Buying new car - any tips ?

[bombini]

I am in process of buying a new car and don't seem to be having any joy with getting any money knocked off !

I see all these programs on TV about getting discounts and it never flaming works when I have a go :irked:

Also what should I be looking for, service history, mileage, etc. I know nothing !!!

BTW its a used car im after from a dealer not private.

 

[Anna Lee]

sorry.. i cant help you as i dont know much about cars...

but 'Louiser' will be able to help you - drop her a PM... she a car mechanic...!

she knows EVERYTHING about cars....

 

[CadenceAlex]

Hi

When buying from a Dealer... you should always ask what's the 'best price on that car' - when it's a business owned by someone, the cars are well marked up and they will come down more often than not to get the sale. Especially if it's the owner. Same with most kind of business' - like Antique Dealers or Bathroom shops etc (this doesn't work in Debenhams or Boots btw :green

Check the service history, and if it's got an up to date MOT - you want to know what work has been done too... like if it's had a new CAM belt or something... how old will the car be that you're looking at?

How many previous owners it's had - you don't want a car with a few previous owners!! I would say 3 at most.

Obviously check the mileage - I think it's about 10'000 per year, perhaps more - so if the car was a 53 plate... it would have about 40'000 miles or there about... you don't want a car that has done loads of miles.

Always check the tyres - you don't want bald spots, or tyres that you will have to replace!

Take it for a run, if it's making any unexplainable noises... don't go near it! Diesels' are louder than petrol though anyways.

You want a good warranty also - 3 mths is the norm I think, good places will offer 12mths.


Erm... will try and think of some more... !

 

[Chameleon]

Hi

When buying from a Dealer... you should always ask what's the 'best price on that car' - when it's a business owned by someone, the cars are well marked up and they will come down more often than not to get the sale. Especially if it's the owner. Same with most kind of business' - like Antique Dealers or Bathroom shops etc (this doesn't work in Debenhams or Boots btw :green

Check the service history, and if it's got an up to date MOT - you want to know what work has been done too... like if it's had a new CAM belt or something... how old will the car be that you're looking at?

How many previous owners it's had - you don't want a car with a few previous owners!! I would say 3 at most.

Obviously check the mileage - I think it's about 10'000 per year, perhaps more - so if the car was a 53 plate... it would have about 40'000 miles or there about... you don't want a car that has done loads of miles.

Always check the tyres - you don't want bald spots, or tyres that you will have to replace!

Take it for a run, if it's making any unexplainable noises... don't go near it! Diesels' are louder than petrol though anyways.

You want a good warranty also - 3 mths is the norm I think, good places will offer 12mths.


Erm... will try and think of some more... !

Wow Caroline,you certainly know your stuff...LOL

Juliette,Rich suggested a car auction might be a good thing to look at and take somebody with you whos mechanically minded??:green: