Checks for New Used Car

DB_XIII

Hi,

I am looking to buy a new used car over the weekend and I am going to view two I like from looking online.

The car I purchased previously turned into a bit of a lemon, so I am keen to ensure this doesn't happen again, as I am spending around £3k.

I am taking a mechanic with me to check over the car along with doing a test drive, but what is the best way to check the cars history? Written off etc? There are a lot of text ins you can do that I've seen on TV but is there one that is reliable?

Thanks.

motorguy

Generally speaking the text histories arent great.

If its a one off and you're otherwise happy with the car, i would get a proper HPI report from HPI themselves.

Might cost a fraction more than other companies but as its a one off, i'd pay it as its about the best.

https://www.hpicheck.com

learningaboutinsurance

motorguy wrote: »

Generally speaking the text histories arent great.

If its a one off and you're otherwise happy with the car, i would get a proper HPI report from HPI themselves.

Might cost a fraction more than other companies but as its a one off, i'd pay it as its about the best.

https://www.hpicheck.com

+1

as car buying isn't always a weekly process, paying the fraction more is well worth it in my opinion. :T

forgotmyname

HPI, RAC, AA Dont waste your time with cheap text checks that offer lots but deliver little.

Age of the car and price? How good is your mechanic? Can he spot crash repairs?

DB_XIII

forgotmyname wrote: »

HPI, RAC, AA Dont waste your time with cheap text checks that offer lots but deliver little.

Age of the car and price? How good is your mechanic? Can he spot crash repairs?

Thanks for the replies guys.

The two cars are 05 (Fabia) and 06 (C4) plates, both being sold for £3,000.

I am very confident in my mechanic, he does a lot of private work, works for a large dealership and believe he could spot repairs.

forgotmyname

There you go then your mate and an HPI to make sure and your sorted.

C4 ewwww with your own money? Nooo... Someone elses money then why not.

Fabia, Boring but at least it should last longer.


Think of a bigger car for less money?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201301315142593/sort/default/usedcars/price-to/3000/price-from/2000/maximum-age/up_to_7_years_old/model/mondeo/make/ford/onesearchad/used/onesearchad/nearlynew/onesearchad/new/page/1/postcode/sw111aa/radius/1501?logcode=p

I can get 60+mpg from mine on a run.

DB_XIII

forgotmyname wrote: »

There you go then your mate and an HPI to make sure and your sorted.

C4 ewwww with your own money? Nooo... Someone elses money then why not.

Fabia, Boring but at least it should last longer.


Think of a bigger car for less money?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201301315142593/sort/default/usedcars/price-to/3000/price-from/2000/maximum-age/up_to_7_years_old/model/mondeo/make/ford/onesearchad/used/onesearchad/nearlynew/onesearchad/new/page/1/postcode/sw111aa/radius/1501?logcode=p

I can get 60+mpg from mine on a run.

Thanks,

I wasn't a fan of a C4 before looking into them but I've found good reviews (always find negative as people love to moan) and it's got less miles than the others I'm looking.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201301315139338/sort/default/usedcars/transmission/manual/price-to/3000/maximum-age/up_to_7_years_old/quantity-of-doors/5/maximum-mileage/up_to_80000_miles/fuel-type/petrol/price-from/2000/onesearchad/used/onesearchad/nearlynew/onesearchad/new/page/5/radius/20/postcode/b603dx?logcode=p

I did look at a Mondeo (1.8), although it's petrol I want but the insurance isn't good as I'm 21 and they are a higher tax band.

Apart from them I've found a couple of 1.6 Focus' that I like.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201212224713717/sort/default/usedcars/transmission/manual/quantity-of-doors/5/fuel-type/petrol/price-to/4000/maximum-age/up_to_7_years_old/maximum-mileage/up_to_80000_miles/model/focus/make/ford/onesearchad/used/onesearchad/nearlynew/onesearchad/new/postcode/b980pz/radius/30/page/1?logcode=p

learningaboutinsurance

forgotmyname wrote: »

There you go then your mate and an HPI to make sure and your sorted.

C4 ewwww with your own money? Nooo... Someone elses money then why not.

Fabia, Boring but at least it should last longer.


Think of a bigger car for less money?


I can get 60+mpg from mine on a run.

Let me guess ummm....... Mondeo :T:rotfl: :cool:

DB_XIII

After all that, the C4 is sold and the Focus Fabia turned out to be crap due to the dealers providing false info on the ads.

Found a 1.8 petrol Mondeo 59k on clock, full service history £2.2k which I'm viewing Saturday. Genuine reason for sale....bought a 2010 Mondeo.

forgotmyname

learningaboutinsurance wrote: »

Let me guess ummm....... Mondeo :T:rotfl: :cool:

Are you psychic?

Can i change my name to ....ForgotMondeo? ForgotmyMonbdeo?

People must admit though they are bargains.. Def a Moneysaving car.

As long as you buy the right one and not one someone bought with a load of faults and offloaded to some poor sod.


I wouldnt buy a 1.8 petrol Mondeo.

chrisw

As a further check, the gov MOT check gives a good indication of the car's history over the years and any advisories can be used as a bargaining point.

https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history-vehicle

Although, as they say, past performance is no guarantee of future performance.