New and Used car advise

[Vehicle_john]

:money: .Since starting my own company within the Motor Industry and joining Money Saving I am willing to advise anyone with any queries at all in buying/selling or any subject, I might know everything but will try where possible.

[Pink-winged]

Hi Vehicle_john,

That's a lovely offer but your thread would be better placed on the motoring board so I'll move it over there.

Pink

[Vehicle_john]

Many thanks, very new to the forum so still finding my way around.

Cheers

John

[Vehicle_john]

Hi Vehicle_john,

That's a lovely offer but your thread would be better placed on the motoring board so I'll move it over there.

Pink

Try again,

Many thanks, very new to the forum so still finding my way around.

Cheers

John

[debj]

Hi John
We are about to sell our Renault Scenic because it has caused us so many problems and we are thinking about a Hyundai Matrix which looks more reliable. My husband is worried that if there isn't a Hyundai garage anywhere near us it will cause problems if anything does go wrong. This is because a couple of times when we had to get the Scenic fixed our local garage couldn't do it because they didn't have the right (Renault) diagnostic equipment so we had to take it to a Renault garage. Is this common? There are lots of good garages near us, would they normally be able to fix things or will we have to take a Hyundai to a Hyundai garage?
thanks for your help.

[Vehicle_john]

Hi John
We are about to sell our Renault Scenic because it has caused us so many problems and we are thinking about a Hyundai Matrix which looks more reliable. My husband is worried that if there isn't a Hyundai garage anywhere near us it will cause problems if anything does go wrong. This is because a couple of times when we had to get the Scenic fixed our local garage couldn't do it because they didn't have the right (Renault) diagnostic equipment so we had to take it to a Renault garage. Is this common? There are lots of good garages near us, would they normally be able to fix things or will we have to take a Hyundai to a Hyundai garage?
thanks for your help.

Hi, It is always far better to buy a mainstream car because so many garages will be able repair/service them etc, however the next manufacturer you're thinking of is an up and coming brand but you may still find the same problem. My advice would be, depending on your budget is to consider a vehicle within manufactrers warranty, 3 years is quite standard now. Not to complcate matters you could have been just very unlucky but if it was me personally i would go for Volkswagen, Ford Vauxhall SEAT and Skoda. The next step is the challenge to buy at the correct price if you need advice on this let me know. If you need to know how to buy cars at trade prices just let me know.

[pingu]

Hi
i have nissan almera tino 1.8se extra

3 years old on monday 17500 miles

going in for 1st mot tomorrow(friday)

i want to change the car as its too big for us (family of 3)

also want to cut the cost of motoring etc...

hoping for nearly new corolla.

how much should i get for mine if p/ex


thank you

[Vehicle_john]

Hi,

For the model you decribed and course depending on the condition of the car please find the following info.

Make NISSAN Model ALMERA TINO Derivative SE Body Style All Engine Capacity 1800 Age 2004 04
Transmission Manual Fuel Petrol Mileage All CAP Data has been supplied by CAP Motor Research Limited and is published with its permission. All rights in the CAP Data are reserved to CAP Motor Research Limited. Any use of the Data is strictly governed by CAP's standard terms and conditions which are available via its internet site www.cap.co.uk
Auction Price as % of:
Engine Derivative Style Trans Year No of Vehicles Average Mileage (000s) Ave Auction Price (£) Ave CAP Clean (£) Ave CAP Ave (£) Ave CAP Retail (£) CAP Clean (%) CAP Ave (%) CAP Retail (%)
1.8 SE 5DR EST M 2004 04 5 23 5,340 5,620 5,275 7,095 95 101 75
ALMERA TINO 1.8 SE Total 5 23 5,340 5,620 5,275 7,095 95 101 75

Totals By Year
2004 04 5 23 5,340 5,620 5,275 7,095 95 101 75
Grand Total 5 23 5,340 5,620 5,275 7,095 95 101 75

In summery the car is booked about 5600 and in the trade/auction they have been making 5300, part ex will be more all depending if you buy new used and which manufacturer, as a guide only px should in the regoin of 5600 to 5800 anymore info let me know. I am in the trade so please feel free to ask away i believe in a transparent approach which is very rare in the motor industry.

Regards

John

[Crispy Ambulance]

Hi

We have a second car as my OH works funny shifts. We currently have a P reg Fiat Cinquecento for him to get to and from work and it appears to have died. So we need to get another one.

We are looking to buy a "runaround" - cheapish to insure and run, no need for big boot space etc.

Can you recommend any makes or models? (as my main interest in the car tends to be what colour it is!)

[jennifernil]

We have an N reg 1995 Volvo 440 SE 1.8 Automatic, about 55000 miles on the clock, that we wish to dispose of in May. Is it actually worth anything? If so how much? And what is the best way to sell it? We are in Glasgow.

All advice appreciated.

[movilogo]

My husband is worried that if there isn't a Hyundai garage anywhere near us it will cause problems if anything does go wrong.

Yes, that's a valid concern! I have an Hyundai Accent and for any ECU fault code diagnosis (very infrequently though), I've to visit Hyundai dealer in a different town - 20 miles away!

[onehitwonder]

The opposite to pingu above. I am looking to by a 2nd hand car, Year: 2004, about £6,000, and was looking at the Picasso, Megane and just saw a Almera Tino. Mainly a MVP as with 2 kids thought I would get something bigger and don't fancy an estate.

I liked the look of the Almera but has anyone any advise good or bad about it?
The megane's are hard to find and normally a bit more expensive, the picasso's look good but would rather a petrol than a diesel as I do low mileage and 1.8 is too high in insurance and not sure the 1.6 has enough power.

Any opions out there - stupid question really :)

[pingu]

The opposite to pingu above. I am looking to by a 2nd hand car, Year: 2004, about £6,000, and was looking at the Picasso, Megane and just saw a Almera Tino. Mainly a MVP as with 2 kids thought I would get something bigger and don't fancy an estate.

I liked the look of the Almera but has anyone any advise good or bad about it?
The megane's are hard to find and normally a bit more expensive, the picasso's look good but would rather a petrol than a diesel as I do low mileage and 1.8 is too high in insurance and not sure the 1.6 has enough power.

Any opions out there - stupid question really :)

well my tino passed mot(so it should only 3 years old) only needed something in the headlights and it cost me £12 for them(he said the light direction was low don't what he was talking about:D )

anyway off to the showrooms soon looking for slightly smaller car!

[onehitwonder]

Just bought a Picasso. Main factor was the car road tax price for the tino is about £90 more a year.
The picasso looks good and I hope it will give me many years of trouble free motoring. :)

[pingu]

didn't know road tax for picasso was only £60?

i did test drive picasso before i bought the tino

you only get 1 master key(the other key is manual use) and spare wheel is outside the car and there were reports of them going missing!

security features are much better on tino thats why i went for it also it was special edition

hope you enjoy your car

[onehitwonder]

didn't know road tax for picasso was only £60?
i did test drive picasso before i bought the tino
you only get 1 master key(the other key is manual use) and spare wheel is outside the car and there were reports of them going missing!
security features are much better on tino thats why i went for it also it was special edition
hope you enjoy your car
Good point about the spare wheel, hopefully mine won't go missing, along with the car :)

Real pain about the key, I didn't know about that. I suppose the wife will have to have the manual one then :) To buy a new master remote key would be really expensive?

I may be wrong about the car tax but the tax now (after the latest budget) for the Picasso 2.0 diesel is £115 a year. I thought the Tino having 186 Co2 emmissions (the one I saw being a 1.8 litre petrol, year 2003) would go into a high band and be £205. see http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/HowToTaxYourVehicle/DG_10012524

Again someone correct me if I am wrong, which I frequently am :)

[onehitwonder]

As mentioned above I have bought a 2003 2.00 HDi Picasso with 48,000 on the clock.
It comes with a 3 month warranty and that covers nearly everything apart from normal 'wear and tear parts'. To extend the warranty to 12 months would cost an extra £200, 24 months £450 and £650 for 3 years. I don't normally take out any extra warrantys on things but anyone have an opinion as to if the 12 months one would be a good idea, or by the law of averages is everything likely to be ok?
By 'wear and tear parts' I mean the things that people expect to have to replace as they wear out e.g. brake pads, tyres etc.

[nullogik]

Hi

We have a second car as my OH works funny shifts. We currently have a P reg Fiat Cinquecento for him to get to and from work and it appears to have died. So we need to get another one.

We are looking to buy a "runaround" - cheapish to insure and run, no need for big boot space etc.

Can you recommend any makes or models? (as my main interest in the car tends to be what colour it is!)

Since, you've had experience of the Cinquecento, I would suggest you have a look at the next model up - the Seicento. Prices are falling and you should be able to get a good one for under £1000. Its pretty much the same size as a Cinquecento but more rounded, and falls within the same insurance groups so quotes should be the same/or very similar. However, steer clear of any Seicentos with the Citymatic gearbox as these are quite unreliable and costly to fix.

You should also consider a Daewoo Matiz that is only slightly bigger than your Cinquecento but has five doors and a small 800cc engine. Insurance should be about the same as your Fiat. Its possible to find a good one for under £1000

Also look at the SEAT Arosa and VW Lupo. They identical cars, and pretty much the same size as your Fiat. Insurance costs might be a bit more being a VW and you'll struggle to find a nice one for under about £1500.

Finally someothers worth considering include the Toyota Starlet and Ford Ka.

[nullogik]

We have an N reg 1995 Volvo 440 SE 1.8 Automatic, about 55000 miles on the clock, that we wish to dispose of in May. Is it actually worth anything? If so how much? And what is the best way to sell it? We are in Glasgow.

All advice appreciated.


Realistically the car isn't worth much. I would say its not worth more than about £700 max, even with that low mileage.

To get the most money for the car you should try and sell it privately (ie. through Autotrader, Ebay, local newspaper classified section, notice in the window...).

Dealers will give you next to nothing for it if you trade it in (probably a token sum of £50-100 or so) so ultimatly you're better off selling it privatly.

[nullogik]

Do you have any insider tips on how much money a dealer makes on a new car, to give an insight on how far you can push for a discount without taking the mick? I know it varies from brand to brand, and is complicated with volume discounts etc.


Yes, I worked at a Honda dealership and the dealerships typically made only around £1000-£1500 on each car dependant on the model. Some dealerships make even less at around £500 for each car. The salesmen typically make around £50 per car and can boost this if they sell you some finance.

The bulk of the money dealerships earn are from finance arrangements, which is why they push these on to you even if you don't need them. Its often cheaper to go to your bank for the money than use the dealership scheme instead.

If you want good guide prices on what to pay for a new car. Have a look at What Car? Magazine, as their new car directory at the back of the mag contains suggested prices you should aim for when purchasing a new car. Some people have been known to beat the What Car Price by a couple of hundred quid so its worth pushing for more. But as a rule of thumb try and aim for at least the What Car Target Price, and anything on top is an added bonus!

[Vehicle_john]

Do you have any insider tips on how much money a dealer makes on a new car, to give an insight on how far you can push for a discount without taking the mick? I know it varies from brand to brand, and is complicated with volume discounts etc.

The dealers will have various margins but 10% is about the average, better value in many cases is used about 6 months old. The number of vehicles at any time on the market is massive but if you stick to a car broker that only supplies UK supplied vehicles you should get a really good deal, try www.vehiclechoicelocator.co.uk they have every week between 5000 to 10000 hence why they cant offer vehicles with photos or vehicle discriptions, they offer a bespoke service, you choose they find not one but a selection of pre-owned vehicles at trade prices. All will be supplied with a inspection form, UK supplied, experian checked (no outstanding finance, no insurance write off etc)

Hope this helps

[Vehicle_john]

Hi

We have a second car as my OH works funny shifts. We currently have a P reg Fiat Cinquecento for him to get to and from work and it appears to have died. So we need to get another one.

We are looking to buy a "runaround" - cheapish to insure and run, no need for big boot space etc.

Can you recommend any makes or models? (as my main interest in the car tends to be what colour it is!)

Depends on your budget of course how much were you thinking of, i have access to auction prices so if i can help i will.

[Vehicle_john]

We have an N reg 1995 Volvo 440 SE 1.8 Automatic, about 55000 miles on the clock, that we wish to dispose of in May. Is it actually worth anything? If so how much? And what is the best way to sell it? We are in Glasgow.

All advice appreciated.

Someone mentioned autotrader or your local news paper which i agree, you need to be realistic of course but approx £500 to £700 is possible, depends on condition etc etc. If you sell in May i assume you need to arrange for another car ASAP, never put yourself under pressure when buying, do your homework and you should sell your and get your replacement car delivered soon after.

Try www.vehiclechoicelocator.co.uk car broker thats cuts out the retailer and you get a vehicle at trade price. They have on offer between 5000 to 10000 per week but they cant offer for obviouse reasons photos or vehicle description on there website. But when you choose they will send you all the info you require, inspection forms etc, you choose they find and offer you selection of vehicles that are all UK supplied, all experian checked (no outstanding finance or insurance write off etc etc) all upto 6 months old.

Hope this helps

[Vehicle_john]

We have an N reg 1995 Volvo 440 SE 1.8 Automatic, about 55000 miles on the clock, that we wish to dispose of in May. Is it actually worth anything? If so how much? And what is the best way to sell it? We are in Glasgow.

All advice appreciated.

Someone mentioned autotrader or your local news paper which i agree, you need to be realistic of course but approx £500 to £700 is possible, depends on condition etc etc. If you sell in May i assume you need to arrange for another car ASAP, never put yourself under pressure when buying, do your homework and you should sell your and get your replacement car delivered soon after.

Try www.vehiclechoicelocator.co.uk car broker thats cuts out the retailer and you get a vehicle at trade price. They have on offer between 5000 to 10000 per week but they cant offer for obviouse reasons photos or vehicle description on there website. But when you choose they will send you all the info you require, inspection forms etc, you choose they find and offer you selection of vehicles that are all UK supplied, all experian checked (no outstanding finance or insurance write off etc etc) all upto 6 months old.

Hope this helps

[natanddan1]

Do you have any insider tips on how much money a dealer makes on a new car, to give an insight on how far you can push for a discount without taking the mick? I know it varies from brand to brand, and is complicated with volume discounts etc.

Peugeot seem to be offering huge discounts at the moment. I was looking at buying a brand new 407 coupe. RRP £23000. After shopping around and holding various dutch auctions between dealers i got the price down to £16740.

Decided to go for a 607 instead, 05 reg 2.2se fully loaded, 12months manufacture warranty, serviced, years road tax (£400) and only 10k miles. Got the main dealer down to £10,000 all in.
If you are prepared to shop around and trade off one main dealer against the other you can save £1000ssssssss

[jennifernil]

Thanks to those who replied! I had actually been told that the car was only worth about £200, and I saw that a couple of similar ones had sold for about that at the car auction in Glasgow. So I am surprised that it may be worth £500, I will need to reconsider my original plan to give it away!

We are not looking for a new car as we have just bought one this month. We only kept this car as it is insured for our daughter to drive until the insurance runs out in May. Then we will insure her on another, not quite so old, car we already have, we are downsizing the "fleet" as my husband is retiring!

We did not trade in the car as we wanted to negotiate a good discount, the discount was a lot more than the £200 they offered us on the trade-in!

[nullogik]

Thanks to those who replied! I had actually been told that the car was only worth about £200, and I saw that a couple of similar ones had sold for about that at the car auction in Glasgow. So I am surprised that it may be worth £500, I will need to reconsider my original plan to give it away!

We are not looking for a new car as we have just bought one this month. We only kept this car as it is insured for our daughter to drive until the insurance runs out in May. Then we will insure her on another, not quite so old, car we already have, we are downsizing the "fleet" as my husband is retiring!

We did not trade in the car as we wanted to negotiate a good discount, the discount was a lot more than the £200 they offered us on the trade-in!

Typically dealers will offer about half the market price for a trade in you offer them, so its always better to try and sell it privately if its convenient to do so.

Like I said, local newspapers, Autotrader and Loot are the best ways to go. If you have it sitting on a private drive then put a "For Sale" sign in the window. However, if its on the public highway with a "For Sale" sign in it, the council might tow the car away - this has been known to happen so beware.

When you do sell it post back to say what you've got for it. Its always interesting to hear feedback.

[nullogik]

Peugeot seem to be offering huge discounts at the moment. I was looking at buying a brand new 407 coupe. RRP £23000. After shopping around and holding various dutch auctions between dealers i got the price down to £16740.

Decided to go for a 607 instead, 05 reg 2.2se fully loaded, 12months manufacture warranty, serviced, years road tax (£400) and only 10k miles. Got the main dealer down to £10,000 all in.
If you are prepared to shop around and trade off one main dealer against the other you can save £1000ssssssss


Phew, glad you bought that 607 used. That car has shocking residual values (falls like a lead weight) especially in the first year or two and is difficult to sell on, only because its not very common and people are a bit wary of it. Thats not to say its a bad car in anyway, the styling is pretty and they are quite reliable and evidently good value for money.

But you've done the right thing and have let the original owner take the biggest loss - good buy!

[nullogik]

Since, you've had experience of the Cinquecento, I would suggest you have a look at the next model up - the Seicento. Prices are falling and you should be able to get a good one for under £1000. Its pretty much the same size as a Cinquecento but more rounded, and falls within the same insurance groups so quotes should be the same/or very similar. However, steer clear of any Seicentos with the Citymatic gearbox as these are quite unreliable and costly to fix.

You should also consider a Daewoo Matiz that is only slightly bigger than your Cinquecento but has five doors and a small 800cc engine. Insurance should be about the same as your Fiat. Its possible to find a good one for under £1000

Also look at the SEAT Arosa and VW Lupo. They identical cars, and pretty much the same size as your Fiat. Insurance costs might be a bit more being a VW and you'll struggle to find a nice one for under about £1500.

Finally someothers worth considering include the Toyota Starlet and Ford Ka.

In reply to my previous post I forgot to mention the Nissan Micra, so add that to the list above.

Since you're looking for a cheap city runabout I've selected cars that can be bought in good condition for under £1000. If you want to spend more then post back and I'll recommend some others.

[chem14346777]

Hi there,

We want to buy a 2nd hand Diesel Estate, probably a Vauxhall or Skoda for around £2500. It seems that our choices are between 8-10 year old cars with around 70,000 miles on the clock or 4 year old cars with around 120,000 miles.

Basically, my question is, is it better to buy a newer car with higher mileage or a older car with lower mileage? How many miles does the average diesel engine do before your likely to have major problems?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

[golly99]

Hi

Just after a quick valuation please? Got a diesel a couple of months ago, but since changed my job and only doing small miles everyday now so considering selling. It's a Ford Focus 1.8 Sport Diesel in Tonic with about 7k miles 2006 think it's May or June 06).

Thanks!

[lil_chooa]

hi vehicle john and other experts

my dad wants to purchase a brand new motor from a dealership, looking at a focus ghia , audi a3 or a golf .
What would be a good realistic discount to push for on say a 13-15k car??

cheers

[lil_chooa]

and also any good tips on how to haggle well for a discount ??:rolleyes:

[nullogik]

Hi

Just after a quick valuation please? Got a diesel a couple of months ago, but since changed my job and only doing small miles everyday now so considering selling. It's a Ford Focus 1.8 Sport Diesel in Tonic with about 7k miles 2006 think it's May or June 06).

Thanks!

Looking at my price guide, if its in mint condition and you want to sell it privately then the going price is around £9500-£10000.

[nullogik]

hi vehicle john and other experts

my dad wants to purchase a brand new motor from a dealership, looking at a focus ghia , audi a3 or a golf .
What would be a good realistic discount to push for on say a 13-15k car??

cheers

The best thing I can recommend is for you to go out and buy a copy of What Car? Magazine. In the back is a directory of all the new cars available in the UK to buy and alongside the RRPs is the What Car? Target Price.

These are researched throughly and you should aim to pay the What Car? Target Price. People have been known to beat the Target Price so don't stop there if the dealer is willing to give money off!

The benefit of buying the magazine is that the directory contains all the new cars available in the country. So there might be something on the list that you haven't thought of or missed out which could be a viable alternative to the three you have listed.

Post back and tell us how much you got off in the end.

[nullogik]

and also any good tips on how to haggle well for a discount ??:rolleyes:

Theres nothing to haggling really. I would say start at a figure better than the What Car? Target Price (ie. if Target Price is £10000, I would start at £9000) then work my way up from there. Obviously try and not pay more than the Target Price. I find it easier to work up from an absurdly low price then working down from the RRP.

If you have a car at the moment then DON'T part exchange it. The dealer will only give you typically 40-50% of the market value of your old car and then tell you he's doing you a favour. You'll get the maximum amount of money for your old car if you sell it privately (Ebay, Loot, Autotrader, local newspaper classified section...).

Finally when you've reached a final price that both parties are happy with, don't forget to bargain for some of the small things (rubber mats, mudflaps, headlamp protectors, car care kit...) Just have a look at the accessories list and pick out some cheapish items and ask the dealer to through them in too (obviously don't expect them to give you a GPS system or leather seats for free at this point, though theres no harm in trying your luck!).

[golly99]

Thanks for the check on the price...not bad price at all if I do decide to sell.

[darren2007]

On sat 17th March i picked up my 'new' used car. From an independant dealer.
When i placed the deposit i was assured that it would be fully serviced to manufactuers spec and importantly a few cosmetic items would be sorted out. The dealer told me "this car will be spot-on" when you pick it up.

After i was rushed into making payment without seeing what work had been carried out i payed on trust (silly i now know).

After having the car 4 days i had worked out that the service carried out was not done to the manufacturers specification, the cosmetic work had not all been done and there was a horrible noise from the front suspension.

So on wed 21st i took it back with a view to getting my money back.
The dealer assured me that he would get my list of faults sorted and i dropped the car off at his garage on Mon 26th March.

I picked the car up again on Fri 30th March, again i was rushed away without proper chance to look the car over.

Today 31st March I've had a good look over the car and some of the cosmetic stuff is still not done. The Ciggy lighter does not work and the suspension still make horrible noises over speed bumps.

I would like to know where i stand as to being able to get a full refund after 2 weeks?????
All help much appreciated.

[Cumbrian Male]

We have an N reg 1995 Volvo 440 SE 1.8 Automatic, about 55000 miles on the clock, that we wish to dispose of in May. Is it actually worth anything? If so how much? And what is the best way to sell it? We are in Glasgow.

All advice appreciated.

You could post it for sale on the Volvo Owners Club (http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=30) website in the 400 series sales area, link direct to sale area.

There is regular Scottish section meets also so could just turn up at one with for sale sign in the window. Next meeting is at Gretna Gateway outlet village. Then I think it moves back up to Strathclyde park which is local for you.

[vansboy]

hi vehicle john and other experts

my dad wants to purchase a brand new motor from a dealership, looking at a focus ghia , audi a3 or a golf .
What would be a good realistic discount to push for on say a 13-15k car??

cheers


If you got to http://www.honestjohn.co.uk & clik This Weeks Best Deals - you'll have GENUINE up to the minute, offers of ALL makes!

& worth also posting in The Backroom - Discussion, on there, too!

VB

[vansboy]

Hi there,

We want to buy a 2nd hand Diesel Estate, probably a Vauxhall or Skoda for around £2500. It seems that our choices are between 8-10 year old cars with around 70,000 miles on the clock or 4 year old cars with around 120,000 miles.

Basically, my question is, is it better to buy a newer car with higher mileage or a older car with lower mileage? How many miles does the average diesel engine do before your likely to have major problems?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

ALWAYS go for as newer vehicle as possible. It'll have been used regularly & that's what machines prefer.

Regarding miles before diesels get expensive problems, unfortunatly, it's NOT the engine that is the money pit - it's all the ancillary components, fuel pumps, turbos & bits that are fitted, to enhance the driveability of modern diesels.

If you look at petrol models, you might find that you're better off choosing them, rather than diesel, 'cos value for £$£$ quite often it's a winner!! Cheaper to buy, not much worse mpg & sometimes less to maintain!!

VB

[scheming_gypsy]

Today 31st March I've had a good look over the car and some of the cosmetic stuff is still not done. The Ciggy lighter does not work and the suspension still make horrible noises over speed bumps.




what kind of noise does it make?

[darren2007]

Kind of horrible grinding / knocking noise, suggests to me that something really isn't right?
Cheers

[scheming_gypsy]

from the back end?

[darren2007]

Sorry, front end.
I know the ball joints on these cars can be a problem, i got the garage to check them and they reckon there's nothing wrong, i'm thinking maybe they just don't want to pay for the repair. I first noticed the noise the day after i picked it up so it was clearly faulty at the time it was sold to me.

[scheming_gypsy]

i had the same on mine but at the back end, sounds like the wheel is scraping the inside of the wheel arch. Turned out the bushes needed replacing... doing at again as well.

[darren2007]

Cheers gypsy.
Back to my piont about sending it back and getting a refund . . .
Anyone know where i stand?
I've been on the Government, Honestjohn and C.A.B. websites but i still can't find a definitive answer, all seems a bit vague.
I mean the fact that they've had 2 goes at all my problems, 1 before i picked the car up and 1 after (having left me without a car for 4 days) do you think I'm right to demand a refund???
After spending £10k on a car i want to be driving it and enjoying it, not righting about all its problems .............

[ccygirl]

Hi we've been looking recently to replace one of our cars. Today we have looked at a Jeep Cherokee 2.4 sport for £8999 2005 11000miles we are also considering the Honda CRV 2004 £8799 49000 miles. Which is better? We will not be slling the car as we usually keep our cars until they are very old. I have 3 Kids and the CRV had more room inside but the jeep was newer and tidier. Thanks.

[Yorkshirechick]

Hi Vehicle John,

I've currently got a 2000 X reg Ford Ka, and I want to swap it for something a little newer with a bit bigger engine. I've can afford to pay up to about £4300, and want an 02/03 reg ideally. I'd like something small and easy to park, but nothing too tiny like a Fiat Siecento.

Have you got any ideas? I'd really like a new shape Fiesta, but can't really afford one. If it came to it, I'd go a little older and look at 01ish. Can you reccomend any good cars around this age for up to 4k? Most of the driving I do is on motorways.

Thanks
Yorkshirechick x

[nullogik]

Hi Vehicle John,

I've currently got a 2000 X reg Ford Ka, and I want to swap it for something a little newer with a bit bigger engine. I've can afford to pay up to about £4300, and want an 02/03 reg ideally. I'd like something small and easy to park, but nothing too tiny like a Fiat Siecento.

Have you got any ideas? I'd really like a new shape Fiesta, but can't really afford one. If it came to it, I'd go a little older and look at 01ish. Can you reccomend any good cars around this age for up to 4k? Most of the driving I do is on motorways.

Thanks
Yorkshirechick x

Some suggestions that fit your criteria:

- Ford Fiesta New Shape (I noticed that you like the new shape Ford Fiesta, after doing a quick search its quite possible to buy one for £4000-£4300 with cars ranging from 2002-2004 depending on spec and mileage).
Take a look here (and particularly look at page 3 & 4):
http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www/cars_search.jsp?page=2&searchform=&modelexact=1&lid=search_used_cars_full&photo=1&state=none&sort=3&hassearched=Y&make=FORD&min_pr=4000&source=0&model=FIESTA&max_pr=5000&miles=1500&agerange=&mileage=&postcode=sw12+8ln&bodyid=0&fuelid=0&colour=&transmissionid=0
- Honda Jazz (this car should be at the top of your list, its very versatile and roomy and is a little bigger than your Ka. However you'll need to pay around £4500 to get one as they hold their value really well)
- Hyundai Getz (a great little car with five doors, good build quality and reliability, you should be able to get 2004 or 2005 for £4000)
- Kia Picanto (good reliability and build quality and plenty around for £4000, dealerships are a bit sparse)
- Peugeot 206 (stylish, plenty around. Not as reliable as Japanese and awkward seating adjustments so make sure you test drive one first)
- Renault Modus (harder to find, some around for £4300)
- Renault Clio (plenty to look at and should be near the top of your list)
- Skoda Fabia (excellent build and reliability, should definitly be near the top of your shopping list)
- Toyota Yaris (excellent build and reliability, seriously consider)
- Vauxhall Corsa (thousands to choose from, fairly good reliability and build)
- Volkswagen Polo (this should be right up at the top of your list, good build and reliability)

I hope I've given plenty for you to look over.

You can afford a new shape Fiesta check out sites like Autotrader. You should put cars like the Honda Jazz, Skoda Fabia, Renault Clio, Toyota Yaris & Volkswagen Polo to the top of the "must see" list as these are all excellent cars in the supermini sector.

[Vehicle_john]

hi vehicle john and other experts

my dad wants to purchase a brand new motor from a dealership, looking at a focus ghia , audi a3 or a golf .
What would be a good realistic discount to push for on say a 13-15k car??

cheers


All quotes you've had are good, all i would say is that try to consider a six month old vehicle and you will most probably save a pretty fortune. Would always recomend a car broker try www.vehiclechoicelocator.co.uk, like anybody starting to buy a vehicle, where do you go , who to ask, who do you believe. A car broker normaly works on a far lower profit magin, but i would always recomend you do your homework first. all three brands are good and the prices and discounts will vary.

06/06 Golf 2.0 TDI Sport 5DR 10,000 miles met colour £14700
06/06 Golf 1.4 S 5DR 10,000 Met Colour £9795

More examples are possible but try to eliminate a couple of brands and i will be gladly try assist.

www.vehiclechoicelocator.co.uk has over 10,000 vehicles every week but needless to say can't have photo's, inspection sheet for everyone but its worth a calling them.

Regards

[peterg1965]

Vehicle John, I have been offered a brand new Ford Focus ST3 3dr in metallic blue for £15845. That is £4500 below list price, I am entitled to a healthy discount from Ford due to my occupation, hence the price. My question is, to a man from the 'trade', is this a good buy? My intention would be to keep it for a minimum of a year and hopefully sell (privately) for whatever the market bears but with a bit of luck about £15K. That way I get a years motoring in a modern 'sports' hothatch for about £1000.

Would appreciate your comments.

[Platinum]

Hi John

I am currently looking for an audi 1.8t 2003/2004 model, but they seem to be getting sold quickly or in limited supply 2nd hand.

In particular im looking for one with the s line body kit on it.

In your opinion what is the best sites for searching for your 2nd hand car, i've tried autotrader, autoexposure, exchange and mart, ebay... but having no joy.

Can you point me in the right direction, or maybe you have the right motor for me that you can supply me with :D

Thanks in advance.

[Yorkshirechick]

Some suggestions that fit your criteria:

- Ford Fiesta New Shape (I noticed that you like the new shape Ford Fiesta, after doing a quick search its quite possible to buy one for £4000-£4300 with cars ranging from 2002-2004 depending on spec and mileage).
Take a look here (and particularly look at page 3 & 4):
http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www/cars_search.jsp?page=2&searchform=&modelexact=1&lid=search_used_cars_full&photo=1&state=none&sort=3&hassearched=Y&make=FORD&min_pr=4000&source=0&model=FIESTA&max_pr=5000&miles=1500&agerange=&mileage=&postcode=sw12+8ln&bodyid=0&fuelid=0&colour=&transmissionid=0
- Honda Jazz (this car should be at the top of your list, its very versatile and roomy and is a little bigger than your Ka. However you'll need to pay around £4500 to get one as they hold their value really well)
- Hyundai Getz (a great little car with five doors, good build quality and reliability, you should be able to get 2004 or 2005 for £4000)
- Kia Picanto (good reliability and build quality and plenty around for £4000, dealerships are a bit sparse)
- Peugeot 206 (stylish, plenty around. Not as reliable as Japanese and awkward seating adjustments so make sure you test drive one first)
- Renault Modus (harder to find, some around for £4300)
- Renault Clio (plenty to look at and should be near the top of your list)
- Skoda Fabia (excellent build and reliability, should definitly be near the top of your shopping list)
- Toyota Yaris (excellent build and reliability, seriously consider)
- Vauxhall Corsa (thousands to choose from, fairly good reliability and build)
- Volkswagen Polo (this should be right up at the top of your list, good build and reliability)

I hope I've given plenty for you to look over.

You can afford a new shape Fiesta check out sites like Autotrader. You should put cars like the Honda Jazz, Skoda Fabia, Renault Clio, Toyota Yaris & Volkswagen Polo to the top of the "must see" list as these are all excellent cars in the supermini sector.


I've bought a Ford Fiesta Zetec 1.4 Diesel - 03 reg. Pick it up on Saturday
Thanks for your help :T

[fhmman]

Ive got a 52 Fiat Punto, all paid for now and only 25k on the clock. It drives beautifully but has some bad body work. Its been keyed down one side and the on the other it has a couple of bumps and grazes. Now Im thinking of getting something 'new' but am wondering that if I part xchange now the dealer will ruin me with the price as the car needs some work. Would this really be a big problem for them? or shall I pay to get the work done myself and then sell or part xchange?

[pingu]

i have seen this

http://www.ashton-honda.co.uk/?group=0

don't think the link is working its jazz 1.2 i-dsi s


and been offered £6000 for mine and price to change £2300

this was all done on the phone

how much should i really pay for it?

thank you