B
blondebimbo
Guest
what should i do ? i dont know what to look for or who to ask
what checks should i do?
what checks should i do?
for that money, you can't expect the car to be as new, but you should still find quite a decent motor that will be presentable, reliable and go through a couple of NCTs for you without too much bother.
There's a dizzying array of cars out there so what type/make/size really depends on what you like yourself - a lot of learners like smaller cars as these are a bit easier and lighter to drive as well as being cheaper. There are some pointers to help you avoid buying someone else's problem.
* Look for a car which has at least some sort of service history - a stamped service book will show it was looked after by previous owners. Neglected cars tend to go wrong more as they get older
* Look for a car that has done 10,000 miles a year or less - divide the total mileage by the age of the car to work that out. Lower miles is an indication that the car hasn't worn out as much as a higher mileage car.
* Ask the person selling the car if it has ever been in an accident or was ever an insurance write-off. Sometimes accident damage is not very well repaired and can give rise to rust or excessive wear in things like suspension or steering
* don't be too impressed by shiny paint, loads of extras or the fact that its a beemer, GTi or whatever. This is all lovely but won't help you if the car breaks down. Try to look past non-essential features and the 'name' of the car to the actual state of it's engine, gearbox, suspension etc.
* ask a friend or relative (and who might actually know something about cars) to come and look at a car with you. When things are being explained, two heads are better than one and you'll get a better measure of the car.
* buying privately is cheaper than going to a garage, but while a garage will usually give you some sort of guarantee, private sales are 'as seen' and its up to you as the buyer to make sure you are happy with the car's condition. Don't buy at an auction as these are for the trade/mechanics.
* If some problem on the car is pointed out to you - i.e. noisy gearbox, squeaky brakes/suspension, that's great to know but if you buy that car, expect at some point to have to pay more money to have this fault (and maybe a few others) fixed.
* similarly, it would perhaps be better not to get a car with a short NCT because you don't know what it might cost to get it through even if the owner says nothing will be required (if that was the case - why don't they get it NCTd?!)
* ask the owner how long they kept the car, how many miles they travelled, the sort of driving they did, any major work they got done on the car and why they're selling it to get a measure of their honesty by their replies.
* Be very suspicious if the owner wants to show you the car in a car park or will bring the car to you. They might also say they 'are selling for someone else', and don't produce a registration certificate etc. - the car could be nicked!
Good luck with your hunt!
* Look for a car that has done 10,000 miles a year or less - divide the total mileage by the age of the car to work that out. Lower miles is an indication that the car hasn't worn out as much as a higher mileage car.
just want a starter car for 1 or 2 grand..... would love to pass my test before christmas and then worry about getting a more expensive car then.
I wonder what other AAMers think of this philosophy? Would the OP not be better off spending say 3-4K on a younger motor that may prove a bit more reliable, hold onto it for two or three years? Really cheap cars have always let me down in the past; you get what you pay for.
Good idea.This is an excellent post. Is there any chance of it being added to the "Buying a second hand car" Key post or being added as a key post by itself?
I think you should buy this one
http://carsireland.ie/115329