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Second Hand Cars - help needed!!

Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 2:59 pm
by johnnyboy
Is anyone on here a bit of an 'expert' when it comes to buying second hand cars? Best makes, models, petrol consumption, max mileage, cheaper for insurance/tax..........and so on.

I've found myself sharing a family car with my ex since last December and it's pretty clear it's not a great situation to be in, ie: she hates it, I'm not bothered. I commute to work by train so would only really need one for weekend use and especially when I have my daughter. It's a big toss up, whether to actually get one or not, the cost involved but I do think I'll need one eventually.

So, if anyone has some top tips or advice (whether to trust ebay sellers for example) then please do let me know. If I carry on not doing anything about it then I've been relaibly informed that solicitors will be coming over the hill riding to my door on evil looking horses.

Cheers.

Re: Second Hand Cars - help needed!!

Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 4:28 pm
by Laz69
I'm no expert, but some things i've came across over the years that might be helpful:

1) Its not always cheaper to buy a second hand car - A recent discovery for me. A lot of car manufacturers are offering lease deals where you effectively get a brand new car. My current car, a Renault Clio, is costing me less than i paid previously for a second hand car. It's a three year lease and i have the option to return it or buy it after that time. The guy in the garage told me the idea is that if i don't buy it, then they'll still have a car new enough to cover the outstanding finace, and my lease just ends. I've no MOTs to worry about and will only have to service it once during the 3 years i have it due to my relatively mileage.

2) Unless you need to do a lot of driving, stick with as small a car as possible. There are many small diesel cars which have road tax of only £35 a year due. This can be quite a saving compared to some road tax brackets. Small cars are usually easier to maintain and you can replace tyres on at minimum cost too, so it keeps the over heads down.

3) If possible, have someone who is a mechanic or have an RAC/AA guy give the car a once over. I've bought cars from seemingly reputable establishments and they were absolute shaggers. The garages gave me endless hassle when i took the issues back up with them (example: car needed 4 new engine mounts after only a couple of weeks - independant garage told me the car would have needed to be driven across ploughed fields regularly to create enough jarring to cause this - garage said it was wear and tear and it wasn't their fault!)


Overall i've found it to be a nightmare getting a car, whether new or not. Car salesmen are a breed of bastards unto their own. As soon as the car is sold, they have no interest in you whatsoever. All you can do it take your time and cover all your bases. And NEVER buy the first one you see!! :lol:

Re: Second Hand Cars - help needed!!

Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 4:58 pm
by johnnyboy
Thanks.

I should add that my budget is very low end, around £1000. Yep, I know that probably screams out OLD BANGER ALERT but I really don't have the money to splash on anything decent. What I'll be after is a small reliable runaround (for the reasons you point out, cheers).

Quick check of the lease thing shows a list of cars starting at £135 per month. Will read into it more later but that'll soon add up.

Keeping my eyes peeled for local private sales rather than going to an Arthur Daley chap on a forecourt.

I hate having to buy one and the process you have to go through. Makes me wish I was a rich swine who can just slap some cash down and say "my butler will drive it home"

Re: Second Hand Cars - help needed!!

Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 5:12 pm
by Laz69
I agree that the "lease" deal might still seem expensive compared to paying outright for something, but the only money i've spend on my car in 18 months is for petrol and to renew my road tax... its a bit of a luxury for me after all the hassles and bills i've had before. Just thought i'd mention it as an option...

Re: Second Hand Cars - help needed!!

Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 5:33 pm
by spacemanrich
JohnnyBoy:

It's almost a toss up between a used car vs. new cars. I've only bought a 'used' car once and it was nothing but problems. It was a VW golf and had so many problems, such as replacement of radiator, hoses, etc. and the car leaked a bit due to old, rubber seals around the door edges. Just as Laz69 has mentioned, used cars can be more expen$ive than a new car.

You basically just need one for the weekends, etc. and you only have about 1,000 quid to spend - not enough for a new car and still a reluctancy about a used car - how about ride sharing cars ? I've included some in the UK for you. That seems to be the way to go : you only pay for petrol costs, insurance and the rental of the car ?

Hopefully this helps ?

www.citycarclub.co.uk
www.zipcar.com
www.relayrides.com/car-share
www.nationalcarshare.co.uk/

Re: Second Hand Cars - help needed!!

Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2012 7:46 am
by The Dr
doesn't add anything to the conversation but it was a dodgy car salesman that inspired the parrot sketch. m.palin would call up 'the shifty is sticking' 'o that just means it's a good car, the best cars all stick mate'

Re: Second Hand Cars - help needed!!

Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2012 8:28 am
by johnnyboy
Thanks guys,

Sadly for me I live outside of London and other major towns so those car share and zip car schemes have nothing going on in my area.

I've a night in tonight so will read up on the lease deals. New cars will all be over £4k I think, so out of my budget. I can see me going down the used car route and hoping for the best. Some have no problems whatsoever whilst others have nothing but bad luck. Scary business.