As record numbers of students are offered university places for 2016, vehicle history check expert, HPI, is urging students who might be getting their first car to be thorough when doing their homework.

Philip Nothard, consumer and retail specialist at HPI said: “For students who are embarking on an exciting new life in a new city, owning a new or used car can be a real lifeline so it’s important to pick something that’s right, if a car is part of the plan. Many students will be owning their car for the first time so it’s key to remember that September is a great month to bag a bargain in the car calendar with some great finance deals available on new cars and large numbers of nearly new vehicles available in the market.”

Record low interests, coupled with manufacturer discounts on certain models, mean a new car has never looked more attractive.  Financial considerations are important as there are running costs to think about as well as the living costs associated with being away from home for the first time with small city cars an ideal first choice as they are economical, not too flash and great for getting around in.

Added Philip: “Buying your first car is exciting, but it’s easy to get swept away by fancy gadgets and freshly polished paintwork, putting buyers at risk of paying over the odds for a car with something to hide. First time buyers are even more vulnerable to dishonest sellers, because they haven’t been through the motions before and are unlikely to know what questions to ask, so it’s always good to get advice from someone with more experience.

“In the city car sector our data analysis shows the Suzuki Celerio offers great value motoring with a total monthly running cost of only £199, which includes depreciation, servicing and fuel. The Dacia Sandero topped our supermini sector at only £203 a month to run.

“When looking to bag a bargain, a pre-registered vehicle often comes with delivery mileage and can often offer a discount above 20% of new list price. Pre-reg cars are effectively brand new cars that are discounted because they have already had one registered owner. Buyers should also always  look for the best possible offer such as free insurance for a year, low monthly instalments  on PCP payments and 0% finance deals. There really are some good deals and offers to be had at the moment that can help bring down the costs.”

Before parting with their money, buyers should always get the fullest possible picture of the car they are about to buy.  Relying on the eye alone could expose them to a nasty surprise later down the line.  The HPI Check® protects buyers against making a costly mistake by revealing whether a vehicle is currently recorded as stolen with the police, has outstanding finance against it, or has been written off.  It also includes as standard, a mileage check against the National Mileage Register, with over 200 million mileage readings.

“If a vehicle turns out to be stolen or on outstanding finance, buyers could lose the car and the money they paid for it when it’s returned to the rightful owner,” concludes Philip Nothard.  “So rather than guessing the status of a used car based on a quick test drive or kicking the tyres, get an instant vehicle history check for complete peace of mind.”

 
For further information visit www.hpicheck.com or call 0845 300 8905
For useful information and details on offers available visit the following sites:
www.carwow.co.uk/best/cars-with-free-insurance
http://www.ford.co.uk/Cars/youngdrivers
www.bristolstreet.co.uk/used-cars/5-years-0/
http://www.vauxhall.co.uk/offers-finance/new-car-offers.html
http://youngcardriver.com/finance/personal-contract-purchase/
 
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