Second hand cars can offer extraordinary value, and for some of us there is little option other than to buy a used car.  Buying that clunker on a student budget can be a risky affair, but even prestige models with low miles and apparently in great condition can end up costing you more than you saved.

The biggest risk you take when you buy a second hand car is also one of the easiest to avoid.  A stolen car won’t have its status written all over it, but there are easy methods to check whether the car you are buying has been reported as having been stolen, been involved in an accident or is on the authorities’ books for another reason.

What is more difficult to guard against is impending mechanical failure.  Even the savviest of second hand car buyers sometimes end up with an expensive repair bill that they did not expect.  One way of avoiding this situation is to buy a used car from a manufacturer’s dealer.  Approved used cars are no longer limited to prestige models – even budget car manufacturers now have a used car area on their dealership forecourts.  The benefit of approved used cars is twofold: cars sold as approved used cars are thoroughly examined for mechanical defects, and they are usually protected with a two year or longer warranty.

If you are not buying from an approved dealer, or are buying from private seller, it may be a good idea to take a friend or family member with you that is familiar with buying cars and who knows what to look out for.

Used cars can be quite a bargain or they can be a headache.  Be careful where and when you buy them from and you will win big.  As you know, the minute a brand new car rolls off the car sales lot, the value dives down considerably.

Finding a used car with just a few hundred or a few thousand miles on it can be one of the best purchases you ever make.  This is because the car is very close to new, but has lost its new car value and will therefore be sold for much less than it was sold for when it was brand new off the showroom floor.  If you take a look at the cars that are for sale used, you’ll see what wonderful bargains you can find.

At this time, the price of used cars is more reasonable than they have been for years, as the economy is dictating the prices to reflect the public’s general disinterest in buying things.  The used car sellers need to move their products off the lots and are willing to lower their prices to make the sales.

This is a wonderful opportunity for you to purchase a great car that is in very good shape.  The price you’ll pay for used cars could just get you into a car that is beyond what you though you could afford.  Buying used cars in good and like new condition are one of the smartest purchases you can make.

Although opting for a used car will allow you to save money, there are some disadvantages.  The main disadvantage of opting for a used car is untrustworthy dealers.  Some dealers will try and trick you into paying more than what the used car is worth and may try and persuade you to spend money on extras such as a warranty.  To avoid paying more than what you should, you may wish to opt for a reputable car supermarket instead.  This will allow you to avoid hassle from private sellers and will give you time to choose your ideal used car.

Another disadvantage is that whilst used cars are becoming more reliable, there is still a chance that you may end up with a faulty vehicle if you are not careful.  Used cars may only have a limited warranty or no warranty at all and you may end up spending more on repairs.  It is important that you do a test run before you purchase any used car and that you receive details of maintenance and any faults from the dealer.

Opting for a used car also means that you are unlikely to receive certain details about the car, such as whether or not the vehicle has been damaged previously as a result of an accident or a previous owner not keeping the vehicle in good condition. Private dealers are less likely to provide details about a used car’s history, so it may be worth searching for a reputable car supermarket instead, as they may be able to provide useful information.

Even though choosing a used car can have disadvantages, with the right amount of care and research, you can still find a good quality second-hand car that is affordable and reliable.

One of the main advantages of opting for a used car rather than a new one is that you may be able to negotiate with the dealer.  The price of a new car is usually fixed but if you opt for a used one then you may be able to get the car for a much cheaper price.

When negotiating with a used car dealer, it is important that you appear knowledgeable.  Many used car dealers may think that they are able to trick you into paying more than you should, but if you appear experienced then you will be able to successfully negotiate with them.

Researching used car websites, reading tips and advice forums and comparing prices will allow you to build up a good knowledge of how much you should be paying for your ideal car and help you to improve your negotiating skills.  If you know someone that has experience in buying used cars then ask them for tips on how to negotiate with a car dealer.

When negotiating with a dealer, it is important that you avoid informing them of your budget right away.  This will put the dealer off, particularly if your budget is low.  A dealer will try many tricks to get you to pay the full price for the used car or a price that is far more than the car is actually worth.  If you appear experienced and refuse to raise the amount that you are willing to pay, then you are far more likely to come away with a good deal.

Private dealers can be very persuasive, so it is important that you suggest a price that is lower than what they are asking for and stick to it.  If you hate feeling pressured and wish to take time to think about what used car is right for you, then opt for an online car supermarket instead rather than a private dealer.  This will enable you to browse through cars available and find one that suits your budget without you being persuaded into paying more than you should.

Choosing your used car online will give you the chance to browse through a variety of different models to find a car that suits your needs.  You can view the best used Honda, used Audi, used Mini, used Ford and used Citroen cars in addition to other well known models and even receive notification when a specific car that you are looking for becomes available.

Using an online car supermarket not only saves you money but also the hassle of dealing with sellers directly.  Many buyers may feel pressured when choosing a car with a seller close by, but by choosing your car online you will have plenty of time to see what is available and choose a car that is just right for you.

You may also wish to research what car funding services each car supermarket has to offer.  This will help you to find a car finance service that is right for you and allow you to begin using your car immediately without having to pay for it in full straight away.  Many car supermarkets offer an online calculator to help you work out what monthly payments you will be making for your chosen car.

Before choosing your used car online, it is important to make sure that the online car supermarket that you have opted to buy from is a reputable one.  This will help you to avoid any untrustworthy companies.  Reading reviews and opinions of previous customers will also help you to decide whether or not an online car supermarket is right for you.

Another weekend, another stag party (or feels like it recently), but this time we went go-karting in Manchester and it was great. We went to the Daytona Indoor Karting Centre, which is right next to the best football ground in the country, Old Trafford.

We turned up at 11:30 and used the computer systems to log in, after that we picked up our jumpsuits and gloves and headed for the briefing room. This consisted of a 10 minutes video about the go-karts and race procedures narrated by Martin Brundle. The race director then talked us through the flags and what to do if we crashed.

It was then onto the track where we were fitted for our helmets and shown to our cars. The race format was a 10 minute practice/qualifying round followed by a 40 minute race. It is quite intense racing for that long and you have to concentrate especially over the newly installed bridge, but it was great fun.

After the race we headed to the bar to hear the race winners and trophy presentations. I didn’t get onto the podium (I came 5th), but it was a a great experience; can’t wait to do it again!

Paperwork:  Look over the registration document, the V5 if you’re buying the used car from a dealer, check the Vehicle Identification Number against these documents, and be sure that the age, model description, and number of previous owners match up.  Do this before you even look over the car or take it for a test drive.

Assess the car:  A used car is best viewed in daylight when it is dry.  Scratches, dull paint, and other body defects can disappear when the car is damp.  Ask the seller to move the car away from other vehicles if possible.  Listen to the engine start; look for smoke or dripping liquid, and oil stains.  Check the tyres for even wear, inspect under the bonnet, shine a torch into the engine to check for leaks or split hoses.  Make sure the body is free from major dents, bumps, or mismatched panels, and inspect the interior for rips or tears in the upholstery.  It’s also wise to turn on the radio and test out the CD player to make sure the stereo and speakers work properly.

Test drive:  Take the used car out for at least a half hour across various roads.  If possible, have a friend ride along in the back seat, listening for grinding or knocking sounds.  Test out every gear—even reverse and neutral—and make sure the brakes are quick and responsive.

Finally, think about getting a second opinion before you by any used cars for sale.  Purchase a comprehensive history check or pay a reputable mechanic for an inspection.

I know when I was 17 I couldn’t wait to drive and nothing has changed for thousands of teenagers throughout the country, but there are a few things you have to think about before learning to drive.

Taking driving lessons with a qualified driving school in Sunderland may look like it costs a lot of money, but these fully trained driving instructors will teach you the basics of driving and help you pass your driving test quickly and safely. It is usually better to spread your driving lessons out over a few months, but if you are limited in time i.e. want to pass your test before going to university, then driving schools also offer a fast pass course. These courses are designed to help you learn the techniques and feel safe and secure behind the wheel as quickly as possible.

Practice makes perfect and if you are planning to do some extra practice with a friend or family member, make sure that they are over 21 and have held a UK driving licence for over 3 years. Also make sure that the vehicle you are driving in is fully legal for the road and that you display your ‘L’ Plates properly.

There is no doubt that booking your driving lessons through a driving school in Sunderland or your local area will give you the best chance of passing your test and getting on to the road quicker and safer.

We have all seen cars with their own personal UK number plate on the road at some point – but have you ever wondered where to begin the search to get your hands on one for yourself? Perhaps you may have been put off by the potential cost of acquiring a personal or cherished registration number and have never really investigated the possibility of buying one? However, personal number plates are much more affordable than you might think, and with literally thousands of possible combinations available to buy, finding your ideal registration plate is a fun, enjoyable and easy process.

The DVLA hold about 7 auctions every year for the more sought after registrations at various locations around the UK like Barnsley, Harrogate and London. These auctions have a fantastic atmosphere and are run by professional and friendly people, so you’re not only in for a great day out, but you also get the opportunity to bid for some of the most distinctive and appealing registrations on the market in person. Bidding at auctions is probably the most popular way of buying personalised plates and, as these auctions are held all over the UK, there is sure to be one near your area very soon. To find out more about attending forthcoming auctions, contact the DVLA for further information.

Of course, many of us have never been to an auction, never mind one that specializes in number plates for sale, and the thought of it may seem a bit daunting to the newcomer. The DVLA has a video link on their web site so you can see what an auction looks like for yourself and the kind of procedures involved. But don’t worry if for some reason you cannot attend an auction in person as the DVLA offers free telephone, Internet and written bidding facilities.

If purchasing your very own personal number plate at auction is appealing you will be sure to experience a great day out but the important thing to remember is that bidding for goods at an auction is serious business. If you are going to make a bid on a personalised registration then make sure you know your budget and what you can afford and stick to it. It is very easy to make the mistake of getting carried away by the intense atmosphere in the auction room, but most people know their limits and are usually sensible enough to check the guide price before they attend the auction. Remember, the more unique or distinct the number plate is the higher the price for it will be.

It is an exciting experience in itself watching two bidders reaching astronomical prices for that much sought after personal number plate!