Online Car Buying

skint_dude

Hello. Advice please. Am looking for a car around £4K, theres nothing local I would consider. I currently don't have a car so driving around to look at cars is a no-no. My question is what protection do I have If I were to look further afield and buying blind, so to speak and having it delivered. I will of course, use due diligence once I see something I like the look of, ask the dealer questions of proof, like is there any accident damage, not a write-off, lights on dash, engine smoke, service history etc, etc. This will be done by e-mail so I have a record. I understand I have a 14 day cooling off period to reject the car. I don’t wish to go down that road. My intention will be to buy the car unless of course not as described etc. How problematic can a rejection be for getting a refund, if need be. Thank you all in advance

Isthisforreal99

Depends on who you are looking at buying from. If a 'dodgy' dealer versed in dodging Consuner Rights then you could be stuck with a pile of junk. Expectations on a £4k car should be low and rejecting it compared to a new car can be subjective.

Personally I wouldn't consider what you are doing. Always view the car at the dealer. Hire a car if need be, get a friend to drive you?

Grumpy_chap

Hello. Advice please. Am looking for a car around £4K, theres nothing local I would consider. I currently don't have a car so driving around to look at cars is a no-no. My question is what protection do I have If I were to look further afield and buying blind, so to speak and having it delivered. I will of course, use due diligence once I see something I like the look of, ask the dealer questions of proof, like is there any accident damage, not a write-off, lights on dash, engine smoke, service history etc, etc. This will be done by e-mail so I have a record. I understand I have a 14 day cooling off period to reject the car. I don’t wish to go down that road. My intention will be to buy the car unless of course not as described etc. How problematic can a rejection be for getting a refund, if need be. Thank you all in advance

Buying a car at this sort of price level really is not one that is to be taken lightly with the remote purchase "buying blind" route. Any car of that age, mileage, general condition as to be at that price level will have stuff "wrong" with it, even if the car actually "works" as a car you can expect to find things that are just worn out.

What are the reasons the cars at that price point local to you are not cars you would consider?

Why do you think that cars at the price point further away will be more appropriate for you to consider?

You say that you will do due diligence by e-mail. You might also be obtaining a HPI or equivalent check. But really, due diligence on a used car is actually viewing the car, and you are proposing to omit this most important piece of due diligence.

sheramber

Reads the thread entitled Distance Selling Query.

sheenas

buying an unseen car for 4k, what could go wrong. You need to see what your buying , arrange with the seller to collect same day, if it meets your requirements.

Ayr_Rage

£4000 is old banger territory these days.

Do not buy anything without seeing it in person and take along someone who has some mechanical knowledge if you are not confident you cannot spot a lemon.

Take it on a decent test drive, if the seller has nothing to hide then they should allow that.

fatbelly

I'd use buses, trains and taxis to go, view and test drive prospective purchases