. Also, use this inspection report as a negotiation tool to ensure that you are paying the right price for the vehicle in question.

Use our data

The AutoTrader Industry Report 2021 is a handy guide, providing the average mileage and price for six of the most popular vehicle body types, which can be used as a reference when shopping for a pre-owned vehicle.

Author - Sean Nurse

Written by Sean Nurse

With a lifelong passion for cars, bikes, and motorsport, Sean knew that attaining a degree in journalism would allow him to pursue his passion, which was to be a motoring journalist. After graduating in 2012, Sean was awarded a bursary from the SAGMJ which allowed him to work for a variety of motoring publications. This was a dream come true for Sean, and after a year of gaining vital industry experience, he was hired as a motoring journalist at a local newspaper and worked his way up to editor. In 2020, Sean joined the AutoTrader team and counts himself lucky to wake up and genuinely love what he does for a living.Read more

More categories

All
Automotive News
Buying a Car
Car Ownership
Selling a Car
Electric Cars
Buyer's Guide