Advice On Buying A Second Hand Car??

devils_advocate

Its all very well to look at the average reliability of cars. The probnlem is, you're not buying an average car, you're buying a specific one, which will be more reliable or less reliable than the average.

So you pays your money and takes pot luck!

ArsenalFC

Japanese cars always gets top recommendations because they are very reliable and german cars are usually a solid option too, but these brands will cost more than say a ford - fiesta is a good option and cheaper than the japs and german cars.

So take your pick from Yaris, polo, fiesta, corsa, mazda 2 or others. Which ever one you choose be sure that it is well maintain through a full or near full service histroy.

hewhoisnotintheknow

I was driving past a second hand car dealer last night and they had lots of small hatched on 04 plares for 3k, was amazed at how cheap cars are!

Maggiesunshine

Wow - thank you to all you very kind and knowledgeable people who have taken the time to reply to me. Well - I am coming to the conclusion that it is to be Jap really .... I have seen this Mazda 2ts, 30000 miles, 5 door - quite solid looking, good condition I think - have only driven past it (private sale) will drive past again today .... £3,500 - a bit higher than what car suggests .... it is no 3 on isurance rating .... but not sure how exp servicing will be. My local garage does my car at moment (a Peugeot 206 which has done me proud I must admit - but for some reason ... still quite pricey second hand ... anyway fancy a change!!) So please does anyone know if they are exp to service?? Could ring the garage ... but somehow trust you lot out there!! Thankds for the sites to look at - am going there now!

albionrovers

Only people that knock french cars are people who haven't owned one.

Saying that I am looking at BMW for my next car. Thats only for the lovely extra's you get with them though.[/quote]

I won't ever be touching a French car again after my 3-year new Megane experience. I told the Renault sales manager that he shouldn't ever worry about redundancy because he would be busy for the rest of his working life fixing those heaps of junk.

I've moved on to BMW and it's sooooooo much better.

hewhoisnotintheknow

hyundai getz diesel, buy a three year old one and you will still have two of the 5 years warranty left!

Maggiesunshine

Me again .... another question please to you very kind people out there .... i know that someone said dont get a Skodia Fabia .... (the Mazda 2 had gone by the way ... dallied too long ...) but they seem to get good reviews generally ... and it has got a largish boot which is one the priorities for me .... and the connection with VW, and I have seen a few advertisied ..... 1.2, 1.4 - all different names - comfort, blue line, blackline and on they go .... but I have seen a diesel - but it has done 100k - 2005, motorway miles, £2800 - ono - now what is the opinion please on a diesel that has done that many miles ... am I asking for trouble?? (I cannot find a Hyunai getz deisel ) -I know that deisel is more expensvie to buy right now as against petrol, but they do a lot more miles to the gallon dont they?? Anyway - any help again much appreciated. Thank you

Ex_Gas_Guzzler

Having worked for a Skoda dealer for a few years i would say the Fabia is a cracking little car, go for one with air con if you can afford.
My only revervation with the 100K miler is that it may need some money spending.
Have a thorough look through the service history and ask to see receipts for work done brakes, clutch, exhaust etc so you know whats already been replaced and when.
If the sellers genuine they won't mind you looking.
If it was me i would try and buy with lower miles, its a buyers market at the mo, have you tried ebay and done a local search?
Bets of luck!!!

Maggiesunshine

Thank you so much for replying Ex Gas ... this partic car - I have only read so far the advert - and it says the 100k has been done on the motor way - and as it is deisil - friends (who are not really mechanicly minded!!) say that it is only just run in??? Hubbie said that brakes, clutch - like you said - would also be affected - but if it does motorway driving - and not stop start, etc would they really be affected?? I am swayed by the price and the deisil I suppose, which is much more economic than petrol.. Excuse typos - keybpard plyaing up - oh heck - sorry!! Anyway - good news re Skoda - I think I am going to find a good one ... would you suggest a 1.2 or a 1.4 - the insurance groups seems to vary so much!! Thank you.

Ex_Gas_Guzzler

No disrespect to your friends but they aren't buying it, and it's you who'll be footing any bills if it should go wrong!! Like i said before its all about who's looked after the servicing and repairs and having the chance to inspect the service book and receipts. Could have had an open cheque book for servicing, fantastic, then again could have had Jensen Button at the wheel and services done once in a blue moon by the owner.

Main agents would very rarely retail a car with 100k, mainly because of reconditioning costs and the fact that the warranty companies they deal with won't offer a warranty on a car with 100k, or if they do it would be very limited cover. So thats something to think about if you are considering a 100k mile car!!

Consider a petrol, petrol is still cheaper than Diesel, and you'll buy a newer car for your money with less miles. Fuel consumption is still good if driven sensibly.

Good cars are out there, its worth taking your time and one will turn up with your name on it!