Buying a used car - advice needed

[louise_a]

For years I had a company car, and I only really bought I decent car in my life.

I now need to replace the one I am driving, but really have no idea on what to get, what to check for, is leasing a good option for example?

Any thoughts or ideas!

 

[Lord Tyrion]

I lease through work and love that method. No oily car salesmen, no worries about trade in prices. You pay a fixed amount for a fixed period and then hand the keys back at the end of it. A very hassle free method. Do your sums to see if it makes sense but you also find that lease prices can be low on certain models as firms look to move cars into the market so you can sometimes end up with a far better car than you thought you could afford. I am currently driving a Volvo XC60 and there is no way I could ever afford to buy one of those. Volvo were just doing great deals when my time came to renew. I should add, leasing is not for everyone. I love it but you need to make sure the sums add up for you.

Are you also looking for advice in terms of which car? If so please give details of approx mileage and the needs of the car. For example, family car or just for you? Long or short journeys? We know already you need a decent boot for golf clubs. Loads of good cars out there so searching can be good fun.

 

[drew83]

Depending on your finances...

1)Leases are ok as long as you are not worried about owning it. It's a "just add fuel" option basically.

2)Used- BEWARE. Lot's of little back street traders around. I wouldn't chance buying privately unless you know them (friend of friend etc). I would go to a well known seller that has been around a long time. Speak to friends/family ask if they know of good garages to buy from.

3) Approved used cars from dealerships (Ford/BMW/Vauxhall etc). Some good bargains to be had! Especially if you can wait till September when the next lot of NEW cars are released. May find a price crash on some of the approved used.

As for what to look for?

If you have a friendly mechanic I would ask if you can take the car to the mechanic for a look over. Any decent dealer would be ok with it.

 

[Smiffy]

I very much doubt you'll get a lease on a used car

 

[Crazyface]

For years I had a company car, and I only really bought I decent car in my life.

I now need to replace the one I am driving, but really have no idea on what to get, what to check for, is leasing a good option for example?

Any thoughts or ideas!

Buy second hand, but do your research on every model your interested in. Jap cars are usually pretty damn good. I look for as low a mileage as I can afford. Check it visually, have a drive if possible. Nowt like a drive to check / listen for faults. Knock a bit off when negotiating.

 

[Alex1975]

What is it you need from your car?

 

[dewsweeper]

For years I had a company car, and I only really bought I decent car in my life.

I now need to replace the one I am driving, but really have no idea on what to get, what to check for, is leasing a good option for example?

Any thoughts or ideas!

I have never purchased a new car in my life.
I would say a very safe bet is to source an ex Motobility through a main dealer.
Dewsweeper

 

[louise_a]

Some useful ideas, thanks. My main requirements are enough boot room for my trolley and a decent MPG at least 40+

Leasing used cars in an option, just not sure if its worth it financially.

 

[Smiffy]

Don't forget that leasing payments will attract VAT.

 

[Canary_Yellow]

Some useful ideas, thanks. My main requirements are enough boot room for my trolley and a decent MPG at least 40+

Leasing used cars in an option, just not sure if its worth it financially.

What do you drive at the moment, and would you want something of a similar size? There are literally hundreds of cars that fulfil the requirements you've narrowed us down to so far...

Leasing is a good option, but (assuming you have the cash) my personal preference is to buy a car that is a year to 18 months old.

Cars such as Kia come with very long warranties these days and shouldn't be overlooked. They're not exciting cars (perhaps with one or two exceptions) but not everyone wants exciting.

 

[louise_a]

yes there are hundreds and that's the problem, I just don't know where to start looking.

 

[Canary_Yellow]

yes there are hundreds and that's the problem, I just don't know where to start looking.

Are you being deliberately vague? You must have some idea!

Small hatchback, family hatchback (e.g. vw golf / A3 / 1 series), small saloon (mondeo, insignia, 3 series), large saloon (5 series, A6), coupe (A5, 4 series), SUV, crossover, convertible, 4x4, sports car, super car.

You must have something in mind, surely?

 

[Doh]

There are a lot of used cars out there I use Auto trader as a guild for price and specification. If it's space in the boot you need as all us golfers do, consider an estate. I Like the look of the Honda Accord Salon.

 

[woody69]

yes there are hundreds and that's the problem, I just don't know where to start looking.

The first thing you need to decide is what your budget is. Are you going to get a loan to pay the car over time, are you looking for finance deals from dealers or will you just pay a lump sum and pay the car off in one go?

Once you have that, then next up is to work out in order of importance the characteristics of the car. For example, Comfort for getting in and out or long journeys? Speed? Economy - do you do mostly long journeys on the motorways or short journeys around town? Boot space/size? Reliability? Vehicle Options such as air con, alloys, sat nav, parking sensors etc. etc.

Give us some answers to those questions and we can start to throw some pointers your way.

 

[louise_a]

Not deliberately vague, something smaller than a Mondeo, but every time I seem something it gets added to the list, Nissan Note, Ford Cmax, Hyundai, VW Golf, Honda. I have had an Astra for 6 years but don't want another as I don't thing they give great MPG.
I really have no idea, I have no interest in cars other than something to get me from A to B and so am susceptible to what a salesman tells me.

 

[Crazyface]

Not deliberately vague, something smaller than a Mondeo, but every time I seem something it gets added to the list, Nissan Note, Ford Cmax, Hyundai, VW Golf, Honda. I have had an Astra for 6 years but don't want another as I don't thing they give great MPG.
I really have no idea, I have no interest in cars other than something to get me from A to B and so am susceptible to what a salesman tells me.

Same as me. Do your research on second hand Jap cars that you like, buy it. I've got a y reg Toyota Avensis with 76K on the clock. I've had it 4 years. Flys through MOT every year. Even the garage where I take it knows it will get through. Petrol Avensis......NO PROBLEMS !!!!!!!

 

[louise_a]

I could go up to about £7000 but ideally I would prefer to spend a fair £5000 max. The last cat I bought probably cost me over a thousand in depreciation for each year I had it, I am want something that will be reliable and be big enough to get 2 lots of clubs and motor trolley in. If the boot was big enough I would get a Nissan Micra, because my friend has one and I know how reliable her's has been. Are all Nissans as reliable as Micras?

 

[Crazyface]

I've had to have a sensor replaced in the engine and there is water getting into the well in the boot from lord knows where but who cares about that? Engine sound as a pound. Starts, goes, gets me back !!!!!! Nice to drive too.

My best best car ever was a Mondeo Mk1 2ltr. bought for £800 with 50K on the clock. Went like stink. My youngest at the time called it The Spy Car !!! it had soooo many gadets on it !!!! Had it nicked !!!!! Was not happy about it, still am not !!!

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Skoda Octavia. Covers pretty much all eventualities and the parts are tried and tested throughout the whole VAG range. Can all those taxi drivers be wrong?

 

[Smiffy]

Nissan Notes are pretty good cars. Reliable, and very practical as they have a sliding rear seat arrangement that allows you to get more luggage in (inc golf clubs) than you'd think.
But you will not be able to lease a £5k car.
Finance, yes. But lease, NO.
Nissan are doing a special offer at the moment on used car finance.
Any finance deal you take out gives you two years free servicing.
Pretty good offer.