Frugality in the UK is at an all-time high among consumers, so it is far from surprising to find that people across the country are deciding to buy many of their items second-hand.

While many will take this route for smaller items like DVDs, games and clothes, others are seeing the true benefits of huge savings when investing in major purchases like cars. The best thing is that you can get a cracking deal when looking at second hand cars for sale at Evans Halshaw, so long as you treat the transaction with care.

With the need for a bargain in mind, here are a few things you should prioritise when searching for your next mode of second-hand transport.

What do you want from your next car? While it’s a bit of an obvious thing to say, you still need to know exactly what type of vehicle you require. Smaller cars are perfect for town driving, though you also need to think of how many people will use it regularly. If you have kids in your family or at least plan to have some, consider how much space they will need.

People should also prioritise the securing of a dependable dealer over a private seller; the latter may try to give you a bad deal as it is in their best interests to make a solid profit margin. Buying privately also gives less security than with more established brands. Used car sites can handy, though professional dealerships offer the lowest price and combine it with top-quality protection plans.

Consider the running costs of a used car; petrol prices are higher than ever, so diesel cars really ought to be considered. Older cars are often less efficient, while many increase your spending on road tax. Be sure to consider emissions as well as miles to the gallon.
When buying a used car, you must test drive it. For both comfort and personal safety, take a friend along and ask everything you need to know. Friends can help hugely during inspections, as they can spot what you may overlook. Check all documents and note the vehicle identification number (VIN) for later reference.
The penultimate step is to carry out a HPI check to ensure the car is not stolen, an insurance write-off or carrying outstanding finance. Also prioritise haggling, because you can get a much better deal by just being assertive.