Used car buying.... Pitfalls?!

zenshi

I have been looking at getting a used car as mine has died a death now. It's been nearly 20 years since I last bought one (was given last one at 15 years old)

I've seen one I like at a dealer. It will come with full years mot and service and 3 months warranty

Is there anything else I should be looking for or am I overthinking things? I understand the general pitfalls of used cars but am thinking more in terms of what ask/expect from the dealer

Any advice appreciated

jblessing

How much are you planning on spending?

DUTR

zenshi wrote: »

I have been looking at getting a used car as mine has died a death now. It's been nearly 20 years since I last bought one (was given last one at 15 years old)

I've seen one I like at a dealer. It will come with full years mot and service and 3 months warranty

Is there anything else I should be looking for or am I overthinking things? I understand the general pitfalls of used cars but am thinking more in terms of what ask/expect from the dealer

Any advice appreciated

You are assuming the dealer is desperate for a sale, some are more about selling finance, bring someone along with you for a second opinion, whether from a dealer or private check the car over and make sure it suits your wants and needs from a vehicle.

zenshi

I have around 4K and am looking Astra, focus size. Ideally no older than 7 years. It will be cash, no finance wanted

daveyjp

Some details on how much you are spending would be useful.

If its 10+ years old its sometimes better to do the research and buy private to save paying the dealer profit.

Always do an MOT history check too, they can be very revealing and can lead you to areas to inspect closely.

jblessing

At that price, I would be tempted to go private. A 4k car at a dealer is probably 3k privately. The warranty will be less than useless. Though you do get some extra protection buying from trade, actually getting redress is another matter. Look at the mot history of the car (particularly advisories), why it is being sold, that you are talking to the owner (not someone "selling it for a friend"), take along someone who knows a bit about cars (or even pay a garaage tech to give it a once over).

System

All the above and use the money you save to pay for a warranty if you want a bit of peace of mind. I think they're around £150.

DUTR

Tarambor wrote: »

All the above and use the money you save to pay for a warranty if you want a bit of peace of mind. I think they're around £150.

many if not all 3rd party warranty's are not worth the paper, often the policy holder has to pay for the work and claim the money back, less excess, and that's assuming the work required was part of the policy cover.

Jonesya

Have you looked at the reliability figures for the makes and models you're considering and picking something known for reliability? You can give yourself a better chance of avoiding issues right from the start.

I'd also look for a car with a chain cam engine so no expensive belt changes, or check the change interval and when a change is next due.

Oh and get a check list end check all the bells and whistles work before you buy.

robatwork

Jonesya wrote: »

I'd also look for a car with a chain cam engine so no expensive belt changes, or check the change interval and when a change is next due.

Oh and get a check list end check all the bells and whistles work before you buy.

List of the former is here
https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/chain-cam/

As to check list - do you know anyone mechanical who you can take with you to look? At that age and price you can expect to see a few duffers. Identify large filled areas (signs of accident damage) with a magnet. Check under the parked car for oil and other fluid leaks. And 100 other things.

unholyangel

If you have someone knowledgeable about cars, I'd say forego the dealer & private sale and go to the auctions. You might need to attend a few but you can get real bargains. Most are ex-lease or trade ins - its typically where say a ford dealer will unload all non-ford trade ins and where used car dealers get their stock.

What would cost £4000 at a dealer should be more like £2000 at auction. Their mark ups are quite significant.