Buying a used car

[HeadNun]

I'm planning to buy my first ever car and am considering Gumtree. I know nothing about cars and wonder if anyone can give me any advice about buying a car privately, checking it's not stolen and what to look out for. Many thanks, HN

[Pugwash]

Would not consider buying like this - try Lancers in Beckenham - family have purchased several cars from them over the year. 

[ken78]

better to go to a dealer if you ask me ....i think the AA will do any checks but at a cost....https://www.theaacarcheck.com/?gad=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_8Tf2dqi_wIVjuPtCh2EaQZ1EAAYASAAEgJ6h_D_BwE

[Mystic Mog]

Avoid scumtree, definitely go to dealer. Premier Autos Sidcup brilliant.

[Pugwash]

Lancers are good quality used car dealers, I was recommended them by several friends some years ago. My daughter and her family have purchased 2 cars from them in the past 10 years. I have a Ford Focus which was around £5000 some years ago and is still going strong. Good for test driving and explaining the various ' gadgets'

[malumbu]

I'm sure that Gumtree is excellent, and my views are not affected by it being used to fence stolen bikes, including one of mine, as they don't seem to check/trace those advertising on it.  (I only post useful and positive things now but you get the gist)

Ebay may be the place to go for something classic/unusual, and a potential bargain.  Obviously a risk.

Autotrader series is or was the place to go for cars.

Loot may still exist and in the past I bought of the small ads in local papers.

[Ladygooner]

I bought through Cinch which is easiest if you know what car  you want to buy, They also do great exchanges prices on your own car, although I know this is not relevant to you.

[vladi]

If you can be more specific about what you want to do with the car and your budget then we all  can help you.

Do you want it for....

1. Daily commute
2. Occasional long journeys
3. Carry more than 3 passengers
4. Carry items rather than other passengers

Most of the cars I have bought in the last 30 years have been between 6 months and 3 years old from Car Giant in West London. They have fair prices and they check their cars thoroughly.

The best one I bought from them had done 9,000 miles in six months - which is high. But I guessed it was a hire car that spent all its time on motorways. Motorway usage is easy going for cars no corners, no stop/start. no braking etc etc. I still have it after 20 years and all it has cost me is one rear light bulb!

Less desirable are  cars  used on frequent short (commuting) journeys where every start is with a cold engine.

 

 

Edited June 7, 2023 by vladi

[HeadNun]

Thanks Vladi, yes my initial post was rather vague - I’ve learnt a lot about cars and used cars since then! And I won’t be getting one on Gumtree.

Some great sale rooms have been recommended here, but they’re all above my price range. I’m looking for something low mileage (of course) and approx 10 - 14 years old. Thinking either a Ford Fiesta, Honda Jazz or Skoda Fabia.

I’ll use it a bit in town, but I’m mainly planning to use it for distance driving a few times a year. So I need something comfortable. 

Budget probably 6.5k max. Places like Lancers don’t really have cars for that little, so I’ll have to go to a smaller dealer. 

[vladi]

OK, taking your input into consideration, I would start by looking at https://www.exchangeandmart.co.uk/ and do a search within 1 mile of your postcode. Set the sort order  to lowest first.
There's quite a selection and quite a few from recognised dealers which will have done all the checks about ownership, o/s finance, MOT etc plus they will have checked them.
PIck a few and do some research on that make/model for known problems. Check out https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/ for knowledge.

When you have narrowed down your choice get someone knowledgeable to go with you and check the actual car. There are lots of indicators for the trained eye e.g . is the wear on the pedal rubbers consistent with the mileage. Are the door gaps even etc etc. . Is there any paint overspray.
There's lots of sharp operators out there! Go prepared, have all your questions ready in advance.