Here at Take My Scrap Car, we like to think of ourselves as something of an all-round resource when it comes to helping and advising members of the public on key automotive matters. We can’t claim to be full of knowledge on every subject and nor would we want to be. Nevertheless, when it comes to cars that are pretty much ready for scrapping and recycling, we certainly like to think we know a thing or two. 
Which is why we are also fairly well clued-up on the process of purchasing second-hand cars – specifically with the intention of avoiding lumping yourself with a rust-bucket. It’s not until it has happened to you personally that you can fully appreciate the horror of taking home what seemed to be a bargain on the surface, only to find out pretty soon it only ever had one destination…the scrap yard.
So with this in mind, here’s a quick rundown of just a few simple tips for avoiding taking home a dud and having to call Take My Scrap Car sooner than you would have liked:
1 – Be Realistic
First of all, the single most important rule to follow when it comes to buying second hand cars is that of if it seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is. Just as is the case with brand new cars, all second-hand cars at all levels have something of a list, guide or standard price the likes of which you can expect to pay for them. Which means that if you find what appears to be a bargain for thousands of pounds less than it should be, approach with caution…and extreme caution at that.
2 – Take an Expert
If you yourself do not know one end of a car from the other, make sure you take to the inspection somebody who does. Better yet, make sure it is somebody with pretty comprehensive knowledge about cars who knows exactly where to look, what to look for and the kinds of warning signs to be aware of.
3 – Run Checks Online
It’s worth remembering that these days there are so many incredibly helpful services online (and even via text message) which in an instant can tell you whether the car you are looking at has been stolen, scrapped or written-off at any point in its past. This is a great way of finding out the truth about the car you are considering, before even thinking about making an offer.
4 – Don’t Be Rushed
If the car you are looking at is fantastic, the seller has been inundated with offers and it really is the hottest ticket in town, the seller has absolutely nothing to gain by rushing you. By contrast, if they are really desperate to get rid of it because nobody with a modicum of common sense is interested, they are much more likely to try and pressure you into buying it. Self-explanatory, when you think about it.
5 – Ask For the Seller’s Address
Generally speaking, those who know they are selling absolutely awful and perhaps even dangerous second-hand cars do not tend to be in the habit of giving out their personal information. Why? Well, quite simply because they know they might get an extremely unfriendly knock on the door far down the line, if or when things take a turn for the worst.
6 – Ask For a Receipt
Last but not least, it’s always a good idea to ask for at least some form of receipt (even if only handwritten) as proof of the car you have purchased, the date and time of the sale, the price, the seller, the buyer and so on. This way, if you face any severe problems further down the line of that may involve legal action, you have quite possibly the single most important document you’ll be needing.
