Buying a used car

scud22

Hi,
I'm in the process of buying a used car from an independant dealer. The dealer seems to have a very good reputation. Does anyone have any tips or advice on how I get the best price possible. Thanks in advance.

albionrovers

Check the value on Parkers.co.uk for similar age/mileage/specification. Remember, dealers are struggling to shift units just now despite them telling you otherwise.
Has ther car been on the forecourt for a while?
What kind of car is it, a sought after car or a big petrol saloon?

Hintza

albionrovers wrote: »

Check the value on Parkers.co.uk for similar age/mileage/specification. Remember, dealers are struggling to shift units just now despite them telling you otherwise.
Has ther car been on the forecourt for a while?
What kind of car is it, a sought after car or a big petrol saloon?

Only trouble is I think the car guides are not keeping up with current economic climate. You want to haggle hard and and don't be bullied or coerced into how marvellous a particular car is. But I would be looking to pay less than the guides suggest and the larger the car the bigger the discount.

nullogik

Its a buyers market out there, dealers (of new and old cars) are really struggling to shift stock so don't be afraid to bargain hard and if necessary walk away. Remember there is always another car out there for you - particular if its something common like a Micra or Astra, in which case you've got thousands to choose from.

To get an idea of prices its worth trawling through Autotrader, Exchange & Mart, Loot, Ebay etc. to find examples that are close to ones that you are considering.

What kind of car are you looking for? If its a luxobarge or a large 4x4 then bargain hard as these vehicles are difficult to sell in the current climate.

scud22

The car I was thinking of buying is a Mazda MX5. I think its been on the forecourt for a couple of months now. Being just after Xmas and the recession/credit crunch etc, I know its probably the best time to buy because dealers are desperate to get their stock moved. The car is a convertable, which is also in my favour a bit because we're in our winter months. Thanks for the tips, they're much appreciated.

harveybobbles

How old is it, mileage, colour etc so we can guide you if it sounds good.

scud22

reg 2002. blue. 1.6i. 67,000 miles

mop587

One tip that worked for me recently was this - I walked away from a deal (the dealer claimed his best price was £5275, I was prepared to pay £5000) but left him my phone number. After two days he called me and let me have it for £5000 and a tank of petrol.

Remember used cars lose value just sitting on the dealers yard. Patience and time are the buyers best buddies.

Quinny_2

Dealers are indeed struggling at the moment,as my Brother-in-law works for a large French car dealer in Sheffield,and he tells me they're having it rough,so that should also be the case for the independents as well.

Haggle hard,and don't be put off.

Ken.

scud22

Thanks to all who replied. Much appreciated and now i feel a bit more confident to haggle. I'll let you all know the outcome. Regards.

skintbuthappy81

Don't forget to check the tax, if it is out of date ask them to put at least 6 months on for you, always worked for me.