Going to buy brand new car - any tips?

kitschy

Am going to buy a new car, well, have 90% made up my mind. I currently have a Honda S2000 which is lovely, but costs £750 p.a to insure and is in the high tax band, as well as going through petrol. Think I have decided on a Fiat 500, because it's really cute and a lot more practical, costs £35 p.a to tax and does 53mpg.

But I've never bought brand new before and wondered if anyone had any tips on how to get the best deal. Will be making up the difference between my car and the new one in cash.

All suggestions gratefully received

balsingh

Unfortunately, you're unlikely to get much of a deal on a 500. They are in demand and supply is short so dealers arent really discounting these models. You're best bet is to try and get the best trade in value for your S2000 or even to sell it privately first.

Other things to consider are maybe an ex-demo 500 which may be a little cheaper than a brand new one but will come highly specified with the best extras.

vansboy

As Balsingh mentions, 500 is still in the honeymoon phase of it's life - so no 'deals' to speak of.

It's actually Fiats answer to MINI & you're expected to not only buy the car, but lavish lots of £$£$£ on all the personalised add ons, for it. Which you won't see much reward for, when you sell on!!

& did you know it's a Fiat Panda 'underneath' & will also form the basis for the next Ford Ka, so discounts will be a bit more healthy, in a year or so's time!

Also, your Honda might be costing in the fuel & insure department, but it won't be depreciating like a new car will - although predicted residual values for 500 are verrrrry good!

For up to the minute deals on all makes & lots help advice & chat www.honestjohn.co.uk

VB

SickStu

If you want a Fiat get a new Bravo. 5 years unlimited mileage manufacturers warranty and looks beautiful. Oh yeah - make it a diesel for economy.

jeannieblue

I don't understand the 'love' for this car? Is because they have made it so that its in demand and you have to wait for it because it is soooo popular?? Its an advertising con more like.

Worse still, its a Fiat.

Please be sensible, don't be a sheep, and buy something that will be more reliable - it can still be 'cute'.

Sorry to be harsh - its your money - but I'm thinking from the MSE point of view rather than your heart...

Dan29

jeannieblue wrote: »

I don't understand the 'love' for this car? Is because they have made it so that its in demand and you have to wait for it because it is soooo popular?? Its an advertising con more like.

Worse still, its a Fiat.

Please be sensible, don't be a sheep, and buy something that will be more reliable - it can still be 'cute'.

Sorry to be harsh - its your money - but I'm thinking from the MSE point of view rather than your heart...

Which other brand new cars would you recommend to style-conscious people who have £7,900 to spend?

OP try http://www.drivethedeal.com/ but I agree you'll struggle to get money off a 500 for quite a while yet.

michaelvintner

I like the Fiat 500 and because it is based on the Panda hopefully a few of the niggles have been ironed out.

Fiats are not known as the most reliable cars either. Mind you like anything it is a case of hit and miss. You could end up with the most reliable fiat ever while your next door neighbour has the most unreliable vw golf on the face of the planet.

I would not buy one myself it looks like a girls car to me. Mind you it is very cute and I would rather drive it for the rest of my life than the Horrible Mitsubishi Warrior that one of my work colleges has for a day.

You won't find any deals, it is too new and because Fiat have got it right very much in demand. My advice, hold on for a bit but if you have to have it go and get it. You only live once and if you have the money then treat yourself.

Don't trade in your current car thought. Sell it private, get all the service history together, Make sure it has plenty of tax and mot left and give it a very good clean. Don't go over the top thought, polished wheels just look stupid. You are a private seller not a showroom.

jeannieblue

Dan29 wrote: »

Which other brand new cars would you recommend to style-conscious people who have £7,900 to spend?

OP try http://www.drivethedeal.com/ but I agree you'll struggle to get money off a 500 for quite a while yet.

Style-conscious? Thats a phrase I've not heard in a while - if we are going for phrases - how about being an individualist?? Although that kinda sounds like one should rush out and buy a Figaro or somehing - more trouble....

Do you have to have a label?

tomstickland

Style-conscious?

It all reads like a bad advert from the 80s.
"are you a style concious consumer who wishes to make a statement about your lifestyle choices? Do you like exclusive designer designed design goods that have been designed by designers?"

jeannieblue

tomstickland wrote: »

It all reads like a bad advert from the 80s.
"are you a style concious consumer who wishes to make a statement about your lifestyle choices? Do you like exclusive designer designed design goods that have been designed by designers?"

Its not only old hat, but its not MSE either is it. Expect it would be cheap to run to a certain degree - but if its sooo 'exclusive', parts are bound to be over priced...

Talking of which.......... over priced.......... had to order in a head light bulb - a zenon? xenon? one for a new Lexus today.. go on have a guess at the price! No checking up first Tom!!

Thunderbird_2

Hi

I can't remember where I heard or read that Fiat is not planning to give permission for dealers to do discount on the 500 because they want to protect the residual values of the car.

What about the new shape Honda Civic?

Good luck