Anyone who buys a used Audi from a trade supplier, such as a showroom or car supermarket, does have certain statutory rights. The car must be in good condition and roadworthy. If it is not it must be fixed or the amount paid refunded.

Audi also provides protection for those buying the car giant’s used cars. The car manufacturer has what it calls its ‘Approved Used Car Programme’ here in the United Kingdom. The programme covers a wide range of models, from the A1 to the Coupé and Spyder.

Any used vehicle sold in this programme will have gone through a 145-point programme to ensure it meets the company’s stringent standards. The purchaser will also receive a 12-month unlimited mileage warranty, a year’s roadside cover, key insurance and MOT protection. Used Audi owners who bought their vehicles through the company’s ‘approved’ programme can extend their warranty, provided they were serviced at approved Audi centres.

1.    Check your tyres. Know what air pressure your tyres should be at and make sure that this is maintained. Check the tread and condition regularly, paying attention to the sidewall for cuts. Do not forget the spare.
2.    Keep a basic toolkit in your car at all times. This should contain a jack as well as wheel removal tools at the very least. Know your car’s jacking points.
3.    Check your car’s oil dipstick at least once a fortnight and before every long journey. Replace the oil filter regularly.
4.    Keep an eye on your car’s coolant system and make sure that you have enough water. Do not do this when the engine is hot.
5.    Wiper blades will wear away over time, so make sure that they are in the best condition and replace if they are showing signs of ageing.
6.    Check your screen wash and top up regularly. Keeping your windscreen clean is vital to your safety when on the road.
7.    Inspect your windscreen for signs of chips and cracks that can get worse very quickly.
8.    Check all of your car’s lights regularly including fog lights, indicators and brake lights.
9.    Check the fluid reservoir for the power steering at least once a month.
10.    Prevent rust from setting in by dealing with bodywork damage quickly.

There are a number of companies on the market that specialise in buying used cars, each with their own way of valuing a vehicle.  Accordingly, should you offer a vehicle to a number of these different companies, you are likely to find that you will be quoted a variety of prices.

The make and model of the car is the first aspect that will be considered, demonstrated by the fact that asking “what’s my Citroen worth?” will get a very different answer to that given for “what’s my Bentley worth?”
  
Classic or rare vehicles will fetch a much higher price than an average used vehicle, which goes to show the importance of the car’s age and how this can affect the value.  Very old cars will only command a significant amount of money if there is something special about them.  

The condition of the car is also highly important as it determines how easily it will be to sell.  A clean appearance and a well running engine will help a car to achieve the best possible price by ensuring it is well presented.

The ability of the company to make a profit will play a large part in how much they offer for it.  Whether it will be sold on the retail market or the commercial one, there will be a difference in the price that they will offer for it and what they will spend to buy it.

To some it seems obvious, but it is of crucial importance to know whether or not the vehicle in question has a petrol or diesel engine. It is not at all uncommon for a driver to be in the dark about such things, and then do serious damage to their engine by not knowing.

Another increasingly important consideration is whether or not to use bio-fuels. Of course, the main selling point of bio-fuels is that they are comprised of renewable resources, and so do not do as much damage to the environment as traditional fuel. The performance of the driver’s car is much the same when using a bio-fuel as it is when using a traditional fuel. 

Super fuels, which consist of petrol or diesel that has been given an enhanced research octane level, and thus allow for a more advanced engine performance, are yet another option for UK drivers.

When looking to purchase a used car, there are a number of different ways the buyer can find what they are looking for. One of the more popular methods today is to look on the internet, for a private seller, something that can also be done by checking ads in local newspapers. Alternatively, the buyer can go to a car dealer and see what they have in stock. The one advantage of buying a used car from a dealer is that the buyer often has the choice of part exchanging their old car.

One of the more unfamiliar ways of buying a used car is to go to a car auction. If done correctly, buyers can make huge savings at auction, but there are risks involved and the purchaser needs to know exactly what they are doing. For example, a lot of auction cars are sold as seen, meaning what appears to be a bargain could need a lot of expensive repair work. It is therefore advisable to treat auctions with caution.

In the UK, major tyre brands include Michelin, Goodyear and Dunlop, to name just a few. Not every tyre suits every vehicle, and those who are unsure about what tyre they require should determine their needs with considerations such as the amount of precipitation the area they live in typically sees, the degree of summer heat, whether city or country driving are going to be more common, and whether long treks or short jaunts are going to be the norm. Figuring out the answers to these questions will make choosing the proper tyre possible. 

Another major consideration when choosing replacement tyres is the history of the vehicle. If it was purchased new and the tyres have performed well thus far, purchasing exact replacements may be the best option.

If a new type of tyre is desired, the driver should look through the many tyre reviews to be found online, especially those written by people with a similar vehicle. Consulting an expert is always a good idea too.

Many tyres can be purchased online, and many stores even have their stock posted online, which helps to make the shopping a little bit easier.

An automated car wash is usually quick and easy. Cars move through the process quickly, often in less than a minute. The end result is that surface grime is removed and the car looks great.

An automated car wash not only saves time but is also good for the environment. Most professional car washes require less water per wash than doing the job at home. In the long run, this means lower utility bills as well as saving time and money.

Most automated car washes offer everything from a light wash to a more detailed cleaning. Pricing on basic washes is inexpensive, with the more comprehensive washes costing a little more. When time is tight, any one of these options will allow owners to have the car cleaned quickly and be back on the road without investing a lot of time.

The first step in used car finance is learning about the history of the car.  It is important to get a vehicle history report any time a used car is being purchased.  This will indicate if the car has any past damage, problems or repairs and can give a clearer picture of how much it will cost and how much financing will be needed.  As an added step, people can also have a mechanic inspect the car to ensure it is in good enough condition.

If the used car is being sold by a dealer, he or she should provide used car loans.  Sometimes people can apply for these loans online, which is an easier and less stressful option for many.  If the car is not being sold by a dealer, however, it will be necessary to get a loan from elsewhere.

Keep in mind that banks do not like to provide loans for cars older than four or five years.  Also remember that financing on a used car may carry a higher APR than on a new one.

Today’s hybrid designs call for the petrol-fuelled engine and the electric motor to work in tandem to reduce petrol usage. When the engine is idling, such as during a traffic jam, the system will shut down the petrol engine and activate the electric motor. This means that fuel consumption is reduced whenever the car remains in more or less the same position for a period of time. Once the traffic thins, stepping on the accelerator will reactivate the engine and allow the electric motor to subside.

Along with saving fuel, some hybrid engines also allow use of the electric motor exclusively when the petrol tank is low or even if the idea is to make a quick trip to a nearby location. This can reduce fuel consumption in the city, which will in turn reduce the cost of operating the vehicle.

Lower fuel consumption also translates into lower emissions, helping to reduce the impact of automobiles on the environment. This not only benefits the car owner, but everyone who lives and works in the local community. If making air cleaner for today as well as in the future is something that you see as important, then taking some time to determine what type of hybrid vehicles are being sold by local car dealers is well worth the effort.

Choosing the right garage for the second opinion focuses on identifying one that has an excellent reputation and is also knowledgeable about the make and model of the vehicle in question. Ask around your social circle to get some ideas of other garages in the area that are known for their honesty as well as their expertise. This will allow you to have some degree of trust in what they have to say.

It is not necessary to reveal the findings of the first mechanic to examine the car. Simply describe what is happening and allow the second garage to conduct an unbiased investigation. Assuming that both arrive at the same conclusion, there is a good chance that the recommended repairs are in fact necessary. From there, determine which garage will perform the repairs, based on reputation and the price quoted for the work, including labour costs. With a little luck, the repairs can be managed in a short period of time, allowing you to get back on the road with a minimum of inconvenience.