Purchasing a car is one of the most expensive purchases that most people will spend their savings on, so we bring you this list of the best used cars in Belfast. The demand for used cars is now stronger than ever due to manufacturing stalling in the wake of the Covid 19 pandemic. However just because you are buying a used car, it shouldn’t feel like you are opting for second best.
With thousands of used cars NI wide on sale at the Carlover trusted car dealers, there are plenty of options to choose from. If you haven’t decided on what type of car you are looking for, we have highlighted the best used cars of 2021 UK to help make that big decision a lot easier.
Used cars Northern Ireland wide are trending, with sales rising through the roof due to shortages that have halted the manufacturing of new cars. Some people don’t mind a used car, but for others, a new car, straight from the dealership, shiny, new car smell is a dream, a goal in fact.
However, if you were to sit back and compare new cars to used cars, are they really worth it?
In many cases choosing a brand new car over one that has been well-maintained and advertised as a used model can result in you losing money.
Depreciation is the first factor that makes a used car potentially a better purchase than a new one. The rate at which a car’s value depreciates after it has been driven away in the UK is around one fifth of it’s value.
A graph of a car’s depreciation will resemble the ramp for a ski jump, excluding collectibles and exotic cars of course. In other words, it will begin with a dramatic decline, as the fastest rate of depreciation occurs in the first three years of practically every car on the market.
As the automobile gets older, the rate slows down, but by the time it reaches its third birthday, it’s usual for a car to be worth half of its original purchase price. So, if you can buy a car that is already on its way down, you’ll be able to lessen the impact on yourself.
However, as most cars get older, the news on depreciation improves, with the rate slowing down noticeably after three years. You’ll still have to deal with it, but you’ll almost certainly get back a bigger percentage of what you spent in the first place for a car that’s three years old or older.
Depreciation and the exit from the safe guarded warranty stage of a car’s life cycle is a part of the process when buying a new car, but you should also keep in mind that as a car ages, it’s more prone to acquire flaws due to ordinary wear and tear.
If the car has been properly repaired and appropriately looked after, you may still be able to benefit from the remaining amount of an original manufacturer’s guarantee within the first few years, with some manufacturers, a lot longer.
In saying this, there are a lot of used car dealerships that collaborate with other firms that offer both statutory and extended used car warranties.
We have built relationships with some of the best car dealers in Belfast and beyond, so if your decision for purchasing a used car or a new car comes down to the warranty factor, it isn’t as straightforward as just going for new.
Kia is a great example of a manufacturer offering a long warranty, they have upped the standard when it comes to new vehicle coverage, so if you locate a well-maintained used Kia, you may be eligible for the original manufacturer’s warranty against significant defects which means you are getting an even better deal. Less push on the pocket and reduced risk.
However, you should always inquire about any remaining warranty on any used car you’re considering, as this may be transferred to you, giving you vital coverage against mechanical issues without having to pay extra for an aftermarket warranty.
Production flaws
Production flaws in new cars are more common than you might think, with millions of cars being recalled every year in the UK. In new cars, you may fall into this category, but with used cars, these issues have most likely already been addressed or worked out of the system by the time it is two or three years old and that is one worry off your shoulders.
Of course, a used car is almost always less expensive than a new one. So, if you have a limited budget, it’s simple to find vehicles that fit within it.
Keep in mind that you’ll almost certainly need to factor in the annual cost of car insurance as well as the keeping the car maintained and of course, fuelled.
You may drive a fantastic bargain if you go into the process of buying a used car with your eyes open, aware of the primary hazards that can be buried in even the most well-presented vehicle, and if you choose a dealership with a track record of working hard to generate satisfied return customers.
Make your money go further with Carlover, reputable, trusted used cars, time and time again. The platform for searching and acquiring used cars NI can rely on.
For most people, investing in a car is the second biggest decision after their home, that’s why we supply used cars Belfast wide, cars that suit all budgets. Buying a car can have a big effect on your budget, especially if it is not done correctly. Spending time considering your budget and the type of used car that fits in with your spending will help to make your final decision stress-free.
At Carlover, we understand that each customer will have different requirements when it comes to their cars, from the number of miles they drive each week to their monthly budgets. Here is a handy guide on how to budget for a car that will make visiting your local used car dealership and your purchasing experience a lot easier!
The cost effect used car trend sweeping the nation.
“Cost effective” is one way that buying a used car NI wide is referred to as. So long as the car is in good shape and suits your needs that is. Carlover is on hand, taking you through the top ten pitfalls to avoid. When buying a used car, it can be tempting to grab that really good, ‘too good to be true’ deal on Gumtree from a private seller, which could be the case. Unless you’re experienced in buying used cars privately or have someone at hand who is, you are better served buying used family friendly cars, and used first time buyer cars that are supplied by reputable dealers – eliminating the chance of a problematic used car.
A couple of our trusted used car dealers Belfast and Beyond:
The Price Hikes for New and Used Cars Are Sweeping The Nation.
Used Car Prices: The Surge
Car dealerships are seeing a surge in the prices of used cars Belfast wide. The first eight months of 2021 showed the average cost of used cars throughout the UK had risen by 16.6%. As the prices of used cars have risen to unprecedented levels, drivers are now paying more money than ever before to purchase a second-hand vehicle.
Buying a used car in 2021 has never been more daunting, however the team at Car Lovers will explain the circumstances behind the price hike in used cars, the why and how.
The Rise in New and Used Car NI Prices During the Pandemic
Throughout the covid-19 pandemic cars were in high demand as people were wary of using public transport and key workers were purchasing cars to make their journeys to and from work easier. However, now that the lockdown restrictions are slowly lifting, the demand for used cars is just as high as it was in the height of the pandemic.
Used Cars NI, the nation utilising this new trend and the reasons why:
It’s fair to say that the past two years have really shaken the shopping habits of the nation, ultimately affecting many industries and the car industry is no different! Things like accessibility and affordability are to blame for rise in popularity of used cars Northern Ireland wide .
Accessibility
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past 2 years, you’re going to know about the global shortage in supplies as a result of Covid-19. This global shortage has had a knock-on effect on the car manufacturing industry as computer chips used in car production as well as other materials such as copper, aluminium and cobalt has led to fewer new cars rolling off production lines.
In today’s society, used car reviews across major brands play a vital role in influencing a customer’s purchasing decision. Used Car Buyers spend 11¾ hours online out of 15¼ hours (77%) to research the major car brands, their features, price ranges and most importantly reading reviews to help them make a final decision on what type of used car they should go for.
Although you can find plenty of reviews for used cars Northern Irelandonline, reading reviews from previous customers is seen as a more reliable source compared to professional reviews or statements that brands have released about their latest models.
Which finance is right for used cars across Northern Ireland?
With car prices on the rise this is great news for those of you who are selling your car but not so much for those of us who want to upgrade our journey to work from that cramped bus to a shiny new car, that’s where used car finance comes in. However, there are a few ways to cut costs. So if you’re truly over public transport, keep reading.
If saving money is your ultimate priority in the decision making process, then opting for a used car is more than likely the best option for you. Furthermore, just like it is possible to purchase a new car on finance, it is also possible to purchase a used car on finance. This is a great way to spread the cost so a large sum of money isn’t leaving your bank account all at once.
Navigating the world of used cars in Belfast wide, can be a daunting task at times, looking into the previous ownership, miles, servicing, age, the list goes on.
Generally speaking, a car that has clocked up more miles will mean that the price is lower. While in the current market that might not remain exactly true.
The UK government has confirmed that the VAT Margin Scheme will be reinstated for used cardealerships Northern Ireland wide, a move that has been welcomed across the industry.
Yesterday’s announcement comes after an intense lobbying campaign from independent used car dealerships, local MPs, and the NFDA (National Franchised Dealer Association).
Following our significant lobbying efforts, it is extremely positive that the Government has confirmed HMT and HMRC will reinstate a margin scheme which will avoid an immediate price increase for thousands of second-hand vehicles and the resulting detrimental impact on dealerships and consumers in Northern Ireland as well as Great Britain
NFDA chief executive Sue Robinson
VAT margin schemes available to used car traders in Northern Ireland allows them to pay VAT on the profit earned in the sale of a motor vehicle, rather than its entire value. A significant difference ranging between hundreds and thousands of pounds.
Losing this scheme would see profit margins significantly reduced, if not entirely wiped out. The scheme also makes it more affordable for used car buyers, as they pay much less VAT than the 20% imposed on new vehicles.
Without yesterday’s announcement of the reinstatement, the VAT margin scheme would have remained unavailable to traders operating in Northern Ireland who purchase their stock in GB.
Michael Gove MP confirmed yesterday in parliament…
“HMT and HMRC will reinstate a margin scheme to ensure that NI customers need pay no more than those in any other part of the United Kingdom”.
