Tips on buying a used car

Grant0033

Hello,
I'm looking for a 'new' car. The process is more complicated than I thought! I try to look at each vehicle very responsibly and avoid scammers. Maybe I'm too critical, but I need a reliable car and don't want to have a lot of problems with it in the future. So, I need some tips that are helpful to know before buying a used car. Also, any information about reliable places where you can buy a car is very welcome.

Best regards, 
Grant

AdrianC

I presume by "'new' car", you don't mean anything even approaching new...?

So what's your budget, what sort of thing do you want/need, what is your likely use?

Grant0033

AdrianC said:

I presume by "'new' car", you don't mean anything even approaching new...?

So what's your budget, what sort of thing do you want/need, what is your likely use?

When I say "new car" I just mean "new to me"

My budget is about £ 5000 - £ 6000. I need a comfortable car because I drive every day. Also, since I will have a baby soon, I need a reliable car with a big trunk.

TimSynths

Grant0033 said:

AdrianC said:

I presume by "'new' car", you don't mean anything even approaching new...?

So what's your budget, what sort of thing do you want/need, what is your likely use?

When I say "new car" I just mean "new to me"

My budget is about £ 5000 - £ 6000. I need a comfortable car because I drive every day. Also, since I will have a baby soon, I need a reliable car with a big trunk.

Skoda Octavia Estate. 
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010165081399?postcode=bn424sn&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=Used&make=SKODA&price-to=6000&price-from=4500&radius=35&advertising-location=at_cars&sort=relevance&model=OCTAVIA&include-delivery-option=on&page=1

AdrianC

...and how far do you drive every day?

Two miles? Two hundred miles?

macman

'Big trunk'? Are you in America?
Saloon, estate, hatchback, SUV? You need to give us some basic info.
Are you intending to drive within the expanded London ULEZ from 10/21? If so, an old non Euro 6 diesel is not a good idea.

Clive_Woody

Grant0033 said:

I need a reliable car with a big trunk.

tacpot12

The best place to buy cars in that price range will be a large car supermarket - you need to buy from a trader if you want any sort of consumer protection, and the consumer protection that is available is only worthwhile if you buy from somewhere that is not going to go bust or change its name to avoid its obligations under the relevant consumer legislation.

You need to find one that is local to you - we see many people on the forum complaining that it is 200 miles to return a fault car to the dealer they bought it from!

Find a trustworthy mechanic, ideally from the garage you will use to maintain the car in future, who can inspect a car you want to buy. They will charge a fee for this, so make sure that you inspect the car yourself before reserving (with a deposit) so that your mechanic can take a look. Make sure any deposit is refundable if the mechanic finds a fault that was not disclosed to you. 

Private sellers can be trustworthy, but you need to judge this for yourself. And there is not much point worrying about whether they are or not trustworthy because you have very few rights if you buy from a private seller, so even a trustworthy seller may sell you a car that breakdown a couple of days later.  

LudaMusser

No harm in taking a torch with you and having a good look in the engine for any signs of an oil leak and you can also check under the car for corrosion or any damage

I bought a new to me car six weeks ago and read owner reviews first on AutoTrader and Parker’s. I’ve bought a Kia Ceed estate which has a very large boot, larger than golf and Astra estates. I’d recommend one but I have previously had only VW and Audi’s so I’d also look at Passat and golf estates and as above, octavia. Audi you’ll pay more money for. How about a Seat Exeo estate? Basically an Audi A4 with a Seat badge

sheslookinhot

search for car buying tips on autotrader or honest John websites

gord115

Skoda Octavias are very reliable with a massive boot.
If it is used for short trips,get a petrol,if long trips, then a diesel.
Make sure the timing belt changes are up to date though as they aren't cheap.