Buying a used car (vectra maybe?)

bigjl

When you are winding the windows up using the onetouch feature on our MK2 Zafiras and hit a pothole whislt it is doing so they tend to wind back down a bit.

In fact if the windows are a bit dirty they have tendancy to get near the top then stop and wind back down sometimes.

Never had the issue with the MK1 Zafira or the mk4 Astras, not sure how the system differs, just an observation.

They always wind up when you keep your finger down till it is completely closed though.

Strider590

Kilty wrote: »

I meant some technical documents showing the use of these extra CPUs, not another half arsed explanation of a system most cars have.

That would constitute theft and most car's do not have this system.... Most operate by direct switching of the window motor supply voltage, some via relay (to handle to load without burning out the switch) and some (mostly certian Fords and Mercedes) use low voltage touch switches with the main switching operation done by a centralised "black box" (A good system).

Anyhow, we've gone way off topic... The point is that old stereotypes aren't as reliable as we think.
For example... VW don't deserve the reputation they still have, but that'll never change because of popular opinion.

Rolandtheroadie

I'm quite lucky with all the cpu and anti pinch stuff. If I hear a kid or the dog squeal, I roll it down a bit again and let them get their arm/head/leg/whatever out again.

liam8282

To update, I went along to the auctions last night to see how they work. Unfortunately I only just got there at the auction start time 6pm.

Only had chance to have a very quick look at the cars.

There were two vectras I was interested in. Both black, one a 2004 1.8 petrol elegance, one a 2005 1.9 cdti diesel. I tried to get the keys to have a look at the 1.8, but the auction had lost them! That put me off a bit straight away.

Anyway, I went and watched how the auction went.

Then along came the 1.8 which is what I wanted to look at, it looked nice had alloys, colour coded etc. 54k miles, but they had lost the papers for this car (not the keys!). It ended up going for £1450, and I was kicking myself I didn't bid on it, but I only went to look last night.

It was actually the diesel that they had lost the keys for, so this didn't even go into the auction.

I also saw a 2003 (newer shape) punto, 1 owner, fsh, 50k miles, that ended up going for £1575, which IMO I was surprised at and is a bit over the odds, I am sure I have seen similar on Autotrader for about £1500 that is even without having to pay auction fees etc.

AlexisV

You're best going a few times and getting a feel for it. Vectras are pretty common so they'll be another good 'un next time no doubt.

Inactive

liam8282 wrote: »

I also saw a 2003 (newer shape) punto, 1 owner, fsh, 50k miles, that ended up going for £1575, which IMO I was surprised at and is a bit over the odds, I am sure I have seen similar on Autotrader for about £1500 that is even without having to pay auction fees etc.

Correct, and you get to test drive the one on AutoTrader.

You are probably better off buying from your local rag, the chances of a car at auction having a serious fault are quite high, especially in your price range.

Strider590

Inactive wrote: »

Correct, and you get to test drive the one on AutoTrader.

You are probably better off buying from your local rag, the chances of a car at auction having a serious fault are quite high, especially in your price range.

Chances are no worse than any other method, many auction cars are part-ex's from main dealerships around the country, who just don't want old cars cluttering up their lot.

liam8282

Strider590 wrote: »

Chances are no worse than any other method, many auction cars are part-ex's from main dealerships around the country, who just don't want old cars cluttering up their lot.

That is what my local auction has, the majority were cars from main dealerships, can remember arnold clark and toyota, just off the top of my head. There were quite a few others.

You can understand that Toyota, wouldn't want for example a load of Vauxhalls or Fords taking up their space, so ship them straight off to the auctions.

I can understand that some of the cars shouldn't be touched at auctions and it is risky, but I would say it is no more risky than getting a car from ebay or autotrader in a private sale.

I will be going to the auctions again, but this time I'll be a bit better prepared, get there early, have a torch to have a good look at the engine and a pen to make a few notes. Just basic stuff, but stuff I didn't do yesterday.

jase1

Strider590 wrote: »

Chances are no worse than any other method, many auction cars are part-ex's from main dealerships around the country, who just don't want old cars cluttering up their lot.

... which is why I mentioned being careful to make sure you're buying from such a main dealer, and not the independent lots.

If an indie is selling a £2000 car at auction, there's something wrong with it. Can say that with 95% certainty.

Inactive

Strider590 wrote: »

Chances are no worse than any other method, many auction cars are part-ex's from main dealerships around the country, who just don't want old cars cluttering up their lot.

The main dealers offer their " oldies " to the trade, any that are any good are snapped up, the rest go to auction.

Main dealers do not like paying auction's.

At least buying from AutoTrader or the local rag, you get a chance to test drive.