Need a spot of advice for swapping my Car with BIL

skylight

Basically, my BIL (who I trust to a point and get on with) has suggested that we swap cars. He has a 1.6LS Vauxhall Astra 53 reg with 84k on clock. I have a Hyundai Accent 1.3 GSI 02 reg with 38k on clock. Value wise his is worth more, but he doesn't want the hassle of selling.

He seems to think that my car will use less fuel and cheaper on insurance for him - fuel is important as he has to go to Portsmouth and back twice a month to collect his son. All I need the car for is a town round-around. The benefit for me is that the Astra has 3x3 point seat belts in the rear - I desperately need this!! My insurance would be surprisingly a little less!

But being totally car unsavvy, what do you think?? I do not like the way he drives and the car has probably been "pushed" a bit, plus his has a nice dent in the boot and a smashed wing mirror - mine doesn't!
I don't think that his servicing is up to date, but neither is mine - I couldn't afford it last year! But is there anything on these cars I should look out for? If I did swap, I would get the car serviced ASAP, but would the Vauxhall be cheaper for parts as it aged, last longer etc????? Anything I haven't thought about??

Hintza

Can't really say but I suggest you get them both checked out (AA/RAC) and then sort out any differences (eg wing mirror) but whatever you do is don't moan after the sale if anything goes wrong. And as long as he agrees to that it might be worth it..........:eek:

standupguy

It may be prudent to get a HPI check to ensure there is no outstanding finance on the car and it has not been subject to an insurance write-off at some stage in its life?

Dime_Bar

Do you like the Astra? If so it sounds like a good move but i would be a little weary.

The Cam Belt on both cars will be due/overdue so both of these should be done ASAP if not dont already. I am not 100% sure on the Accent's intervals but 6 years is kind of maximum and I know Vauxhall are now suggesting 4 Years / 40,000 mile change of the belt. Costs can be high to check with an independent specialist for both.

Check the MPG for both on Parkers, whilst you dont drive alot it could still stack up.

You also mention he pushes the car, check tyres, brakes etc you don't want to be replacing these unexpectedly.

Do you know any mechanics who could give them a once over?

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

Bear in mind if there are any problems there will be arguments. Arguments + families = bad.

Personally I'd steer clear.

skylight

Thanks all - gives me a bit to think about. Fortunately a relative of his and OH (an uncle) owns a local garage, so both cars have only ever been to him anyway and having spoken to him he thinks that things on both cars are AOK and there is nothing unusual.

It is the bit about possible problems that jumps up at me and I am concerned and have thought about. Being the sensible one I am well aware that if I swap cars then any issues are solely mine, but I could not guarantee that he would take it (not that I am expecting the car to fall apart!)

Its the 3x3 seat belts in the back that otherwise I could no way afford to buy that I think will sway it. At the end of the day, the safety of my kids is far more important to me than any potential arguments (that I could see off anyway!), so I think that after a HPI check, just to be sure, I will go for it.

Thanks very much!