Looking to buy a secondhand car

fuzzybear01

I'm looking to buy my first car, I have my heart set on a new shape Nissan Micra with 5 doors, and nothing anyone says will put me off

What I would like to know is how much should I haggle down by?

One car I have seen is an ex-driving school car. Should I be immediately put-off by this?

So far I have been looking on Ebay, Gumtree and Autotrader. I live in NW London, what other sites could I be looking at? I want to buy on Friday.

Thanks for your help

steamwin

Pistonheads is my favourite just google it

Kimberley

If you look on Ebay or sites such as Gumtree then please be careful because you get a lot of scammers on there.

Badger_Lady

Preloved, Freeads and your local papers.

There are scammers, but you just have to be careful how you go about it... and actually eBay is pretty well vetted.

Always do your own HPI check on the car you're interested in (about £12 a pop). Get an AA or RAC check on it before buying if you're not too hot on the mechanics, and have a look at all the past MOT certificates to check mileage.

Only buy the car if it has a current MOT and tax disc - you'll need those to drive home (and you're taking a risk if you take it straight to its MOT)... and make sure to arrange your insurance ahead of collection. If it's on a Friday, set up your quotes and then ring them on your mobile to start the policy at the point of purchase.

Don't leave a deposit with a private seller... when you've agreed a price, give them the money in return for the keys and car - that way you know that everyone's getting what they came for. I have paid for a lot of cars in cash for exactly this reason - just make sure you fill out the V5 form and keep the green slip as proof of ownership.

Bear in mind that a private sale will be "sold as seen", so any problems that happen are yours. Even if they happen on the drive home.

fuzzybear01

I think I'm pretty aware when it comes to scammers. I won't be giving anyone a deposit, I have looked into HPI checking services. Bit worried about carrying cash around with me in case I get mugged, also worried that I could give them money and they could walk off and not give e the keys! All these things are reasons why I'd feel happier/safer buying from a business or trader.

emmell

I wouldn't buy an ex driving school car.
ML.

sassy_one

I second that, I wouldn't buy a ex driving school cr!

missile

fuzzybear01 wrote: »

I won't be giving anyone a deposit, ...... All these things are reasons why I'd feel happier/safer buying from a business or trader.

You are right to be cautious, but do not expect anyone to keep a car until you return with the cash. Some may be prepared to come with you to the nearest bank. A dealer will expect a deposit.

fuzzybear01

missile wrote: »

You are right to be cautious, but do not expect anyone to keep a car until you return with the cash. Some may be prepared to come with you to the nearest bank. A dealer will expect a deposit.

I'm not that desperate, most cars seem to have been advertised for over a month, there are over 30 cars that I'm interested in so if they don't hold the car there are lots of other options.

Red_Cat

There are loads of those Micras about, so if you go to see one and something doesn't seem right, then walk away.
You will definitely find another.

minimoneysaver

Why don't you see if you can find one that a 'little old lady' has owned? You'll probably only pay a few hundred extra and get something that hasn't had the gears crunched 100 times a day!