The used car world is full of questions. Whether you’re shopping for an estate car, an SUV or a high-performance sports car, when it comes to pre-owned vehicles, there are always things that will need answering. Here at Auto Sportiva, we specialise in some of the highest-quality pre-owned vehicles available in the UK, and our experienced team is here to answer any questions you may have. But if you’re considering the purchase of a used car, what do you need to know? In this article, we’re going to clear up some of the myths surrounding the world of pre-owned vehicles.
How can I purchase a used car?
It might sound simple, but often, the idea of purchasing a used car can be confusing. Depending on your budget, you might be looking at multiple options when trying to buy a pre-owned vehicle. If you want to, you can pay cash and own the vehicle outright. This is a great option for drivers who want a no-frills buying choice. Finance has become an increasingly popular option for buying a used car, too, as it allows you to spread the cost of the vehicle over a larger period. Here at Auto Sportiva, we offer both Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP) buying options, depending on what you need.
Personal Contract Purchase
PCP is a very popular way of financing a used car. With it, you’ll pay an initial deposit followed by monthly instalments over a pre-agreed period. Once the agreement is ended, you can either make a final payment (often referred to as a ‘balloon’ payment) or return the car to the retailer. From there, you can simply start another finance agreement with a new vehicle or walk away entirely.
Hire Purchase
Hire Purchase - or HP - is slightly different to PCP. You’ll still pay an initial deposit followed by monthly instalments, but at the end of the agreement, you’ll own the car outright and, rather than returning it to the retailer, you’ll be the official keeper. This is a great option for those drivers who want to own a car outright at the end of a finance agreement.
Can I trade in my old car when buying a used car?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a more streamlined car-buying option, then trading in your old vehicle is the way to go. This way, you don’t have to worry about listing a vehicle and dealing with buyers, as instead, you’ll get an upfront quote for your car, which you can accept and transfer to your next vehicle. At Auto Sportiva, we have a dedicated ‘sell your car’ page where you can easily get a price for your car. Check it out today.
Do used cars come with a warranty?
A warranty can help to protect you from unexpected issues with your used car. A used car is often out of manufacturer-supplied warranty, too, so getting a third-party warranty is a great option if you want that added peace of mind. At Auto Sportiva, we work with Customer Protect Warranty and have done so for several years. All of our cars come with a standard six-month Customer Protect Warranty, which you can upgrade to a longer period should you want to for an additional cost. This extended warranty also offers nationwide cover, giving our clients from further afield further convenience.
Will a pre-owned vehicle cost me more?
Not always. Here at Auto Sportiva, we specialise in some of the very best pre-owned vehicles, which allow you to get behind the wheel of a premium model for less. Compared with a brand-new vehicle, a second-hand model will offer great value and can provide a high-end experience for a fraction of the cost of a brand-new version.
Is there much variety in the used car market?
You might think that it’s the new car market that offers the most choices, but there’s a superb level of variety when shopping pre-owned. Here at Auto Sportiva, we’ve got all manner of options from high-riding premium SUVs to performance estate cars and everything in between. Plus, you’ve got loads of freedom when it comes to specifications, trims and exterior colours. This is where pre-owned vehicles offer even better value, as you’ll be able to get a car with a much higher level of standard equipment for a lower price than you’d pay when shopping for a new car.
There aren’t many EVs in the used market?
There’s never been a better time to purchase a pre-owned electric vehicle. Electric vehicles bring the possibility of seriously low running costs, with both fuelling and repairing the vehicle often proving cheaper than with the equivalent petrol or diesel car. You’ll find some electric vehicles here at Auto Sportiva, too, with cars like the Porsche Taycan and Jaguar I-Pace a common sight. At Auto Sportiva, we specialise in the world of premium pre-owned vehicles. If you’re interested in taking a look through our current range of cars, then check out our ‘stocklist’ page, or get in touch if you have any questions.
