Key things to look for in an approved used car

[PleasantPeasant]

I have £15k or so to spend and want to get a manufacturer approved used car. I am not sure if to go high spec or low mileage or a very recent model? Basically not entirely sure where to start when looking for cars online, any advice?

[designforlife]

approved used doesn't necessarily mean you should wander in and buy anything without giving it a decent check over.

I would still look it over and check it out in much the same way i would buying a £1k shed off someone's drive.

I suppose the key thing with approved used is the warranty and how comprehensive that is. Other than that it should be like buying any other used car, approved or not.

The whole "approved used" thing seems like a bit of a marketing scam to me personally.

[Zetec-S]

designforlife said:

The whole "approved used" thing seems like a bit of a marketing scam to me personally.

Pretty much this. I'd view the term "approved used" as effectively any used car on the forecourt of a main dealer of the same brand.

[KungFuPanda]

I'd disagree. In my experience, approved used warranties actually found for something rather than normal used car warranties.

[anonymous-user]

KungFuPanda said:

I'd disagree. In my experience, approved used warranties actually found for something rather than normal used car warranties.

Aye, approved used manufacturers warrantys are pretty good but they still don't cover wear and tear stuff like clutches etc. And clutches aren't a service item so you should still look out for stiffness and squeaks.

[Jag_NE]

If it’s a year old or less it’s probably ex-rental so there may be the odd niggle that a rental driver can’t be bothered to report. For example on my wife’s c class the indicator stalk didn’t self cancel. No biggy as you will have warranty but I’d place limited faith in their checklists, I wouldn’t be surprised if the cars have the tyres checked, mini valet and straight on the forecourt.