Bought a used car from dealer, worried about price?

newmoneysaver09

Hi,

I have just bought a used car from a dealer for £600 (I know that paying that amount isn't going to be for a car that will run without a few minor repairs every now and then), but the average price of the car that i've seen is around £800-1200. The car is also a 2001 registration, so am now really worried that i've paid for something that could potentially have huge problems later on.

Initially, went with a mechanic to look at the car who said the car was generally ok, engine was running well and general condition was good. But am not sure what to do now if the car does suddenly break down.

The car didn't have road tax and there is a bit of rust on the wheel trim, so those are the only things I can think of for why the car is cheap.

The description of the car on the advert that the dealer wrote sounds ok, no faults reported but the price of it has suddenly got me thinking twice. I'm assuming dealers would surely detail any problems before selling at such a price.

Here is the description,

"5 Doors, Manual, Hatchback, Petrol, Metallic Silver. ABS, Air conditioning, Central locking, Radio/Cassette,, Steel wheels, Electric door mirrors, Front electric windows, PAS, Steering wheel rake adjustment, Space saver spare wheel, Full Service History. Insurance Group:4, MOT, DRIVING ALL GOOD CLEAN, BARGAIN"

Now I can't get a refund but is there anything I can do just in case something that happen to the car. Are there any rights that I have? Have heard of the sales goods act for used vehicles, but from the car description would I have any problem in getting any refund if a big problem does happen? Any advice would be very helpful.

Thanks

pitkin2020

Sorry but crystal ball is out for repair. Firstly what car is it?? Secondly just because other similiar cars are advertised for more doesn't mean they are worth more. Thirdly what sort of garage did you buy it from, if its someone who just deals in cheap cars and this is VERY cheap there maybe something hidden (there may not of course). If its a main dealer just clearing trade ins then in maybe that price because they don't want it on their forecourt.

Foxy-Stoat_3

So its a couple of hundred pounds cheaper than other cars for sale of the same model....what you worried about?!

You cant get a refund just because you THINK its too cheap...hell if I was the trader I would say "hand over another £200 then !!"

The only thing I would worry about its the mileage, have they stated what mileage the car has?

hartcjhart

this is a first for me, someone worried about paying to LITTLE for a car:D

atrixblue.-MFR-.

my crystal ball says its due a service, needs cam belt done, has an in the boot swimming pool, and a perminant air con feature. but then again if other models are prived at £1200 and that was your budget the amount saved could be put away for you to have a repairs done etc etc.

s_b

you took a mechanic with you
mechanic say is car good
you now own car
no warranty implied or given
i think you paid too much at £600 though
sure if you had haggled you would have got it for £400

scheming_gypsy

He px'ed a car and sold it cheap to move it fast.

That probably covers it.

BM-AK

I understand your concern. However, the difference in prices is not huge and probably not what you'd call 'to good to be true' prices.

You have said that a mechanic has checked the car and given it the 'all clear'. Did this mechanic also inspect the car to ensure it has not suffered accident damage or had any illegal repair work done to it which would only make it fit to scrap?

As long as the above checks out along with all the paperwork and history then I don't think there is much to worry about.

Unfortunetely, cars are unpredictable. It could be a jem that will service you for many years or it may be problematic. This is also the case with brand new cars sometimes - so i'd enjoy it and not worry too much .

s_b

illegal repair work done to it which would only make it fit to scrap?

i love stuff like this
ok please explain illegal repair work and how you would define it and how you would proceed to prosecute

would you prosecute the seller or the mechanic that looked it over or the driver that bought it

see interesting

shall we go for all 3?
and who would instigate the charges

careful with your answer now because its loaded:D

forgotmyname

illegal repair work... When a mechanic sneaks round and fits new parts to your car in the middle of
the night as you sleep but then fails to leave you the old worn part which is theft???

Is that illegal?


It will probably need another £600 for the next MOT. You get what you pay for. You have not told us what car
some are worthless despite being quite new. 2001 and rusty i guess a Mercedes.

Also possibly CAT C or D written off, But unless you spend £15 - £25 on an HPI check you will never know and
at that price does it matter?

newmoneysaver09

The car in question is a mazda 323 1.6 lxi. The mileage on it is 76,000 and there is a full service history for it. Also, haven't done a HPI check on it.

The dealer sells a range of cars (from £500 to £10,000) and has a garage besides it carrying out MOTs/repairs.

I guess a cam belt change/service will cost a bit (same for any car really) so that would up the end costs. The main worry was from its cheaper price but also in comparison with other cars for example, a 1.4 vw polo (1998), is averaging around £500-£700, so this mazda 2001 going for £600 has slightly panicked me.