Cheap used cars - where to buy?

book12

I have done some research on websites like Autotrader, Carkraft, TradeSales, etc../and the like and individual car brand websites. Most of the used cars are above £3000. I need a car less than £3000. Where ever I look, the used cars are above that price.

I wonder where (in terms of magazines and websites) to find cheap used cars.

Rolandtheroadie

SMAG website. Lists all the cars going through the auction.

Adtrader (or yellow paper as we call it, probably local variations too)

Motor Market Weekly (or similar) free from your local petrol station.

Gumtree, Craigslist, ebay (auctions and classified but view first)

Local supermarket boards, shop windows, local paper.

Inactive

book12 wrote: »

I have done some research on websites like Autotrader, Carkraft, TradeSales, etc../and the like and individual car brand websites. Most of the used cars are above £3000. I need a car less than £3000. Where ever I look, the used cars are above that price.

I wonder where (in terms of magazines and websites) to find cheap used cars.

Look again, there are loads of used cars on AutoTrader under £3000, look at eBay as well.

Actually there are over 60,000 used cars under £3000 on AT at the moment.

Photo_Stylus

Depends what your looking for really, Carcraft do not have a good reputation. My sis was going to buy a car from there until i found a few websites created by people who had serious problems with them. Overpriced cars compared to other dealers.

If your looking for a particular model or a fairly new car then i can see why, As mentioned national search offers 60,000+ under £3000 30,000+ under £2000 10,000+ under £1000

Now i am looking for an certain car must be an estate, petrol and in a dark colour and less than 30 miles from me and 54 plate or newer for £3000, Thats proving tricky.

Lithian

Avoid places like carcraft or you'll end up with something like 47% APR for a £5k loan for a car worth £3k that you'll end up paying £18k on. I think thats usually called Bad Debt round here.

Autotrader, just use the advanced search and it'll let you put in a maximum price and distance. Dont put in a make and model and just spend a few hours looking through what £3k will buy you, some surprisingly nice stuff can be had.

Pistonheads, less range but typically has better examples from people who actually love cars, again set filter options for price/distance and be surprised.

Also if you have you eye set on a specific type of car i often find that they will have forums to discuss them that usually have a for sale section. This is handy because you should be able to see the sellers post history and get a very detailed history of the individual car and you tend to get them advertised at a fair price.

Photo Stylus, have you thought about a small van? Citroen Berlingo size thing. Other than that you'll probably need to relax your age a little.

negg

Now i am looking for an certain car must be an estate, petrol and in a dark colour and less than 30 miles from me and 54 plate or newer for £3000, Thats proving tricky.

If they are all over £3000, that is what they must be worth.

When you find one under £3000, think twice before buying, because there will be a reason.

book12

negg wrote: »

If they are all over £3000, that is what they must be worth.

When you find one under £3000, think twice before buying, because there will be a reason.

If the car is under £3000, it might be something like a car having a registration plate in 90's for example. When people pass their driving test, they usually buy a car that is under £3000.

456789

Heh I remember the feeling - but focus on passing the test first!

AdrianHi

Also look at pistonheads.co.uk classifieds

Mini_Bear

u can get very decent cars at auction for under the £3k mark. as long as u look for low mileage and full service stamps. i look at group disposal (ie used company cars) i often buy them, drive them for a yr and sell on for a little more. people are always scared of car auctions. (oh and im a girl 24 yrs old - i just happen to love cars!!)
its no different to buyin a repo house - many of the cars were bought on credit and then hav got repo'd so sell at auction.

negg

If the car is under £3000, it might be something like a car having a registration plate in 90's for example.

Yes, but that is not within the specifications listed. A car registered in the 90's is not a 54-plate or newer.

What I meant was if the car is in the specifications he listed AND under £3000 when no others are, then there is likely to be a reason.