Very stressed out about buying my first car. Any advice for me?

Rascalov

I have a few more lessons to go before it will be time for my test. I am much more worried about buying a car than I am about passing the test. I assume that most people buy their first cars used (unless they're rich). I am very nervous about the idea of visiting dodgy strangers' houses and bartering with them about used cars. It just seems there are a variety of things that could go wrong. I am not a very astute judge of character and I'd be worried about getting scammed. I also wouldn't know what questions to ask. I'd be a bit worried about safety too. I am nervous just thinking about it. I think buying a used car must be one of the most stressful experiences life has to offer.

Would I be better off just buying a car from a dealer? It seems there would be less chance of getting scammed, or of any awkward situations arising, compared to buying from a private seller.

Stevie_Palimo

I do say and swear by this ask a mechanic or someone of a engineering background but failing these a driver with may years experience to visit said potential cars to help decide if they are viable to look at buying, That said you can buy a £1000.00 which I would suggest as a first time car which will be great and issue free for along time if looked after well you could buy another £1000.00 and be plagued with problems.


When buying second hand cars and no matter from private or business there is always a risk they can be no good, Many cars I have purchased over the years were cheaper ones and had some good and some bad buys it really is pot luck when looking at a used car.

AdrianC

What sort of budget do you have available?
Do you have any friends who are car-knowledgeable who could help you?

foxy-stoat

Buying a property is one of the most stressful purchases one can make. Just take someone with you who knows a bit about the cars and you will be fine. Dont assume that buying a car from a dealer, that may or may not have been sat on their forecourt for weeks on end will be any more realiable than from a private seller who has owned it and driven it for years and looked after it. Choose one with good regular history and research your vehicle of choice.

If this is your first car you will want to spend £1000-£2000 and a low insurance group, Toyota Yaris with 1000cc engine or other makes with similar engines will be best.

Take a read here:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/content/collections/buying-a-used-car

Lucy_Lastic

I've bought a number of second hand cars over the years, unaccompanied, always from a reputable garage/dealer and never had a problem.

I would personally not consider buying from a private seller, only because I would worry about something going wrong. I just think it's much easier to go back to a garage with a complaint rather than someone's house.

Ebe_Scrooge

Lucy_Lastic wrote: »

I've bought a number of second hand cars over the years, unaccompanied, always from a reputable garage/dealer and never had a problem.

I would personally not consider buying from a private seller, only because I would worry about something going wrong. I just think it's much easier to go back to a garage with a complaint rather than someone's house.

I've also bought many cars over the years, both privately and from dealers. I agree, there is a certain feeling of security buying from a dealer, but I've never had a problem with buying privately. Though it does help that I know a reasonable amount about the mechanical side of things.


It's also worth bearing in mind - if you buy privately, and save, let's say, £1500 compared to buying the equivalent car from a dealer, that'll pay for quite a lot of repairs if they turn out to be needed.


Also, when buying at the lowest end of the market - which is very sensible for a first car - then you really aren't going to get much from a dealer. If it's on the forecourt at £1500, then the dealer has to make a profit, valet the car, put right any major / dangerous defects, and have some in reserve to cover any warranty repairs. On that basis, it's probably something like 800 or 900 quids-worth of car. So actually, buying privately can be a wise choice when looking at bargain-basement cars. But it is a very good idea to take along a mechanically-minded friend if you're not too experienced yourself. Or even better, if you know a friendly local mechanic who'd look it over for the price of a few pints.

foxy-stoat

Lucy_Lastic wrote: »

I would personally not consider buying from a private seller, only because I would worry about something going wrong. I just think it's much easier to go back to a garage with a complaint rather than someone's house.

I think you have been worrying about nothing, as if it was as decribed you would not be able to complain should anything go wrong with it.

Its fine for buying from a trader, you just pay a little more for it for the peace of mind but a second hand car is still a second hand car if its from a trader or private person.