Belfast used car dealer recommendations

gthe

Hi all,

Just relocated to Belfast from Greece (been here for 3 months) and i am searching for a 6-8y used car to keep the budget low (3K-4.5K). Do you have any recommendations for reliable car dealers in Belfast area or in the North Belfast (Newtownabbey)? Boucher road brand new dealer seems more reliable (e.g. SERE) but only have used cars up to 3-4 y with higher prices. Any opinion for Town & Country in Newtownabbey? I found a car there that seems ok but of course i have to check this with a mechanic also. Moreover, any recommendations for a garage to perform a professional inspection? Seems that the only official organization that covers NI is RAC.

Thanks

Heisenbug

We bought a C-Max from MH Motors in the summer and its being running ok. They're outside Mallusk and have a good selection of cars at your price range. They've mixed reviews on Google but I'd imagine most dealers selling cars at the lower end of the market are the same as the margins are low and they'll cut corners when they can.

ballyblack

6-8 year old car can be uneconomic for a dealer to sell to you

A car of this age can develop faults and the dealer will be obliged to sort it out. So most retailers avoid older cars

You can't really buy a older car in Northern Ireland and expect a long warranty from any dealer.

'Motorguy' a knowledgeable guy on here may read this post & advise you

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gthe

I understand what you mean. Yes car dealers have a low profit on older cars and don't prefer them. Thats true.

However, when i mean a reliable dealer, i just mean selling cars that don't have any serious damages on the main mechanic parts (engine, gearbox, transmission system) and car body and are 100% safe to drive. For example, i am trying to avoid cars that had serious crashes and were repaired by car dealers to be sold (car dealers always have the means to repair cars at low cost).

Nobody expects a 6-8y used car with 60-80K miles to be in perfect condition. Cosmetic damages and wear damages are fully acceptable in these cars (scratches and cosmetics on the exterior, tyres, brake pads, brake disks, suspensions etc.). However, for example any damage on the airbags system that is hidden during a repair can make the car unsafe and is not due to the car's age.

glentoran99

Charles Hurst budget on Boucher road all cars under 5k

BigAl94

I would avoid CH. Try John Boyce in Newtownards http://www.johnboycecarsales.co.uk/
He's been in the business for years and I have bought several cars over the years and any issues were satisfactorily dealt with.

ballyblack

i would agree John Boyce is much better than the big monolith that is CHARLES Hurst

Had many a deal with John, a gentleman that looks after his customers

glentoran99

Never had a problem with Charles Hurst

RikM

glentoran99 wrote: »

Never had a problem with Charles Hurst

Ah. You've never dealt with their service department then...?

Parisien

Yeah, too many high profile poor stories about CH, if this is just the tip of the iceberg, just how many buyers have been disappointed but never took it further!

Best to go to local reputable dealer who values his reputation.


P

glentoran99

RikM wrote: »

Ah. You've never dealt with their service department then...?

I have indeed, Both faults were covered by Renault, one was 70% contribution on a ten year old car, and one was fully covered on a 4 year old car