Buying a second hand car

bouicca21

I am gearing up to buy a car, maybe 4-5 years old. I know absolutely nothing about cars so will be going to a main dealer, rather than risking a private deal.

Now main dealers have a list price. I presume one is supposed to haggle, but realistically how much could one expect to get knocked off the price? I'll probably be a cash buyer.

macman

There is no fixed percentage, and no 'list price' for a secondhand car. It totally depends on what car you are buying, it's rarity or otherwise, condition, mileage, service history. Use the guide prices available online. Cash will not necessarily get you the best price, since dealers make a large part of their profit from finance commission.
Why just a main dealer for a 4-5 year old vehicle? Use an independent and you'll still have the protection afforded when you buy from a trader.

forgotmyname

5 year old car from a main dealer, Is that the part ex stock they keep out the back?

Haggling £50 off a car advertised at £3500 may seem small, but haggling £500 off a similar car advertised at £4500 still means your paying more for the same car.

Beware the places that offer we get anyone credit. They are aimed at people with no money. Cars are overpriced and the finance will have stupid interest rates.

comberspud

If you see a car you like from a main dealer then get yourself on pistonheads, autotrader, gumtree and the likes and do your research. Try and find the same model year mileage you found at the dealer and compare prices. Private will usually be cheaper and save money rather than buying from the dealer. The dealer should offer a recent service and min 3 month warranty so you are paying for slight peace of mind. If they dont offer anything then you may as well buy private. You can haggle more of private seller ...usually.

But every car is different.

Dont be afraid to go in low because you can only go up after that.

bouicca21

Thanks. That gives me a fair bit to think about. My deep lack of knowledge of cars was the reason I was thinking of a main dealer - I just assumed that this would offer more protection than buying from another type of trader. I'm frightened of buying a lemon!

forgotmyname

If your worried about buying a lemon then make sure you dont overspend. Have enough funds to go and buy another vehicle if it goes badly wrong.

Any car is a risk, even new ones can breakdown. But the manufacturers warranty usually sorts that with minimal fuss.

Once out of the manufacturers warranty then you need to take more care, and dont get fooled into thinking the used car warranties will cover everything. They have a nasty habit of refusing claims.

comberspud

Its funny when something breaks , your opinion of a wear and tear item is different to the dealer. lol

Dont be thinking buying from a dealer you are getting a better car.

Unless its new, most of the time people trade in is because its easier than selling private , no hassle and dealers only really price related to mileage, year and general appearance. The owner may know of an underlying problem so doesnt want to sell private, so will just trade in. Most dealers should then check the car over and fix problems.

Some private sellers want to get the best money from their car because they have fixed every sweak that sweaked and every rattled that rattled and can prove with receipts. These are the cars you want to purchase. Service histories are important for buying and when you eventually have to sell.

Not a great summary but basically dealers can sell dirt too...

Any indication of what car you are after?

benson1980

Above post is so true. Decent private sale every time. Some people get rid of their cars at dealers because its a bit of a dog/has a niggling fault and they just want to get rid. When I've sold cars to dealers half the time they don't even drive the thing to check whether it works, nor have any of them asked me about the service history. All they want to know is mileage and exterior condition. Just as well really as the cars I've sold to dealers have all been dogs. Decent ones I've always sold privately.

victor2

Have bought cars from main dealers and privately.
My feeling has always been that main dealers (with a good reputation) are less likely to sell you a lemon, and usually offer some sort of warranty with it. But you pay more for that. A private sale will potentially get you more car for the pound. If thinking of that route, try to get someone who is at least a bit knowledgeable about cars to go with you to look at them. Doesn't hurt to do the same with a main dealer too if you can.
With private sales you can usually negotiate, with dealers it's more difficult to get the price down significantly, but you are more likely to get a free service or some accessory thrown in that they can get at dealer prices. I've had a SatNav map update, major service (which was not quite due) and brake discs and pads (they were an advisory on the new MOT). Got a complete bonnet respray on one, just because it had a few stone chips on it - but the dealer obviously had their own paint shop.

bouicca21

That's all great advice, thanks. Unfortunately don't know anyone who knows about cars, though I could get an RAC type check?

I'm looking for a reliable compact 5 door hatchback, preferably automatic. I have been thinking Kia Rio as I understand (obviously need to double check) that the balance of the 7 year warranty is transferable to a new owner. Also in my sights are a skoda Fabia and a fiesta. Various friends have these and say they are reliable. Another friend swears by her honda Jazz but they seem to be on the expensive side. I did test drive a kia picanto but that's a trifle too compact plus the brakes were very harsh.

Nodding_Donkey

bouicca21 wrote: »

Thanks. That gives me a fair bit to think about. My deep lack of knowledge of cars was the reason I was thinking of a main dealer - I just assumed that this would offer more protection than buying from another type of trader. I'm frightened of buying a lemon!

Car dealers are known as stealers for a reason. It matters not one iota whether they are a main dealer or not. Their only goal in life is to pinch as much of your money as they can get away with.