Buying A Second Hand Car

...You have three choices when buying a used car, buying it from a car dealer or a private seller. There is another option, an auction, but that is not advised for the faint hearted. However, before you even start to look for your next car there are a number of important issues that need to be highlighted. These are things that are often over looked when buying a car but important issues that can't be ignored. Keep these items in the back of your mind ...
...as an innocent buyer avoid buying a clocked car? There is no fool proof system but you can help the situation by being informed. Until recently cars had mechanical speedometers with separate cables driven from the gearbox, if someone was to tamper with the mileage, it usually left the mileage reading out of line. Be suspicious of any mileage readings that are not in line, unless they are coming up to a large change of numbers, e.g. 49999 to 50000. ...

ScottishWestie 10.08.2008 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: exceptional
Review of Buying A Second Hand Car

...before you go out there buying a second hand car. 1- If you are buying it directly from the owner : ---------------------------------------------------- * Check the car's papers. They will show you records of any accidents, outstanding penalties or taxes or ay legal matters alike. * Ask for the maintenance log the manufacturer provided. Thus you will be able to see if the maintenance was carried out according to the periodical schedule. * Check ...
...2- If you are buying from a second hand dealer (i.e. Honest Tex) : ---------------------------------------------------- Do all above and ask the happy chatter box to provide you with a warranty a year more than what he offers. (If he offers any at all) If all above sounds too much and excruciating, go to a dealer and grab a brand new vehicle. That is what I do... Loans are very cheap nowadays and almost anyone can afford a new car in certain ranges... ...

MuratM 14.04.2004 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Buying A Second Hand Car

...lot of sound advice in buying second cars. So instead of keeping it all to myself I thought I’d share it all with you guys :) Aren’t I nice! LoL Right you’ve spotted the car you like, price seems affordable but what next? I think the first biggest danger in buying a second-hand car is using your heart rather than your head. It might look like a dream machine and the seller may seem genuine, but never-ever-just slap down the cash just because you’ve ...
...THE: GLOVEBOX Make sure all the paper ties up with the car you’re buying. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in the registration document should tally with the one stamped on the metal VIN plate, which you’ll find under the bonnet or at the base of the windscreen. Cars more than three years old also an annual MOT certificate. Beware of forgeries. If the seller tries the old “It’ll only take £20 to get it through the test’ line, just remember: ...

mdtt1983 24.04.2003 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Buying A Second Hand Car

TIPS ON BUYING A USED CAR  Ask the right questions  My darling car, a Citroen 11 TRE En Vogue has ‘died’ :o( This has left me no option other than to hunt the internet/local paper/Exchange & Mart etc for another vehicle. I quickly realised that I haven't got the first idea about buying cars and MrFrooTee is probably even less knowledgeable on the subject. I do consider myself lucky however because I have a nice young ...
...especially true when you are buying from a private party as opposed to buying from an ‘Arthur Daley’. The following will help you separate the “old-bangers” from the “rolls-royces” so to speak, in your used car search. Any strange, far-fetched, or odd-sounding answers to routine questions should put you on guard. Bearing this in mind I am using some of the following guidelines in my car search. What color is ...

FrooTee 22.06.2002 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Buying A Second Hand Car

...Finance I would recommend buying your car, at least your first car for cash. If you want to borrow money, don't opt for a car finance deal unless it is offered at around 6 percent. There are millions of loans (well, at least hundreds) on the market and you must be able to borrow at approximately 6 percent per annum. Just like I explained on the mortgage page, watch out for clever clauses that might get you into trouble later. Maintenance Extremely ...
...I buy a used car I make sure to replace the engine oil, oil filter, air filter and plugs. I also get the brakes, tyres and exhaust examined and replace them if required. Places such as National, Nationwide, KwikFit have suffered from bad mechanics. They not only wrongly tell you that all your brakes, tyres and the exhaust need replacing, they have the nerve to put used, or your own original parts back in your car and charge you in full. Try to locate ...

drTamseel 10.06.2004 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Buying A Second Hand Car

When it comes to buying a used car, it can be a snake pit. There is a lot of con merchants out there, only to willing to take your hard earned money, in exchange for a car that's knackered. I have a few handy hints to follow when buying a used car. Number 1 When you see the car you are interested in, phone up, and say I'm phoning about the car, do NOT say I'm phoning about the metro, escort or whatever car you have seen. If they say which car, leave ...
...certainly get ripped off. Number 2 Always see the car at the owner's address, if they want to bring the car round to you, this is suspicious, it probably means he's a trader. Number 3 Check all the car papers, mot, registration certificate if the registration certificate is not in the name of the person selling the cars name leave it. Also check that the VIN numbers match. Number 4 Check the interior if the car is dirty and worn, e.g. sagging seats ...

mandyco 10.03.2001 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Buying A Second Hand Car

...much work you put into buying a car will indicate in reality, how much you can expect to get from it. This is particularly true when you want something a bit different or a bit special. Over the years, I've been lucky enough to own some pretty nice cars. I've owned most of the cars on my hit list and will hopefully fill the list before I'm dead and buried. Here is my guide for making sure you get the car you want, in the condition you want it and ...
...costs? a head turner? Buying a specialist car such as a sports car can cost an incredible amount of money over and above the purchase costs. You need to temper your needs with practicality and a realistic assessment of your finances over the next 12 months. Once you have identified a few likely contenders for that space on your drive, you need to start doing your homework. 2: Research your choices. Don't just go and buy the first one you see on ...

fightgear 01.08.2007 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Buying A Second Hand Car

...how do you go about buying a second hand car? Assuming you know what kind of car you are looking for, you then have to decide where you are going to buy it from. There are three main ways to buy a second hand car and each of them have their advantages and disadvantages. It really is down to the individual to choose the best way for them. ++ Buying from a private seller This is one of the most common ways to buy a car in the UK. The advantages of ...
...you would probably feel happier buying a car from a middle aged housewife than from a 18 year old lad. There are various ways that private cars are advertised, which include local newspapers and regional magazines such as the Exchange & Mart and Auto Trader. On the downside, there are a few dangers of buying privately. Firstly that you have virtually no comeback on the seller. It is important to be sure that the car is not stolen - a HPI check should ...

xr2i16v 10.03.2001 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Buying A Second Hand Car

...year, be very careful if buying this type of car new. In general I would advocate only buying a newish more expensive second hand car from a dealer, you have far more come back if something goes wrong. From a private buyer if the car turns out to be stolen or a ringer you will lose the lot. At the moment this is particularly the case, as by shopping around you may well get it cheaper from a dealer than a private buyer, with a warranty and legal protection ...
...you with more respect. When buying a second hand car always buy the highest spec you can afford, it probably won't be that much more than a base model and much easier to sell on, and more pleasant to drive round in. Also be aware that extra equipment doesn't add much to a cars value, so don't be conned into paying much more for it, all it does is make a car more desirable and easier to sell. Private sales are much more suited to getting a cheap ...

gshughes 19.12.2000 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Buying A Second Hand Car

...way people get tricked into buying crooked motors is that they don't look under the bonnet before taking it out for a test drive. Before you even start the car, look under the bonnet and see if the engine feels warm. People, who have cars that are hard to start while cold, will often at times take the car out and drive it so it's warmed up. The car will then start up easily for the prospective buyer, when in fact the car doesn't start first time ...
...it can prevent you from buying a banger. Insist on an inspection. If the seller refuses, then walk away from it no matter how good it looks. Do a visual inspection of the interior and exterior of the car. If on the sides of the car the reflection seems rippled this is a sign that there may have been bodywork repairs. This is not such a bad thing as a lot of cars have had the odd prang in their lifetime. Remember, if you're only spending a couple ...

biglee 13.10.2000 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Buying A Second Hand Car

I recently bought a 1997 Vauxhall Vectra Estate 2.0 16v GLS estate. Having looked a a number of estate and hatchback examples privately and from traders it was clear that some had had a very hard life, so I took my time and kept looking. The car I finally purchased privately and wish to share the merits of this car. The engine is very quiet and fantastically smooth. It comes with electric heated mirrors, air conditioning, central locking, alarm and ...
...seat up and down for that perfect position and visibility. It has traction control and ABS.The brakes are fantastic. Electric windows to the front and a super CD radio. The traffic master warns of motorway hold ups and has already saved me from some serious motorway delays. I used to have a saab 9000i which I loved but I like the Vectra better. Motor magazines have critisised the cars chassis but I find the handling first class. My main dislike ...

stripey 17.03.2001 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Buying A Second Hand Car

...After two weeks of buying it he found out that it had been a write off and it cost him extra money to get the problem solved when buying a secondhand car you should not only just hand over the money and get the paperwork and keys in return. One should also check if one is getting value for money also check if it has been stolen, Or resprayed and also see if the chassis number has been changed the best way of doing this is first and foremost seeing ...
...if it mechanically sound before buying it such as second hand car dealers. Also one should not rush into buying a car you can access lots of different methods in choosing a car and can save hundreds if not thousands of pounds such as the internet ,local papers,car buying magazines and it would be an advantage if you knew a mechanic. Aswell as seeing the service and mot history you should also ask if recent money has been spent and if modifications ...

manchester12345 18.08.2004 (13.10.2004) · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Buying A Second Hand Car

I have bought two 2nd hand cars so far, and each time I have done so both friends and family have given me the same advice: buy a Haines Manual. Haines produce a series of very comprehensive manuals that cover almost every aspect of looking after a car. From routine maintainance, to fault diagnosis. Hardcore mechanics and people who would rather keep their hands clean will find such a manual equally useful. The manuals cover a considerable range ...
...I'm not a mechanic but recently came into trouble starting my VW Polo. Out came the Haines, straight to the trouble-shooting section. Having checked this and that I found - using the hand directions - that 2 of the spark plugs needed replacing. Doing the job myself - following their directions - saved me a packet. With many second hand cars naturally requiring more care and attention from their owners, I would recommend that the first thing you ...

Smith 17.01.2001 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Buying A Second Hand Car

...and there was nothing wrong with the engine while he had it. The best advice i can give to anyone buying a second hand car is to either buy second hand from a garage (at least theres a warranty) or have the car inspected first by a mechanic. ...

8DRG8 09.06.2004 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Buying A Second Hand Car

Seven years ago I bought what I thought was a very decent car. I bought it from an aquaintance who should have know better, I was younger and rather nieve. Had I looked around I would have found the car was worth about 1/4 of what I paid. The car required frequent maintanance, the steering system was weak, and this cost me lots, the car eventualy developed irreparable faults and I got rid of it for £100. I spend around £3000 on it in total. Later ...
...master mechanic - HGV, military vehicles, racing cars and mining equipment. Good guy. I later took on a very hands on fleet manager job, I learned how to look at a car and figure out its real value. Ok, here are some tips: Never buy a car at the price being asked. Alway knock at least 10% off and take it down from there. A car over 5 years old is just not worth anything. It will cost you a lot to maintain, so here the rule is ' knock down the asking ...

redmerc 15.04.2006 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Buying A Second Hand Car