Buying a car is a major investment, and making the right choice becomes even more important when you live in a place like Inverness. Known for its stunning Highland scenery and unpredictable weather, Inverness presents unique challenges for drivers that many overlook during the car-buying process.
From icy roads and frequent rain to rugged terrain just outside the city, selecting a vehicle that can handle these conditions is essential for safety, comfort, and reliability. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most common mistakes people make when buying a car in Inverness and, most importantly, how to avoid them.
Weather and Terrain
One of the most common mistakes when purchasing a car in Inverness is not taking the local weather and terrain into account. Inverness experiences cold, wet conditions for much of the year, with frequent rain and occasional snow, particularly during winter months. This makes road surfaces slippery and visibility poor, which can be dangerous if you're not in the right vehicle. Additionally, the surrounding Scottish Highland landscape, featuring rugged mountains, winding roads, and the scenic but remote areas around Loch Ness, can be challenging to navigate in a standard city car.
Choosing a vehicle with good tyres and good traction is essential. All-wheel or four-wheel drive cars are better equipped to handle slippery or uneven surfaces. A higher driving position can also improve visibility, especially during fog or snowfall. SUVs and crossovers are popular choices for this reason.
Avoid the mistake of buying solely based on appearance, fuel efficiency, or price without considering the crucial environmental factors associated with owning a car in northern Scotland. Failing to match your vehicle to Inverness’s weather and terrain can lead to discomfort, added maintenance costs, and even unsafe driving situations.
Full Condition Check
Once you have found a car that can withstand the weather and terrain of northern Scotland, before going ahead with the purchase, a thorough inspection of the car’s physical condition is essential. If you are unsure of exactly what to look for, having an independent qualified mechanic carry out a pre-purchase inspection can offer you added peace of mind.
Visual Repair
Visually inspect the car, ideally in daylight and dry weather, as dark and wet conditions can conceal scratches and dents.
Walk around the vehicle, looking out for any dents, scratches, or signs of rust, especially around wheel arches and under the doors. Uneven gaps between panels or mismatched paintwork may suggest the vehicle has been in an accident and poorly repaired.
Tyre Wear
Check all four tyres for wear. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, but cars should be sold with a higher tread depth than this, especially in a place like Inverness. If the car you are looking to buy has a low tread depth, consider asking the dealer to change the tyres as part of the sale.
Bear in mind that uneven tyre wear could point to suspension or alignment issues. Also, don’t forget to inspect the spare tyre and tools.
Test Drive
Finally, a test drive will allow you to listen for any unusual noises from the engine, brakes, or suspension. The gears should shift smoothly, the clutch should be bright and responsive, and the steering should feel stable and not pull to the left or right.
Full History Check
Knowing the full history of a used car is crucial in determining its reliability and knowing whether it is priced appropriately. The best way to ensure this is to only look at used cars in Inverness that are being sold by a reputable dealer. A good choice of dealership should have a reputation for their friendly service, wide selection of used cars, and honest advice. It is also beneficial to have the option to browse their vehicles online or visit their showroom to speak to a helpful team member.
Buying from a reliable dealer means you’ll get a quality car that’s been properly checked and comes with a warranty: it’s the safest and easiest way to buy a car.
Core Information
Start by obtaining the car’s registration number, make, model, and MOT test number so you can run a history check through the GOV.UK website. This will reveal key details such as MOT history, mileage records, and whether the vehicle has passed or failed previous tests.
The mileage should increase consistently over time; sudden drops or inconsistencies may indicate odometer tampering.
Crash History
A car history check from providers like HPI Check can determine whether the vehicle has ever been written off, stolen, or has outstanding finance. If a car has previously been written off and later repaired, it will be marked as a Category S for structural damage or Category N for non-structural damage.
Previously written off cars can still be legal to drive, but you may notice that their history affects insurance premiums and resale value. For the most part, cars that have been previously written off are best avoided.
Logbook Checks
Ensure the logbook (V5C) checks out. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) should match the one stamped on the car; this is commonly found under the bonnet, at the base of the windscreen, or inside the driver’s door.
Also, check the number of previous owners. A high turnover of owners in a short space of time could be a red flag. Asking to see servicing records and receipts can also provide reassurance that the car has been properly maintained.
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