Used Cars For Sale

Buying A Used Car From Exchange And Mart

Looking to secure a great deal on a used car? With thousands of second-hand vehicles in stock, we’ve got you covered.

Nowadays, hectic lifestyles leave little time for traipsing around showrooms or endlessly scrolling the internet for a suitable car that ticks all your boxes. And even when you do find one, how can you guarantee that it's legitimate?

As leading industry experts, we have years of experience in finding people the right car. We are proud to bring you a wide selection of used cars, featuring the likes of Audi, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, and more.

To save you time on research, our dedicated team have put together a collection of useful guides, along with a few handy tips and tricks for life on the road. Plus, you can check the vehicle history at the click of a button - all from the comfort of your own home.

A lover of classic cars? Impress your neighbours with one of our show-stopping second-hand classics, available in a range of colours, body types and transmissions.

Hybrid or electric? With non-fossil fuelled vehicles gaining momentum over the last few years, hybrid and electric cars have increased in popularity. If you're keen to go green but don't have the funds to splurge on a brand-new model, we offer tonnes of second-hand options.

Need help with your car insurance? We've got you covered. As one of our expert motoring services, we offer bags of advice on how to decide which type of car insurance is right for you and your situation.

Whether you're embarking on the exciting journey of buying your first car or on the hunt for something a little different, our wide range of competitively priced used cars has something to suit all your needs - whatever your budget or preferred make.

Why choose a used car?

The age-old debate of new vs used cars - which is better? Ultimately, the route you go down will depend on your lifestyle preferences and financial situation. Running costs such as fuel consumption, tax, and maintenance will also need to be considered.

Used cars can vary significantly - from nearly new ex-demonstrators to much older vehicles with a long line of previous owners, or anywhere in between. At Exchange and Mart, we have a brilliant network of trusted car dealers, meaning you can expect any used car you buy from us to be in top condition.

There are several advantages to choosing a used car over a new make or model:

• Price point: We know that purchasing a car is a big investment, but it doesn’t have to break the bank entirely. Second-hand cars could be the way to go if you're looking for something on the cheaper side.
• Value for money: With less depreciation whilst still retaining their manufacturer warranty, older cars tend to hold their value better than brand-new vehicles.
• It's good to go: As soon as all the paperwork is out of the way, you'll be behind the wheel in no time at all.
• Reliability: Well-looked-after cars with careful owners remain dependable and in solid condition. With a used car, you can still have full confidence that your vehicle will go the distance.
• Lower insurance rates: In general, the older the vehicle, the lower the insurance rate. Before committing to a car, we would always recommend researching and comparing the value and insurance rates of the models you are interested in.

How do I choose the right used car for me?

There are hundreds of pre-loved makes and models out there, and with so many great cars to choose from, it can seem a little daunting. It doesn't matter if you're a car enthusiast or a complete novice, we are here to make the process as smooth as possible.

Using our used car search tool, you can filter your options and receive a custom list of used cars that match your requirements - from the vehicle's age and fuel type to transmission and colour. You can even search for specific features, such as an in-built sat nav or cruise control.

If you already have your dream car in mind, get started by searching for local cars for sale in your area or use our online directory to find a local car dealer.

Alternatively, we have loads of reviews and used car model guides to help you with your decision. So grab a cuppa and get exploring.

When Is The Best Time To Buy A Used Car?

Okay, you've seen our tempting choice of quality used cars and are ready to take the leap, but when is the best time to buy?

Due to a combination of supply/demand issues and the requirements for clean air zones, it's no secret that used car prices have been considerably impacted over the last few years.

While prices aren't likely to drop anytime soon, they do tend to fluctuate throughout the year and it's during these dips that you can expect to bag the best deals. Following the release of new number plate formats in September and March, dealerships will have a lot of used cars from part exchanges that they are keen to shift. Prior to this period, they will clear out old stock in anticipation of an influx of new cars, meaning August and February are also good times to strike.

That doesn’t mean you can’t have a look now - you never know when that perfect car will crop up!

Are Used Cars Reliable?

Used cars are often seen as high maintenance and one of the biggest concerns when making a purchase is long-term reliability. The last thing anyone wants is to be left stranded on a busy main road or receive a scary repair bill.

Aside from the usual wear and tear, a reliable car will require fewer repairs and make for a fuss-free driving experience. Do some digging and ensure all the details provided by the dealer add up before you go to view the car.

So, what should you be looking out for?

At Exchange and Mart, we list a range of quality second-hand cars from private sellers as well as trusted dealers - so you can buy with confidence.

However, it's essential to do some research yourself:

1. Reviews are like gold dust when it comes to giving you an in-depth analysis of your chosen vehicle - we've put together over 500 to help get you started.
2. Car forums are another great place to find useful information and to ask for opinions. A quick scroll should give you a view of any common faults or specific issues.
3. Consumer reports and surveys offer up-to-date facts and figures that give insight into the reliability of car models. For instance, the Honda Jazz is leading the pack for the most dependable and trustworthy second-hand car you can buy, with the Mazda 2 and Toyota Auris following closely behind.

How long does the average used car last?

One of the biggest fears when investing in a used car is how long it will last, and age can be a good indicator of how much road time it has left.

The average healthy lifespan of a vehicle is around 12 years. With this as a benchmark, you can expect your 2-year-old car to last for roughly another decade. That's not to say that it can't continue being roadworthy from then onwards, but it may require a few more expenses

Any other additional information about the car’s history - such as mileage, type of use, etc. - will help to determine whether it is a good investment, so be sure to ask plenty of questions.

What is a good mileage on a used car?

Does mileage matter when looking at contenders for your dream car?

Generally speaking, you can expect a car to have an annual mileage of around 10,000 miles. A simple way to determine whether your potential car has good mileage is to multiply its age by 10,000.

Using this formula, a 6-year-old car would ideally have about 60,000 miles or less on its odometer. However, what’s considered high mileage can vary on a case-by-case basis and each make will differ slightly.

Although most of us are drawn in by the enticing tag of 'low mileage', it’s important that research is still done on the car’s history. For example, an overlooked downside is where low mileage is due to short-distance driving - where the car would likely fail to reach operating temperature. This can wear components down faster and lead to further issues. If it's diesel-fuelled, it may run into problems with the diesel particulate filter (DPF) becoming clogged, as it hasn't had the opportunity to clear out the soot.

Regardless of mileage, age will take its toll on the car and you can expect various parts to naturally deteriorate over time, falling victim to rust and other factors.

Looking for a used car that won’t let you down? As a trusted used car seller, we will carry out rigorous quality checks before you buy.

Used Car Prices

Now comes the all-important question of cost. With the demand for used cars on the rise and enough choices to make your head spin, it can be hard to know if you’re getting the best deal.

UK-wide prices can change all the time, and the value of your car will vary depending on the make and model. For example, a BMW may have different depreciation rates than a Land Rover or Ford. As a general rule of thumb, cars tend to lose between 20 to 30% of their value in year 1, and up to half by year 5.

To put it simply, the more premium the car, the higher the resale price. In today’s market, electric vehicles are gaining momentum and, with the electric switchover just around the corner, this trend is here to stay. So, if you’re on the lookout for a second-hand Tesla, you may have to part with your purse strings.

When it comes to cost, there are several factors to consider:

• Initial price
• Age and mileage
• Overall condition
• Popularity

At Exchange and Mart, we make this process as painless as possible and only present you with a selection of cars that fit your desired budget - simply input your minimum and maximum price range.

How can I pay for my used car?

For many, a used car can be a significant expense. But don’t worry, there are several payment options available and we’re here to help you make the right decision.

Cash and savings

If you’ve prepared in advance and have savings ready to go, then great! An outright cash purchase will give you full ownership of the car then and there.

Loans

If you can’t buy your car outright, you can borrow the amount needed to cover the cost with a personal loan. Remember that lenders will look at your credit rating when deciding on an application.

Credit card

A credit card is a cost-effective payment option for your car. However, before you can drive off into the sunset, you’ll need to ensure your credit limit can cover the total cost.

Interest charge is also important to consider. You can either use a 0% purchase card or look to use a cashback or rewards card. Have a chat with your bank before making a decision.

Car finance

Haven’t been able to save up or unsure about your chances of a loan application?

In partnership with CarMoney, we provide stress-free, flexible finance solutions tailored to your budget. If you’re new to car finance or in need of some extra support, we also offer guidance on key considerations to check your eligibility.

Ready to begin your used car journey with Exchange and Mart? Get exploring now.

Buying a used car - The ultimate checklist

When buying a used car, there are a lot of considerations. For example: Is it reliable on the road? Will it require costly maintenance? Does the air conditioning work?

At Exchange and Mart, we go the extra mile to ensure you feel supported and informed when you purchase a used car from us - no matter the year or model. We pride ourselves on listing trusted and reliable car dealers, but it's always a good idea to do a little research of your own.

Whether you're a easoned second-hand car buyer or making the switch for the first time, knowing exactly what to look for when choosing a used car means you can get behind the wheel with confidence.

Armed with our quick checklist, buying a used car just got easier. Here’s everything you need to know:

• Vehicle history - Always read the paperwork. You won't be able to tax your car without the V5C registration document, so make sure you've received it before driving off. The VIN (vehicle identification number), number plate, engine number and colour should match the information provided. If the car is more than 3 years old, check the MOT history and vehicle status.
• Overall condition - How does the car look at a glance? The odd scratch or small dent is to be expected, but any signs of wear and tear should align with the vehicle's age and mileage. A heavily worn steering wheel or passenger seat in a car that's had little road time is a concern. It's also important to check for chips or cracks in the windscreen - you could be faced with an MOT failure if they are located in the driver's eye line.
• Tyres - Don't be afraid to get close and personal with your used car. Checking the tyres thoroughly is crucial for road safety, factoring in additional cost and driveability. Legally, tyres should have a minimum tread of 1.6mm. A quick hack for testing the tyre tread is to insert a 20p coin into the tread grooves. You'll know your tyres are above the legal limit if you can't see the coin's outer band.
• Electrics - There's nothing worse than a crackly radio or window that doesn't shut properly. Make sure you've tested all the in-built electronics before agreeing to a deal.
• Fluid levels - Check the oil, brake, and power steering fluid levels - these can be found in the bonnet. Low levels can be a sign that the car has been poorly maintained. Look for any signs of oil leakage under the bonnet too.
• Upholstery - It's easy to get distracted by a sleek exterior - we've all been there. But don't forget to check the interior! Do you notice any stains? Does it smell okay? An unpleasant odour can be hard to shake, no matter how many air fresheners you hang from the rearview mirror...

Used cars for families:

From the school run to weekend adventures, we demand a lot from our cars, especially if we are ferrying around little ones. Below is a simple guide to help you make the best decision for your family:

• Safety - If you have young children, choosing a used car with ISOFIX child-seat mounting points can make the often lengthy process of getting those little legs safely strapped in much smoother. Additional features such as parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring can also help to put you at ease.
• Space - Comfort and convenience are key. Whether it's book bags, football kits, suitcases, or muddy boots, finding enough room in an already packed car can often feel like you're having to play car Jenga. When looking for your perfect family car, factoring in a sizeable boot and lots of legroom can make all the difference.
• Entertainment - Keeping the kids entertained can be challenging - there are only so many times you can play 'I spy'... WiFi and other tech features are welcome additions to many modern used cars, especially on those long road trips.