Car buying tips : What should I be aware of?

**Damien** · 24-08-2009, 18:45

I am looking into getting a second hand car, at the moment strongly learning towards a 1.4 Peugeot 207 (Probably Second Hand). I know there are cheaper 2nd hand cars out there but I want a newish one and want to be smooth, responsibly quick, safe and reliable. As well as comfortable.

I need to know what are the important issues I should be aware of and how to make sure I am not being taken for a ride

punky · 24-08-2009, 18:49

1. Always get a car finance chec (HPI). There have been scams where criminals have sold cars they don't own.

2. Get an AA check. They aren't cheap but worth it in the long run.

I've got a 306 (2001 X reg) I've not had really any problems with it aside from general wear-n-tear and a driver's side window issue. I should imagine the 207s are pretty reliable as well.

**Damien** · 24-08-2009, 18:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by punky

1. Always get a car finance chec (HPI). There have been scams where criminals have sold cars they don't own.

2. Get an AA check. They aren't cheap but worth it in the long run.

I've got a 306 (2001 X reg) I've not had really any problems with it aside from general wear-n-tear and a driver's side window issue. I should imagine the 207s are pretty reliable as well.

I getting it from an official Peugeot dealer? Thought I would probably be safe on the first front?

What is the AA Check?

Charlie_Bubble · 24-08-2009, 18:52

Find the one you want and get the AA or RAC to inspect it for you. It may save you money and heartache in the long run. 207 is quite a nice little car. I've had 3 new ones in the last 18 months.

STONEISLAND · 24-08-2009, 18:54

WhatCar is a wicked web site when buying new cars, top tips and it advise what to look out for etc.

Peugeot?

IMO try and get a ford or VW.

**Damien** · 24-08-2009, 18:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlie_Bubble

Find the one you want and get the AA or RAC to inspect it for you. It may save you money and heartache in the long run. 207 is quite a nice little car. I've had 3 new ones in the last 18 months.

What do you keep doing to them

**Graham M** · 24-08-2009, 18:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlie_Bubble

I've had 3 new ones in the last 18 months.

Fill him with confidence!

**Rob** · 24-08-2009, 19:01

Make sure it has a full service history - fully stamped up service book.

If buying from a reputable main dealer they should already have done a HPI check. Make sure you see a copy. HPI confirms that there is no finance outstanding on the car, and no insurance write offs.

Make sure the car has all the keys it's supposed to (normally at least 2), especially any master key that might be needed if you have to get replacements later. Also check you are getting all the codes to reset radios or anything else that could be programmable.

Check the Vehicle Excise licence and make sure it's for standard PLG use. My last car had previously been registered as disabled exempt which became a major pain trying to get it restored to standard use necessiting a tedious trip to a district car taxation office.

Look at any warranties that are offered. What do they cover and how long. Second hand car warranties can have a lot of exclusions for the things that actually do go wrong. Is there any residual manufacturer's warranty?

punky · 24-08-2009, 19:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damien

I getting it from an official Peugeot dealer? Thought I would probably be safe on the first front?

What is the AA Check?

Yeah, you don't need the HPI check from a Peugeot dealer as i'm sure they'd already done that. I would from a private sale or 2nd hand car dealer.

AA (and RAC I think) do a check to make sure everything looks good under the skin. http://www.theaa.com/motoring-advice...spections.html

If its really new (like 2 years or less) you might want to take a gamble but I wouldn't on 5+ years

idi banashapan · 24-08-2009, 21:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by STONEISLAND

Peugeot?

IMO try and get a ford or VW.

I agree - French cars are well know for reliability and electrical issues. german cars are good, but you pay the premium. japanese cars are well made and robust. Ford and Vauxhall are cheap to run and repair and you can get a fair amount of car for your money second hand.

my votes for make are as follows (in no particular order):

ford
vauxhall
vw (if you like them - i don't personally)
audi (expensive for what you get though)
mercedes (not as expensive as you might expect for second hand, though the cost is hidden in the check-ups from dealers)
seat (part of the VW/Audi group. they are made using audi/vw parts but cost a fair amount less)
skoda (as per Seat)
nissan
mazda

ZrByte · 24-08-2009, 21:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bender

I agree - French cars are well know for reliability and electrical issues. german cars are good, but you pay the premium. japanese cars are well made and robust. Ford and Vauxhall are cheap to run and repair and you can get a fair amount of car for your money second hand.

my votes for make are as follows (in no particular order):

ford
vauxhall
vw (if you like them - i don't personally)
audi (expensive for what you get though)
mercedes (not as expensive as you might expect for second hand, though the cost is hidden in the check-ups from dealers)
seat (part of the VW/Audi group. they are made using audi/vw parts but cost a fair amount less)
skoda (as per Seat)
nissan
mazda

The only problem with that though is like with any manufacturer quality varies.
For e.g. I have heard some quite impressive things about the current gen of Kias and have heard some seriously bad things about the current Ford and Vauxhall offerings. Like you have said they are cheap to repair or even free if you get the right warranty the problems shouldn't exist in the first place and it means the car may spend a lot of time back at the dealers rather than driving. Though having said that my Dads 55 reg ford focus is flawless and I would recommend to anyone, As is my friends 09 Vaux Corsa.

My current car is a Renault Clio and though now it is starting to show some signs of wear electrically (Mainly LED related) and the odd fault mechanically CV joints, CV Gaiter and springs (All wear and tear). When you consider that it is 8 years old and these are the previously mentioned parts are the only work it has needed other than brakes & tyres etc I think thats pretty impressive. In the last 4 years that I have owned the car it has never failed to start or been anything short of reliable (Though I do regret saying that now because you know it wont start in the morning now).

flibbage0 · 24-08-2009, 21:29

Peugeot make good diesel engines and that Is about it, Not saying they are rubbish cars but like Top gear says why would anyone buy a Peugeot these days?

And I do agree with that, maybe you could have a look at some of the manufacturers that Bender suggested.

+ When has top gear ever been wrong

v0id · 24-08-2009, 21:38

make sure you kick all the tyres, car salesmen love this

Osem · 24-08-2009, 21:52

Draw up a shortlist and check it here:

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm

The 207 is here:

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm?md=729

Have a search through this too:

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/threads.htm?f=4

Read this before you part with your money:

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/buy_sell...used/index.htm

I'd steer clear of anything French unless it's stuff you can eat and drink....

frogstamper · 24-08-2009, 21:57

I second the AA car check as well Damien, well worth it when you'll be spending a few thousand pounds.
Here's the AA site for vehicle inspections.

http://www.theaa.com/motoring-advice...spections.html

Good luck Damien