Buying new car (second hand)

charlesworth82

Hi all,

I have seen a car that i really want for around 2k. I dont really know much about cars so do not want ripping off.

I am buying the car from buyright cars which is a garage which specialise in selling 2nd half car.

My question is what if something is wrong with the car e.g. gear box goes after a week - do i have any kind of warranty or anything like that? I can purchase warranty for 300 for the year - any help would be appreicated.

Thanks

J

gizmoleeds

Check the price is reasonable by buying an auto trader and comparing the prices of this car with the ones on sale in there.

vansboy

You'll have your consumer rights, should the vehicle become faulty - but then you'd need to know the garage is going to be there, to go back & complain to.

It's awkward to GUARANTEE any vehicle, however old/new, so I'd keep the £300 in the bank, towards anything unforseen - it represents BAD value, whatever the 'warranty' covers.

You don't usually have BIG failures on vehicles, so long as maintained OKish - ask when cambelt was last done & if there's a reciept. This is important job on many makes & costs £60-£200 depending on car. If it fails it does your engine, in - see post further down.

Is the garage servicing it before you buy it - ask what that consists of - some are more thorough than others.

Is the MOT being renewed - even if it's a couple of months old, for £30 a new one is worth doing.

If you DID want a warranty https://www.warrantydirect.co.uk let you do it on a month by month basis - still wouldn't bother, though.

There are alot of verrrrry good cars around at this price range, 'cos new ones are so 'cheap' in real terms, used stock is not worth so much = good for customers!!

Let us know manke model miles year & you'll get more feedback.

https://www.honestjohn.co.uk The Backroom Discussion is the place for all things motoring.

VB

charlesworth82

hi, thanks for the replies so far. The garage is quite reputable and will be has been around a while. The car is a 316 BMW - N Reg with around 104 miles on it.

vansboy

Hi Again!

It IS an old car - so at a guess several owners & every chance of giving you few unpleasent bills, without anything serious failing.

Well worth checking it's service records, you might find a wad of good paperwork - but just as likely nothing at all.

Think this one needs to be reconsidered, unless you REALLY think it's for you!

I'd get something newer & you'll find plenty if you start looking!!

VB

greytroot

Ask the salesman what guarantee/warranty the garage offer and if they do any extension (be careful on the wording and what is under warranty/guarantee).

If the salesman is selling it as a great bargain he will be happy to give a guarantee of some sort.

The car you are buying is of an elite breed and you should really consider what it costs for spares, e.g tyres, exhaust, clutch and servicing.

Buying a new car second hand or brand new is a mine field but can be enjoyable when you get a real bargain.

Always check what value for money you are getting......

Oh and what discount you get for no trade in - you could always go and buy a banger to get that minimum trade in.

wazza

for a piece of mind have it checked by AA or RAC. They can identify problems which may arise in the near future. i think they charge around 100 pounds.

Donaldiesel

I agree with Vansboy, maintenance warranties are a waste of money. You can have a lot of repairs done for what they cost. Some years ago I baught a two year old car and paid £200 for a maintenance warranty. A fault did develop after a few months, but I needed the car back on the road as soon as possible, so I got on and repaired it myself. The parts were covered under the warranty and I got back less than half of what I'd paid for the warranty.

104000miles is not excessive for the age of this BMW. However, it has done all those miles and if it was driven mostly in an urban area you can expect repairs to brakes, suspension and steering in the not too distant future as worn parts need replacing, so include this in your budget. That is why it is so important to have a new MOT on the car. Conversely, if the miles were clocked up mostly on the motorway or rural areas you should have little trouble. The condition of the drivers seat and pedal rubbers will give a clue.

If the engine has been properly serviced it should work properly for many more miles. However, if it is a performance model with a sophisticated engine then get further advice on this. Important to get a service history so you know what has been done and what has not. When were the tyres and exhaust last replaced? Unless its a really attractive price, dont buy without. Speak to other garages to find out about the likely weak points of this particular model and use the information to negotiate the price if you still want the car.

High mileage cars can be a real bargain when you know what to look out for. If you dont, then motoring organisations offer a full survey and report on the condition of the car. Again, the information can be used to negotiate the price, or more importantly to prevent you buying a lemon. Any reputable dealer will allow you do have a survey done.

Good luck, and enjoy your new car.
Donaldiesel