By admin 
It is essential to know your needs, set a budget and carefully check the condition of the vehicle. From visual inspection to checking the vehicle’s history, each step is crucial to making a wise choice. Follow our ten tips to guide you through this process and avoid unpleasant surprises.
1• Understand your needs before purchasing
City car, SUV, thermal, electric… There is a choice! This is why you need to identify your needs precisely : this is the first essential step in buying a used car. Ask yourself these questions:
What is the main use of the vehicle (daily, leisure, work)?
Answering these questions will allow you to target the vehicle models that match your expectations and avoid unpleasant surprises after the purchase.
2• Determine your budget
To determine your budget, there are several aspects to consider.
First, determine how much you are willing to spend on the actual purchase of the vehicle. Remember that this initial price should not exceed your financial capacity.
Next, estimate the additional costs of owning a car. These include:
Maintenance costs : These vary depending on the car model. A high-end or very old vehicle may require more expensive maintenance.
Insurance : depending on the formula chosen (third party, comprehensive, etc.), the cost of the insurance may vary.
Fuel : The more fuel a car uses, the higher its operating cost will be.
Registration fees : these depend on the taxable horsepower of the vehicle and the region where you reside.
Finally, don’t forget to budget for unexpected repairs. This is an often overlooked element, but it can have a significant impact on your budget.
3• Choose the type of vehicle: gasoline or electric?
Buying a used electric car has several advantages:
Environmental impact : Electric cars do not produce greenhouse gas emissions.
Maintenance : Maintaining an electric vehicle is generally less expensive, as there are no oil changes to do and there are fewer wear parts.
Driving comfort : Electric cars offer a quick and quiet start, without vibrations
Advantages and disadvantages of a gasoline car
Gasoline cars also have their own advantages and disadvantages .
Some of the benefits include:
Lower initial cost : Gasoline cars are generally cheaper to purchase compared to electric or diesel cars.
Flexibility : There are more gas stations offering gasoline, making long trips easier.
However, they also have disadvantages:
Environmental impact : Gasoline cars emit greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming.
Fuel Consumption : Gasoline cars generally consume more fuel than diesel cars.
How to choose between gasoline and electric?
When choosing between a gasoline model and an electric model, several factors must be considered.
Your daily use : for short urban trips , an electric car can be more economical and practical. For longer or regular trips on the highway , a gasoline car may be more suitable due to its greater autonomy.
Your budget : Although more expensive to buy, electric cars can be more economical to run due to their lower maintenance costs and the lower price of electricity compared to gasoline .
Your access to a charging station : owning an electric car requires having access to a charging station , whether at your home or nearby.
Your ecological sensitivity : if reducing your carbon footprint is a priority, an electric car is a preferable option.
It is therefore essential to take all of these factors into account to make an informed choice between a petrol car and an electric car.
The question of annual mileage
The annual mileage of a used car can significantly influence your purchasing decision. On average, a petrol car travels around 15,000 km/year and a diesel car 22,000 to 25,000 km/year. However, this figure should be adapted according to the use you intend to make of it.
If you plan on driving more than 20,000 km per year, it might be wiser to look at a used car with relatively low mileage. On the other hand, for occasional use, you can afford a car with higher mileage.
It is also important to keep in mind that mileage affects the resale value of a car. In general, a petrol car becomes more difficult to resell once it has reached 120,000 km, while for a diesel car, this threshold is generally 150,000 km.
4• Where to buy: private individual, garage or dealer?
Buying from a private individual: the formalities to know
Buying a used car from an individual requires compliance with certain administrative formalities. Here are the key steps to follow:
- Collect the necessary documents: The seller must give you several documents, including the vehicle registration document, the certificate of non-pledge (or certificate of administrative situation), and the report of the last technical inspection if the vehicle is more than 4 years old.
- Establish a certificate of transfer: This document, signed by both parties, attests to the transfer of ownership of the vehicle.
- Request for a registration card: After the purchase, you must request a new registration card in your name. This process is carried out online on the website of the National Agency for Secure Titles (ANTS).
All these documents should be carefully checked to ensure the regularity of the transaction.
Buying from a garage: the guarantees offered
Buying a used car from a professional such as a garage offers additional guarantees compared to buying from an individual. First of all, there is the legal guarantee of conformity which, since a European regulation of January 1, 2022, has been extended from 6 months to 1 year. This guarantee covers defects of conformity that occur within 12 months of purchase.