Top tips for buying a budget runabout

Shopping for a used car can be complicated at the best of times – and doubly so if you’re on a tight budget.

Lots of cheap cars are cheap for a reason, after all, and a £750 bargain buy could subsequently cost that again in repairs to make it serviceable and safe.

Fortunately, if you need a bargain runabout or just fancy some inexpensive fun, there are some easy ways to avoid falling into a costly and grief-ridden trap. 

1. Work out a budget and stick to it

You probably have a budget for your new car in mind but you must also consider insurance, VED, servicing and potential yearly fuel costs. Doing so might take some time but it will help avoid any nasty surprises after you buy the car.

Investigating running costs beforehand can also help better steer your budget for the car itself; for example, a slightly costlier yet more efficient car might prove cheaper to run and ultimately save you money and hassle.

2. Keep your search for used cars local

There’s nothing wrong with looking at cars for sale around the country to get an idea of cost, condition and availability. However, when it comes to actually buying a cheap car, you ideally want to constrain your search to a relatively local area.

That far-flung bargain might look a great buy, as a case in point, but it’ll inevitably transpire to be junk after you’ve made the costly and time-consuming trip to view it. Do that once or twice and you could easily spend hundreds on transport alone, denting your budget considerably.

3. Consider everything under the sun, within reason

Don’t get too fussy and overlook certain makes or models, because at the end of the day you just want an affordable and serviceable car. If you get focused on one particular car that you like, you’ll probably never find one nearby and you could miss lots of other good and conveniently located options in the interim.

Personally, if I’m shopping for something cheap, I typically want a car that’s petrol, naturally aspirated, manual and with an engine that features a timing chain instead of a belt; if the car's not complicated, it should be easier to maintain and more reliable – but, at the older end of the scale, you do have to watch out for corrosion and age-related wear and tear.

4. Watch out for servicing and MOT issues

Aim to buy a car with a long MOT, as that’ll expose you to less worry and potential expenditure. Use the government website to check out the car’s MOT history before you buy it as well, as you’ll be able to see if there are outstanding issues that could prove costly and you’ll also get an idea as to how well the car has been maintained. Get a history check, too, just to avoid any potential nastiness.

Whatever you buy, you’ll have to spend some money on it at some point – but consider what any potential purchase might need shortly; overlooking something such as a set of new tyres or brake discs could result in some unexpected financial aggro. Watch out for overdue timing belts, too, as changing them can rack up big bills.

5. Be careful about dismissing minor problems

No used car will be perfect and, as a result, you’ll have to overlook the odd flaw. Cosmetic damage, interior wear, gaps in its service history, defunct air conditioning systems; defects such as these, in a lot of cases – and provided the car is otherwise sound and ready to go – can be easily ignored.

However, tread carefully when it comes to issues such as missing keys. If the car only has one key then you'll need to buy a spare and that could prove expensive, so investigate any potential outlay before taking the plunge. Similarly, if a flaw really irritates you on a test drive and isn’t easily or affordably fixed, you're perhaps better off looking elsewhere.

6. Maintain it properly – but don’t go overboard

Once you’ve bought your car, keep it in fine fettle. There’s no point ignoring basic servicing or repairs, as doing so could easily lead to breakdowns and costly bills. Don’t get too carried away, though; use parts from reputable brands and quality fluids, but steer clear of the more expensive options.

If the car is only a short-term deal, don’t spend lots on accessories or upgrades – as you won’t get that money back and will effectively just throw it away. In any case, especially if you want to keep the car for longer, consider investing in some basic tools. A lot of servicing is straightforward and, if you’re willing to do a few jobs yourself, some DIY maintenance will keep long-term costs down.

Thinking about buying a used car at an auction? Check out our auction buying guide here