Buying a used car help!

bonsta

I've found a car (peugeot 206 sw 04 plate) I like in budget and looks in good condition but I've never bought a car so don't exactly know what to look for!

Is it worth getting an AA check done?

Also can anyone recommend the best service to use to check for it being a cat c/cat d car?

Is there anything else I should check?

Thanks in advance

Tigerprint

Firstly congratulations for finding a car you like.

Being an 04 car, any AA or RAC check will find more faults than you can shake a stick at, that's their job & they will make a meal out of a car of that age. However, if it gives you peace of mind then that is your decision.

With regards to a vehicle check I would recommend www dot HPI check dot com (without all the spaces of course & a . as opposed to dot) I believe it costs £19.99 for a classic check & this will tell you if Finance is owed or if it's been written off (& a few other details too)

Check the most recent MOT & check the advisories. Check the V5 matches whoever is selling. Check the service history is good & paperwork & that it has 2 keys etc.

Shouldn't be too rotten being a Peugeot unless it has suffered previous 'issues'. Make sure it sounds right, looks right & drives as it should.

I would avoid it if it was of a particular high mileage.

arcon5

Do you know somebody that knows about cars?

A 9 year old car is undoubtedly going to have a number of issues which the AA would raise - issues which ordinarily wouldn't affect much but are down to wear. What you need is somebody who can feel the clutch, listen to the engine, know what to listen for in the suspension etc.

forgotmyname

Its 9 years old and about £900 - £1300?

Its going to have plenty of wear and tear. £160 for an AA or RAC check is OK if you think its worth it. But everything will have some degree of wear and tear.

How long has the previous owner had it for? A big folder full of receipts for parts changed and work done?

Any recurring bills? Eats tyres or bearings etc?

For the HPI check choose HPI or the AA or the RAC. Avoid the cheap checks. Thats all they are checks.. And not 100% reliable.

Checked out how much it will be to insure?