Advice on buying a new/used car?

geek84

Hi Folks

I live in the UK and thinking of buying a new or used car. I don't know much about cars, so apart from reading car reviews on websites such as What Car, Top Gear, Parkers, The AA, Auto Trader and Auto Express, can you suggest other things that I can do in order to decide the 'perfect' car for me?

By the way, what is the best month(s) of the year in which to buy a new/used car?

Thanks in advance.

TiTheRev

Set yourself a budget. Decide what you want from the car. Do lots of research.

As a rule German and Japanese will have quality manufacture and hold the best residual value. There's no 'best month' to buy, but just after the new reg's you may have more part-ex's in, but I'd steer clear of those as they are usually high mileage rep-wagons. An ex-demo wuold be under a year old, have a couple of thousand miles on, but save you a fair few pennies on new.

iolanthe07

they are usually high mileage rep-wagons

I wouldn't necessarily dismiss high mileage rep-wagons. They are likely to have been serviced properly, and high mileage up and down a motorway is much better for an engine than pootling around town, stop/start.

Weird_Nev

Set a budget.
Find out what falls in your buddget.
Decide what you like the look of.
Check that you can insure it and afford the running costs.
Research common problems with that particular model - find a buyers guide.
Find an example that looks ok from the advert at a price you're willing to pay.
Inspect it and test drive it.
Check all documentation, including an HPI check and MOT history along with the V5.
Check the service history for gaps/big bills and decide if you're happy with it.
Haggle hard for that final saving.

Trebor16

Before even looking at cars I would suggest checking out the insurance costs on one of the comparison websites to give you an idea of that cost. Check out the road tax rate as well to give you an idea of this annual cost. As it is based on emissions it can vary from zero to £460 per year.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/HowToTaxYourVehicle/DG_10012524

Enquire about the servicing intervals and costs as well for each car.

TiTheRev

iolanthe07 wrote: »

they are usually high mileage rep-wagons

I wouldn't necessarily dismiss high mileage rep-wagons. They are likely to have been serviced properly, and high mileage up and down a motorway is much better for an engine than pootling around town, stop/start.

From an engine point of view, granted rep's cars are OK, but invariably they are trashed inside and look far older than they actually are.

Trebor16

TiTheRev wrote: »

From an engine point of view, granted rep's cars are OK, but invariably they are trashed inside and look far older than they actually are.

A generalisation and not necessarily the case with all cars. I bought a Nissan Primera 2.0LX back in 1996 which was an ex Barclays Bank car. It was 2.5 years old and had done 50000 miles but the interior was spotless. I wasn't worried about the mileage as I only did 5000 a year back then so I knew my mileage would allow the yearly average to drop.

It drove superbly, never broke down and only needed wear and tear items replacing during my ownership. I sold it six years later with 78000 on the clock.

gilbert_and_sullivan

A good review section is to be found in Honestjohn site, he's doesn't fawn over the typical road tester tripe of cut in handling, wheelspin and 0 to 60 times, good forum too as is Car4play.

The sites you mention are good idea too, not as i'd bother with Top Gear personally.

When you have pencilled in a few cars go to make specific independent forums and general motoring forums and read up on the faults and foibles of the cars you are interested in, and feel free to ask sensible questions on forums too.

Do not be blinded by badge prejudice, many car buyers (and other products) can only see the badge, which is good for those of us who know that the badge means nothing.

Some badges carry kudos apparently, they impress others who are badge addicts, badges do not mean the product is any better but sometimes the maker cares about their customers and some makers couldn't car less about their customers once they've got your dosh, some of the biggest names fall into the latter category..

Most cars are quite good these days, its when they go wrong and how the dealer and maker goes about fixing it that you find out whats good and what isn't.

geek84

Hi Folks

Thanks very much indeed for your replies.

Ideally I want a saloon car to cater for my family - wife and 2 children - both starting secondary school next year. Once bought, I want to keep the car for at least 5 years. I want to have a large boot in order to fit the shopping in easily, and any other large items which may need to be transported, as and when required. The budget I have is £15k max. I did consoder the Audi A4, but the boot may not be large enough.

As stated in my original post, I don't know much about cars, so please forgive me if the following question sounds silly to you-


Are there any saloon cars where the back seats can fold (a bit like a hstchback), in order to get large items to fit in?


Thanks in advance for your response.

mikey72

I would go for a hatch with split back seat, if you have kids you can transport everything, their mates, luggage, bikes, furniture, washing machine, freezer, much more easy than a boot.

Biglad_3

Why a saloon rather than a hatchback when it's obvious by your requirements that a saloon is not the best choice?