Overhaulin'

How do I buy a used car in the UK without getting ripped off?!?

I would especially love replies from professional car dealers, but any sensible comments welcome. More details below, thank you. I have bought 2 used cars from private sellers over the past 3 years. One was an MGF with a head gasket which blew about 4 months after owning it (which I now know is a common MGF problem) and the other was a Merc A Class, which was fine for about 2 years until the clutch gave out to the tune of £1400. Both seemed fine on the test drive and were well maintained by dealer mechanics. What I really want to know is: 1. Does anyone ever sell a car privately that isn't about to fall apart? 2. Is there some big secret to being able to tell which cars will cost £1000+ in repairs after a few years - if so, what is it?! 3. Are AA/RAC checks worth the money, or is it like NHS Direct, where they go over 100 questions, and tell you that they can't comment either way and it is up to you whether you proceed or not? Thank you. Just to clarify, I'd like advice on buying a new car, not smart ass comments on my driving style. The clutch was automatic.

Public Comments

1. www.autotrader.co.uk
2. A clutch burning out 2 years after you bought the car has nothing to do with the previous owner, more so your driving style.
3. If you buy a second hand car - you shouldn't expect it to last forever ! You have no way of knowing (apart from the mileage and service history) how the car was driven before you bought it ! If you don't want these kinds of problems - either buy from new - or from a reputable second-hand dealership !
4. Nobody can tell what will go wrong with a car or how long it will last. My advice would be to go for a jap make as these tend to be more reliable engine wise. If the clutch feels good then it's usually ok..some have an inspection hole to check wear. Very important to check the cam belt and tensioner replacement and water pump. If it has a full service history and warranty. If you can get a good mechanic to go with you to view the car all the better.
5. Ok, yes there is a big secret when it comes to buying secound hand cars,- its knowledge and experience!!! Get someone who knows what they are doing to help you choose the right car. I wouldnt ever buy break down insurance, but then again, i used to build tanks!!! still, you need to have a bit savvy about you when buying cars, if you dont know what your doing, your not going to get very far!!! Try to ask around people, where did thet buy there cars, did they get a good deal etc... Good "reliable cars to go for are Skoda Octavia's, Volkswagens, and fords, - fords are cheapest to repair, which also brings me to my last bit, £1400 for a new clutch is absolutely extortionate!!! you must have taken it to the Merc garage right??? well don't!- they rip you off big!!! i paid £120 for mine!!!- and that was just cos i needed it done straight away!!!
6. I would recommend you to check http://www.parkers.co.uk/ where you can check the models and their avg. expenses. This way you can come to some point of decision making in deciding which car to buy depending on your taste, preferences as well as the expenses and reviews shown on that website. I would always recommend to buy a car from approved car dealers. With in car dealers there are approved dealers who are authorised by manufacturer as these dealers have to abide by the manufacturer rules in quality checks and ethical business rules. Where as an Independent dealer has their own rules and regulations which are sometimes hard to the end buyer.. You can also find the present value of a model from www.parkers.co.uk and even more info from that website. Then search for approved car dealers for your vehicle and call one or two nearest to your place for quotation. Do not forget to take the warranty when you buy (Every approved car dealer will provide you guarantee as well as all the required documents like hpi check and other necessary documents, without even reminding them). Personally, I sold my car which was fine both mechanically and cosmetic wise. The only reason was I wanted a big car. Hope that helps. by the way below you can find a few approved car dealers list www.johngrose.co.uk www.vospers.com www.arbury.co.uk If you don't find your shortlisted model with them, please use google search to find a nearest dealer :)