Looking to buy a used car-tips?

hollydays

Is there a section on buying a used car on here?
Probably one thats a couple of years old.

Miss_Marple_2

Hi - Sorry to hijack your thread, but I was just going to ask the same question.

I've had used cars before, but I have always bought them off family, so this is the first time I will be buying a used car that I don't know the background of.

I am lookng to spend around £1200 on the smallest car I can - there are lots on autotrader, but I'm petrified of getting something that conks out in a week.

Do I have more protection in buying from a trader than a private sale ? Do any of the traders at this price level give any kind of warrenty (I know they won't give anything big - but I was thinking maybe they would give one for a month if you asked - or would they laugh me off the forecourt)

I've seen a few cars in my price range in my local paper as trade-ins from big dealers - would I have more security if I bought from them ?

Also - am I expected to haggle ? I am not good at that at all. If my budget is £1200, should I be looking at cars around (say) £1400 and haggle them down to £1200. What kind haggling would be expected in this price bracket ?

Is there anyway to check if a car has been written off or has existing finance on it ?

How is payment normally accepted ? Would my debit card be OK ?

Sorry to be a bit dense / naive. but as a single woman, I have worried that they will see me coming and fob me off with any old tat. How would I know if a car is mechanically sound ? Would I get an RAC check or something ? How do they work - do they go out to the garage and check it over - would the garage mind that happening ?

I'd be grateful for any help anyone can give

goldspanners

use this site to find the model you want,or the one that suits your needs best.
change the search to used cars and choose a make and model.
hover over the numbers on the picture and it will give you things to look for on that particular model.
once you have narrowed your search down to a few specific models have a look for owners forums on the net and you will get good advise about the model you want.

http://www.whatcar.co.uk/car-review-summary.aspx?NEW_USED=1&MA_TYPE=1&MA=6&RT=2691&Submit1=GO

kitchpoo

This might be worth reading through - a few good links in it too....

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/CARS/buying/how_to_buy.jsp

hollydays

I thought i had once read some notes on here about buying from car supermarkets etc,but perhaps it wasn't here as I can't find it now.

taff007

Miss_Marple wrote: »

Also - am I expected to haggle ? I am not good at that at all. If my budget is £1200, should I be looking at cars around (say) £1400 and haggle them down to £1200. What kind haggling would be expected in this price bracket ?

Whether you buy privately or from a dealer ALWAYS haggle. Whenever I've sold a car I've always added £200-£300 onto the price I've wanted to allow room to haggle. From a sellers point of view they may be prepared to reduce the price just to get the sale, rather than having to re-advertise and to show other people around the car.

I know it's not very nice, but if the car is up for £1,400 (and you really want it - don't show that you're too excited), be brave and offer £1,000 and expect to meet them in the middle. What's the worst that can happen, and the £200 you've 'saved' will make a nice contribution towards your insurance.

If you do like the car but you don't like the price don't be afraid to walk away. There are plenty more cars out there to choose from, and the seller may come back to you later with a better offer.

Inactive

Take someone that knows about cars with you, otherwise you may well end up with a dud, there are plenty of " duds " out there.;)

Dime_Bar

For a small car I have said it before and I will say ot again, go for a Suzuki Swift - The previous model. I would recommend the 1.0l as it is ace.

Plenty of poke away from the lights and revs to eternity. No problem with motorway speeds either. I got a comfortable 55MPG out of mine too.

If you can go for the GLS from around 98-02 the seats are comfy and it comes with aircon ( with eco mode ), electric windows and central locking.

Miss_Marple_2

Thanks everyone for the replies. The article on autotrader has some great tips - so thanks kitchpoo for that link.

I've seen a few Swift's in my price range on Auto Trader, so I will have a better look now that you've recommended it Dime Bar.

I have found that I am addicted to searching Auto Trader for my perfect car - which is a bit early as I won't be buying it for another 3 weeks when I've got some time off work for going round a few places and looking at the real thing. I'm getting quite excited about it - just want to avoid (as Inactive says) getting landed with a dud

goldspanners

its always good to start looking early for your next car,you get to see trends,faults and prices over a period of time so you know what to look for and how much to spend on what.

cyclonebri1

Loads of things you need to bear in mind to be honest, but at the least;

Never view in poor/dark light

And never buy a car that you have only ever seen wet:money:

There are lots of other things of course, but if you can't satisfy those 2 requirements you need to go back later or is that earlier;)