advice on buying a second hand car?

yonny_2

Hi there
Can anyone offer advice on buying a second hand car?

I have a young family and need a car with space for a double buggy as well as the kids so have settled on a vauxhall zafira after doing some research!

Ive seen an 02 plate with 66,000 miles for 3 and a half thousand
The salesman at the dealers said 'we dont normally negotiate on price' but when I said I could pay cash if we came to some sort of agreement he said to come in again at the weekend to give him time to speak to his boss and see what he could do!
Now, unfortunately I dont have the token man available on saturday to take with me to help me negotiate - and although Im normally well able to do this kind of thing myself this particular salesman prefers to deal with men - going by his attitude last time (ignored me apart from asking
if I liked the colour and directed all technical speak to my brother!!!)

so...........what to do? How much can I reasonably expect to get off the car? (its not taxed and comes with a 3 month warranty only)
Ive checked the net and other cars the same age/mileage range from 2995 to 3600
I know Ill have my work cut out to get anything off and i do realise the second hand car market is strong at the mo but has anyone any advice to help me out?
Any tips gratefully received!!! Thanks x

jaydeeuk1

10% is usually the aim.
Has the car been checked over mechanically? Although will come with a warranty, most are all but useless.

mrscb

Three grand and get them to tax it!!!!
If they say no,walk away and see what happens.
Please get it checked over before you buy anything though.

Rolandtheroadie

If it's the 1.6, dont touch it.

mikey72

Seems dear, probably £3000 max, unless it's the club, not the comfort, then about £2800.
The 1.6 isn't bad, the 1.8 is nicer, check the cambelt has been done, and the waterpump at the same time for the 1.8, also the thermostat for the 1.6. If no record either walk away or pay £250 very shortly.
(the 04 model has full seat belts in the middle three seats, the 02 only has two and a lap belt, but it's another £1000 on the 02 version)

yonny_2

Ohh I knew you guys would come up trumps -thanks so so much!!

I dont know if the cambelt or waterpump have been done but will certainly check - and look at the service history before I even think about buying!
Its a 1.8 comfort - I did hear bad things about the 1.6 so didnt even contemplate it!!

Three grand sounds good to me - and Ill do my best to get them to tax it!!!!

Should I just say I can pay 3 and no more at the outset or start lower and work up to my limit??
Any more advice from you more knowledgeable people??
I havent haggled in ages............ and not normally with twin babies at my side!!!!
Thanks again - you're all fab!!:T:T:T

mikey72

If there is no history for the cam belt, it will need belt, tensioners etc, and a waterpump. Don't let the seller change just the belt if he offers, full cambelt kit and pump or negotiate a discount and get it done yourself.
Make sure the luggage cover is there, and the spare wheel is still under the back.
Otherwise they're a good car, fairly indestructable, I've had one for 6 years, I've only had to put on a crankshaft sensor, and just general service items. Still on the first battery, exhaust, clutch, etc, and only just changed the original tyres. Passes the MOT first time year after year.

rev_henry

Don't be afraid to say, here's my number, I'll give you £3k. Call me if you change your mind and walk away. Often you'll get that call...
Don't know much at all specifically about that car though sorry.

somech

£3k must have full history 12 months mot 6 months tax
and spend £100 and get it inspected
also if he talks down to you walk away theres thousands more out there
good luck

Kurtis_Blue

yonny wrote: »

Now, unfortunately I dont have the token man available on saturday to take with me to help me negotiate - and although Im normally well able to do this kind of thing myself this particular salesman prefers to deal with men

Then why go on Saturday? already they are playing with you and dictating terms.
Phone and book a day when you want, he doesn't need to speak to the boss over a 3.5K car if he doesn't have the authority over a little deal then bypass him and his cheap suit.;)