New Car - Some Advice and Pointers Please

[Graham M]

Hi there, I've just been given IE Paid No Money by a friend mainly as it has a few problems, It's in good condition and I beleive it to be servicable.


It's an M-Reg Suzuki Swift 1.3 GS (1994) and it has a few minor problems. I beleive the Windscreen to leak at the top (Ive no experienced it but there is tape at the top so I can only assume) Is there an easy way to repair leaks like this?

I *think* the starter motor needs replacing as sometimes it heaves a bit trying to start up, seems to struggle although the battery seems ok (And Apparently is brand new) So im not sure.

It looks like someone has tried to break into the Car Before as there is trim missing around the Driver-Side Window so I can only think water is leaking into the door and I think the Driver Side Window is a little broken (In Up/Down Motion).

It's taxed until EO March, Im not insured to drive it yet but hope to sort that over the next week and then I can sort it out. It's lovely to drive (took it round the car park) and all in all seems in good condition.

1. Are these faults easy to repair, where is the best place to get spares, I have a guy who says he will replace the starter motor for a tenner but I have to find a suitable one first. Are Starter Motors Fairly Generic or are they specific to each car?

2. As for the possibly leaky Windscreen; is there any sealant, etc. that will do the trick on this?

3. If I can find a matching one up the scrapyard, would it be more economical to try and replace the driver side door itself rather than attempt repair?

4. When I go to tax the car, what documents will I need to take?

Bear in mind I have not passed my test yet so this will be a run around car for experience, etc. And need not be perfect. I've not had much in the way of experience with Mechanics, etc. so any help would be most appreciated.

Thanks
Graham

[bopdude]

1, the faults aren't major, Starters are specific to make and to some extent model.

2, I wouldn't advise sealant for the leak, it would look naff, better of going somewhere to get a quote.

3, You may just getthe strip from the scrappy, although if neede you might get the whole door in your colour.

4Docs you will need, Insurance, test, log book, as it's not in your name you'll need to fill out a form at the P/O..

Think thats it....HTH

[Graham M]

Originally Posted by bopdude

4Docs you will need, Insurance, test, log book, as it's not in your name you'll need to fill out a form at the P/O..

Think thats it....HTH

The Change of Ownership has now been filled in and the car will be in my name soon enough.

1. OK getting Insurance sharpish anyway
2. Test - You mean the latest MOT?
3. I think I have it, what does it look like generally, and what's in it? - What details do they need from it?

[Gareth]

Have a look here for what you'll need to tax your car.

[Chris]

Originally Posted by Zeph

The Change of Ownership has now been filled in and the car will be in my name soon enough.

1. OK getting Insurance sharpish anyway
2. Test - You mean the latest MOT?
3. I think I have it, what does it look like generally, and what's in it? - What details do they need from it?

Yes, a valid MOT certificate. What 'it' are you referring to in (3)?

[Graham M]

Sorry Logbook I was going by the order Bop mentioned it.

[Chris]

Originally Posted by Zeph

Sorry Logbook I was going by the order Bop mentioned it.

Aha ... 'logbook' is a very old fashioned way of saying 'vehicle registration document'. The DVLA calls it V5, or the new European standard one is V5C. Your friend needs to fill part of this in and send it to DVLA to say he is no longer keeper of the vehicle. He needs to fill in another part and give it to you, to show that you are the keeper, until such time as DVLA posts you your own copy of the form.

The bit of it that your friend gives you is sufficient to show at the Post Office. They just need proof that you own the car you are trying to tax.

In essence, what they want to know is:

1. The car is insured.
2. The car is roadworthy.
3. You are the owner.

[Graham M]

OK fair enough, the Tear-off Slip from the Change of Keeper form?

[Chris]

Originally Posted by Zeph

OK fair enough, the Tear-off Slip from the Change of Keeper form?

Yes, the Change of Keeper form is part of the V5 Registration Document.

[Graham M]

Aha I see, it's all starting to make sense now!

BTW its my Dad that got me calling it a Log Book lol.

[Graham M]

Can anyone recommend some good insurance companies, the cheapest quote i've gotten is from Tesco/Directline at about £800 for me as a named and my mum as the main driver.
Cheers.

[Chris W]

you probably won't find any insurance much cheaper than that given your age/ experience.

Try www.confused.com for a search of a few insurance companies.

My first car insurance was £1300 in my name on a G reg 1.0l metro

Doing PassPlus (when you pass of course!) may reduce your premium- Tescos gave me a 15% discount for doing it.

Be a bit careful about having your mum as the main driver if she isn't actually going to be the main driver- the insurance company will try to wriggle out of paying if you need to make a claim. You also won't earn a no claims bonus (unless you go with DirectLine, who do give no claims bonuses to named drivers).

[driver_problems]

essentially 2 points

1) is it insured?

2) when's the fire?

[Chris]

Is that fully comprehensive insurance? TBH I'd question whether it's worth getting more than third-party only.

In fact, I suspect that car is probably not even worth £800. Closest I can find on Autotrader is a 1996 P reg, going for a mere £695.

http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/WWW...xact=1&photo=1

[Graham M]

Insurance premium decreases by nearly £200 for me in May as ill be 21, will I see a discount in my premiums then? That quote is for third party fire and theft. To be honest the car was free and whatever I do with it is a bonus. Worst comes to the worst i will put it in the Ad-Trader, etc. The Tax runs out end of March, if I can't get it insured by then, what can I do?