3K for a cheap family car

Kilty_2

patman99 wrote: »

It doesn't matter if it is an ex-taxi. Taxi's tend to be extremely well serviced (they are the only source of income for the owner, so get regularly serviced).

It matters if you're paying full retail price for it :eek:

jase1

Only real problem with taxis is if they are clocked -- if a car has 250K on the clock and it's advertised as such, you simply price accordingly.

I've known a couple of people buy a high-mileage taxi for very little money and the cars have been OK. Not fantastic, because they are very high mileage and so bits like CV joints, clutches and the like do fail, but perfectly acceptable and a lot better than some low-mileage bangers.

MaxStein

Well, off for the test drive this morning at Evans Halshaw (Doncaster), being Evans Halshaw the price is fixed (except for the near worthless price guarantee - has to be within 2000 miles and the same everything), I have seen cheaper but they are too far away (271 miles etc).

Here's the link (if it works).

I've looked online about EH Doncaster and its not exactly sparkling - 1.7 out of 5, but I do know people only go online to complain most of the time and there were only 9 reviews and I'm pretty certain they've sold more cars than that

Any last second advice?

Kilty_2

Check everything and double check.

Tell them to stick their £90-odd HPI check if they try to force it on you - do it yourself for £10 online.

Hope you've considered the fact that the "old model" Avensis a year older than the one you're looking at can be had for nearly half the price.

MaxStein

They have done the HPI thing over the phone, but I'll check online.

I like the model in general though so I'm happy about that part at least.

Kilty_2

They are nice cars - my dad test drove a 2.2 diesel (:() one a couple of years ago which he was going to buy until the dealer realised they'd priced it about £3000 too low :rotfl:

Enjoy the test drive and make sure it's not just a quick run around the block (been stung by that before)

MaxStein

Well, tis mine now, or will be when I pay off the last £2K at the end on the month.

Turns out the HPI is mandatory, but I got that knocked off, quite pleasing as I didn't expect to get anything out of EH at all!!

Oh, by the way I checked (and double checked) that mark on the back bumper and there is no way you can tell it was there at all, even knowing its in the picture - they reckon it might have been a leaf or some such, no idea myself but it just isn't there in the real world.