Advice needed for buying a car

TheHookieMonster

This is a plea from a car-buying idiot.

I'm looking to buy a new (to me) car. I want something compact - hyundai i10/20, nissan micra, ford ka etc - but have no preference what, as long as it's comfy to drive. It'll be used most of the time for shortish trips (up to 30-45 mins), with occasional longer haul trips (london to scotland).

I'm thinking of something that's a couple of years old - I'm assuming this will still be new enough to get a manufacturers warranty, not quite long enough for all the problems to start, but long enough that I don't worry about the new car depreciating in value. I'm also not planning on changing/upgrading until I really have to, so something with a really long lifespan and cheap repairs would be good. I'd like to keep the price under £5,000 - is that realistic?

My main question, is how do I go about it? I think I'd rather use a dealer than do a private transaction, for peace of mind. Do dealers usually deal with just one manufacturer, or do they have a range of types? How many dealers should I expect to visit? What do I need to think about/know that I haven't mentioned?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks.
Andrea.

oldtoolie

Your best bet is an auto supermarket. Big stock, late model cars, fixed prices.
Someone as inexperienced as you risks being taken for a ride without fixed prices.
Downside of supermarkets is most don't give test drives.

Go to WH Smith and by Used Car Guide or What Used Car. Read it. Go to dealers and try the cars you are interested in. They don't mind taking you for test drive especially if it isn't on the weekend. Do not buy until you have tried a few and had a think. There is no reason to rush into buying any of the cars you mentioned no matter what the salesperson says as there are hundreds like it nearby.

covmutley

Hyundai do a lenghty warranty (think it was 5 years, now 7 on new cars) so that may be appealing if depreciation is not an issue. Ford Fiesta worth a look but will probably be the now replaced model. Should be able to get the new Vauxhall Corsa in budget. Honda jazz was ok car, though dull.

Inactive

covmutley wrote: »

Hyundai do a lenghty warranty (think it was 5 years, now 7 on new cars) so that may be appealing if depreciation is not an issue. Ford Fiesta worth a look but will probably be the now replaced model. Should be able to get the new Vauxhall Corsa in budget. Honda jazz was ok car, though dull.

Still 5 years, the 7 years warranty is on Kia's.;)