2009 New Years Resolution-MFW Diary

Tesco_points_addict

Awww..is loving the parkers site, thanks stuart!

setmefree2

StuartGMC wrote: »

GG running cars long distance (motorways with high annual mileage) is usually best for them anyway. Gets good conditioning of exhaust inside surface and engine is usually running nice and hot with oil keeping it turning sweetly.

and keeps the battery in good order too:D

StuartGMC

Tesco_points_addict wrote: »

I thought you could get a car serviced in your local garage as long as they use the approved parts the warrenty is still valid, I remember checking this when I bought the Focus as I knew I didn't want to go to Ford for the work. Have I got this wrong?? This is an importaa
nt factor for me.

TPAx

As I said, we've found no saving in costs and the dealers should know the vehicle and weaknesses. I like the fact that Jaguar will collect the car from home and return it (so I can work at home for the day) at no extra cost too.

Personally if buying a 2-3yr old car I'm happier with dealer stamps (that said the first two in my S-Type's service record are BENTLEY because it was originally owned by Alan Shearer.... :cool:). This may not worry you for re-sale as you intend to keep long term but, remember that there are some "hidden" recall things which dealers are asked to perform during maintenance (and not charge you) which an independent may not know about. Actual recall issues are announced (DVLA can identify the recall items that should have been done on their web site).

StuartGMC

Tesco_points_addict wrote: »

Awww..is loving the parkers site, thanks stuart!

You're most welcome. Take your time to select options, have a look at pricing on AutoTrader, go and see a few models and test drive. You have the advantage of choosing unlike when we have cars which fail MOT and force a change on us.

Finally remember to do the deal just ahead of month end (ie that you'll be completing purchase in the last few working days) because the dealers may be trying to hit target/cash flow needs and you can negotiate hard with them. If they won't give on price, push them for 12month warranty, try for two free inclusive services etc - you have nothing to lose and much to gain.

One point that caught us out once was trying to tax the car to take away from the dealer... insurance certificate needed new registration otherwise Post Office wouldn't offer tax disk... very very annoying at the time. Get the dealer to tax it for 12months.

Go, girl go!

setmefree2

StuartGMC wrote: »

(that said the first two in my S-Type's service record are BENTLEY because it was originally owned by Alan Shearer.... :cool:

Now that's cool

gallygirl

Can't do a link TPA as only on a configuator but it's a Bravo 1.6 Multijet Eco 105 in Minuet Blue. List Price was £16, 375 inc. rear parking sensors (which I wouldn't get again). I paid £11,222.50, 31.5% discount :j. V similar on here - http://www.perrys.co.uk/new-cars £11,195 not inc. rear parking sensors. Can't find nodding dog option though

IMHO Toyota's are too expensive (& not much discounts as I know from MS ). Seat I like, Leon is lovely but sporty so dearer to run & high insurance. Look at Ibiza's though - better economy than Fiat, I tried the 1.4 but felt engine was a little too small & also spec not high enough (meaning lightweight car though so no car tax :T).

You're right TPA, servicing doesn't need to be done at the dealer. I checked this out when I bought mine, also confirmed on MS.

Tesco_points_addict

I have news!

Firstly bad, bad news....with all the problems with the car I forgot to do an MShop yesterday:eek:I have sent a very grovelly apology but expect to get sacked pronto...I cannot beleive this has happended....I'm such an idiot.

Secondly some better news, my car is fixed for now, cost £115 so not too bad:eek:

Thirdly after much research I know what car I am looking for; an Astra Ecoflex 1.7 diesel. £35 tax and average 62.8mpg:D. Problem, I cannot find any for sale:mad:. So now I've got some breathing space I will keep an eye out for said second hand 6 - 12 month old car and see what happens.

2 MSs tomorrow for same company that I forgot yesterday, so hopefully I can gain some brownie points.


Thanks everyone for all your help. The 'Parkers' website is the best!

TPAx

Tesco_points_addict

Me again!

Just a quick update, savings this month = £2,100 (will have to see what happens if I buy a new car:eek:)

So we are currently at 60.7% offset against mortgage:T Will start updating again on the 1st of every month as this is when most DD go out so although savings amount stays the same (I account for these as soon as wages are paid and worked out) the % offset changes by a fair bit on the 1st:j

TPAx

Edit, just realised last months savings were actually £2,600 not the £2,100 I initially said so another YIPEE! This months is correct at £2,100 though...still well chuffed!!! (listen to me the chav lol)

StuartGMC

TPA
Sounds like a very good choice of car and good that you now have time to watch the market and plan the purchase. Well done on the offset and savings too!

Tesco_points_addict

StuartGMC wrote: »

TPA
Sounds like a very good choice of car and good that you now have time to watch the market and plan the purchase. Well done on the offset and savings too!

Thank you Stuart! I found some great info. on the parkers site you told me about...now it's a case of sit and wait until the right car comes along and everything else crossed that my car will hold out for a while longer without anymore spends.

So far today I've completed two MShops & taken my Mum flowers....all together now awww isn't she sweet! Rest of the day spent doing not a lot really.:D

Hope everyones had a great weekend.

TPAx