Help Buying a Used Car

puddy

Hi, Im a new driver (although 36), having passed 3 weeks ago. I originally learnt in a manual but struggled to get on with it and failed one test. 3 years on and i went back (after working thru 3 instructors) and decided to try automatic. I LOVE it and got on v well. Everyone advised me against getting an automatic car, learning and passing in an automatic because 'you wont find any cars, the cars are more expensive etc etc'

However, I didnt listen to them and the week before my test, I found (after looking for months) a red, automatic new shape micra. Initially when I started looking I had a budget in mind of £3000. that quickly proved to be unrealistic for what I was looking for in terms of fussiness and age and mileage. I found the micra for £4995, it was 2.5 yrs old with 13k mileage. I am really pleased with it, everytime I drive it I thank my lucky stars that I didnt listen to those who advised me against the automatics.
I used to scour autotrader most evenings, waiting for something I wanted to come up, my choices were yaris, new micra, clio and possibly fiesta and corsa. The best write ups in reviews were for yaris and micra and although clio had a good write up, they lose money quickly (apparently). I was also fussy about the colour, only wanting red or white. Nearly all the cars I found were in silver. In order to pay for the car, I took a loan with alliance and leceister for 6.9% over 4 years. Because it was used, there was no 0% interest offers for it.

So, my advice, is,, you are going to be driving this car for a long time, you need to ensure that you are comfortable in it, it may be worth looking at spending slightly extra to ensure that you're happy.

lucy_w86

lucy_w86 wrote: »

Hi All,

I was originally going to look into purchasing an automatic but after researching prices, they are extremely expensive. Therefore, I have decided to get some refresher lessons in a manual.

I am looking into either going for a Toyota Aygo or Yaris or a Ford Fiesta

Has anyone had experience with buying online from places such as DrivetheDeal or Jam Jar or Broadspeed?

Let me know your thoughts!

Anyone else who can offer good advice, specifically about buying online?