Likelihood of a good bargain from a private many-car seller

silverwhistle

I sold my car privately back in September. A 2009 hatchback which was being replaced by a new electric car which I'd been hankering for for some time. If it wasn't for that I'd have kept it as there was no mechanical reason to replace.  I got a better price than trade in as it wouldn't have been the sort of car a dealer would want, a price I was happy with and some learner driver got a reasonable car as a nice surprise from dad.  But apart from a few cards in newsagent windows I didn't advertise, just spread the word. Saved on advertising costs and you know you've got a better likelihood of getting decent buyers.

But like myself when I've bought all my previous second hand cars they had just gone for a  general type of car, with no specific requirements, which makes the market a lot bigger. You OP have a very narrow requirement of models and needing automatic. Prior to this electric car I've never bought from a dealer before and I'm near to collecting my pension. Perhaps you should save up more to get what you really want?

ontheroad1970

I'd also say that choosing small automatics isn't a great pool of cars.  It used to be the case that people didn't advise buying a small engined automatic, as the autos tended to have bigger engines.  That has changed to an extent, but with a cost - most small engined autos are semi auto double clutch - worse still the dry version with no gearbox fluid.  There have been issues with many of these.  Then there is the type of driver that typically drive these cars - they get called granny cars because they spend their time mainly parked up until its a time for a 1 mile trundle to the shop.  The cars never get truly warmed up.  

Why are you limiting yourself to small cars?  Why not slightly bigger also to widen the range?  

missile

alihd said:

AdrianC said:

couriervanman said:

I've just read a few of the OPs other posts/threads........and for that reason I'M OUT 

Oh, yes. It's him again, isn't it?

What's wrong with that, guys? I tend to do proper research before paying loads of hard-earned money. Isn't that the purpose of the money-saving-experts forum?
Seriously, if something is wrong with my approach, just tell me

Typical time wasting tyre kicker. I hope you never turn up at my door.