Looking at a car tomorrow need some tips please

lindseykim13

goldspanners wrote: »

you would be better asking how long a peice of string is to be honest,there is a fault with the airbag,thats why the warning light is on,it could be as simple as resetting a plug or it could be needing a new new air bag unit (srs unit) as someone else has already mentioned,this could be costly between parts and labour of diagnosing said fault (labour is where the peice of string comes in) nobody knows exactly what is causing the fault on here so you wont get a definate answer so prepare yourself for at least another £500 - £600 if the dashboard has to be removed to replace said unit.
why not sell your own car privatly and get a few hundred more for it and then go and buy a xara picasso (if this is what you really want,im not advising this model) without these faults on it with hard cash rather than trading in.

Thanks that was the original plan but works out a little awkward as we wont be able to get to view any cars if we can't drive there. 2 kids in tow and that also puts us in a 'need a car quick scenrio' as we wouldn't be able to manage for long without it. To be honest selling it pivatley i would find difficult as it does have its obvious faults, dents, scrathes, squeeking breaks and a high biting point on the clutch too. I'm thinking no-one will buy it lol

lindseykim13

danny69 wrote: »

If you go in, discuss what car you are after with them, and what kind of part-exchange they would offer you then they will buy a car for you. Most garages will do this. Yes, they will buy at auction most probably, but they will get the cars serviced and MOt'ed and a lot of the risk will be on their shoulders.

Thanks i didn't know this i particulaly want a green one (sad i know) which i havn't been able to find yet. Is it a good idea for me to tell them the price range as i don't want to be charged more as they know i want it?
I would need to part ex so hoping for 1k on that and then upto 900 cash i suppose.

goldspanners

lindseykim13 wrote: »

Thanks that was the original plan but works out a little awkward as we wont be able to get to view any cars if we can't drive there. 2 kids in tow and that also puts us in a 'need a car quick scenrio' as we wouldn't be able to manage for long without it. To be honest selling it pivatley i would find difficult as it does have its obvious faults, dents, scrathes, squeeking breaks and a high biting point on the clutch too. I'm thinking no-one will buy it lol

theres plenty to choose from,i remember when my dad used to buy bangers,he would sell current car and grin and bear it for a few day,go and view other cars using a combination of buses and walking,there is plenty of these french squibs for sale.so it shouldnt take to long. do you not have any friends who could drive you round one saturday afternoon viewing cars?

danny69

Best idea is to tell them your range. Say between £1500 and £2000. You need to find what they would offer as part-exchange, though. Yes, most garages will get a car within your specifics. What I would say is dont be too specific! If you tell them colour, model, and get too specific e.g. which extras you want, then it might take a while and will cost you more because they will have spent time finding you exactly what you want. If you give them a make and model and a rough mileage perimeter and also a budget then im sure it wouldnt take too long. In the meantime you would be able to drive your own car and wait for a call from them when they have bought what you wanted. Dealers will do this for you because they know they are getting your business.

Wig

What is your reason for selling? You seem to be swapping one 2001 car for another, and the one you have has had an engine replacement, and sounds like there's nothing wrong with it.


Also be aware that September (?) 2001 is the changeover date for banded tax bands, so ideally you want a car without banded VED.

Better the devil you know....

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

You want my advice OP? Sell your car for cash, privately. You'll be without a car for a few days. Then go and find a 15 year old banger for £500, something Japanese with a decent sized engine. Run that car until something big breaks on it, scrap it, and go and buy another.

You'll save money, and you won't have to deal with a trader that quite honestly sounds like Arthur Dent's !!!!! brother.

hewhoisnotintheknow

please remember that an mot DOES NOT mean the car will e reliable.

My sister got in a strop the day after her mot when the car broke down, she can seem to understand that the mot is about safety and not a lot else

Wig

Have you tried fitting 3 into a Xsara P? I think you should before you buy.