Private seller or approved used?

Vikrum

Hi,

Thinking of buying a second hand car. Was wondering if it is advisable to buy an approved used car from a company dealer or from a private seller in terms of transparency, hidden faults etc etc.

I know there will be a cost difference, but if the difference is around 1000 quid then is it worth considering?

Secondly, are there any freelance mechanics who can accompany to see a car to a private seller for a quick look at the technicalities and give feedback?

Thanks

Happychappy

It's down to the cost of the car ? Don't for a second think a main dealer will be honest ; ) especially Audi, the shark in the suit is there for one reason, feed his family and go on holiday, your just an open cheque book, so bare this in mind, same as a private seller, difficult to judge, so down to the best price and possibly what you save will go towards the necessary repairs you find you need a little further down the road.

forgotmyname

That private seller who you think maybe hiding the faults could trade the car into a dealer who normally only give them a quick glance and sometimes never even test drive them.

You can get a mechanic to test the car. Or pay for an AA or RAC inspection, Which maybe more helpful.

Even new cars can breakdown its pot luck.

londonTiger

i like the salesman on that 4 episode series on a used car garage on channel 4. Knew absolutely nothing about cars but could flip them as he was very personable.

Iceweasel

There will always be rogue private sellers and smart suited salesmen in flashy showrooms.

But as cars get ever more complicated and full of electrickery I am now of the opinion I need a warranty from a main dealer. The only warranty worth the name is a dealers Approved Used Car one.

Don't buy a Ford from Vauxhall dealer and don't buy a BMW from a Citroen dealer etc. etc.

Yes it's pricier but it greatly reduces the odds of buying a lemon.

forgotmyname

Unless its a brand new Citroen from a Citroen dealer. In which case they cant fix them either.

Seems the one on watchdog wasnt the only one that had engine management faults they cannot fix and tell owners its safe to drive.

EdGasket

"Secondly, are there any freelance mechanics who can accompany to see a car to a private seller for a quick look at the technicalities and give feedback?"

The fact you ask that indicates you don't know too much about cars and therefore unless you know someone who does and can help you or know someone selling a car and know that it is a good reliable one, you are better off going to a reputable dealer. You pay more but if its a complete lemon you can reject it and get a refund in most cases whereas if you buy a private lemon, it's your hard luck..

force_ten

at the main dealers you pay for the dealer experience, the free cups of coffee and the dealer glitz has to be paid for by somebody

and the slick suited salesman in the used car department is not adverse to being economical with the truth, because at the end of the day it is his job to sell cars and he will tell you what he wants you to hear and gloss over what you want to hear quickly

if it is a 12 month old to five year old car that is going to cost a lot of money then i would go and see the suit at the main dealers, but if it is five years old or more then i would take a chance outside the dealers network

teffers

I bought from a dealer (4 yr old car) last time but I think I may well seriously consider a private seller next time.

I'm leaning towards the belief that you have an opportunity to decide if a private seller is dodgy, whilst you know for certain the car Salesman/woman definitely is lol.

I have a great local garage who have offered to check any new car out for me (luckily)

MEM62

You can no more assume that all dealers will be completely honest about a car than you can assume that all private sellers have something to hide. The RAC used to do independent vehicle checks for potential buyers and an HPI check is also worthwhile.

burlington6

Just remember you have more legal rights when it comes to buying from a business