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Buying a used car
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So… how on earth does this work these days? I’m trying to get a used car about 3-5yrs old.
I’ve chosen the car I want but when I find one pop up on Autotrader they seem to be reserved before I can get to see it. Do I need to beat them at their own game and when it’s the exact model, colour and distance I’m prepared to travel, put down the reserved fee to give me a chance to see it?
And if it’s in bad condition or not as described when I go to see it… will I get my reserved fee back?!
Thanks for the help and advice. |
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We purchased a nearly new car for H earlier this year straight off of the internet.
Called up paid the deposit, dealer got the car delivered to our home, we inspected it and test drove it, job done.
It’s perfect.
I think it’s a great way to do business as the dealer is under more pressure to make sure the car is as described in case you just send it back. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Depends really on what you're after, a very specific model, spec, colour, trim level, transmission etc?
Prepare to wait, pay and fight for the one. If you find it and it needs work, pay for the work as clearly, this is a want rather than need item.
Just a reasonable car that you're not too fussed on, a few weeks probably? If it's a bit tatty, negotiate and be prepared to walk, plenty more out there if you are patient.
Depending on the price, are you talking private sales or dealers?
If it's dealers, talk to them, explain what you're after and leave details etc. Make yourself known and be serious, if they get it on a trade you could be the easiest turn around for them, which they'll like.
If you are after "the one" but need transport in the interim, grab a beater, sell it when done. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Do you know what you want? Maybe join some groups on social media specific to the model you want lr join the owners network forums related to the car as they have for sale sections |
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"And if it’s not right, just reject it/send it back? So financially, I wouldn’t lose any money at all?"
That was the deal with ours yes.
It was back in January though and might of still been a bit covid type related so just check with the dealer but I think it’s quite a common thing now. |
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Cool. Yeah it’s pretty much a certain make, model, edition and colour I’m after. 3-5 year olds don’t come up much privately. I’m guessing most will have come from a PCP so the dealership (main or not main dealer) will have taken it as part ex or perhaps got it from auction.
I’ll sell my car privately as it’ll be worth more in a private sale than a trade in. |
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"And if it’s not right, just reject it/send it back? So financially, I wouldn’t lose any money at all?
That was the deal with ours yes.
It was back in January though and might of still been a bit covid type related so just check with the dealer but I think it’s quite a common thing now."
Thanks. I guess I’m just picky about condition. For example, scruff alloys, paint work, pulls in fabric and/or dints/scratches can’t be seen in the photos so it’s difficult to assess this without seeing it. |
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I would buy from a dealer or atleast get a hpi check on it.
Never pay asking price, its a buyers market at the moment.
Do your research on the car and be prepared to walk away if it is not right.
I have purchased so many cars when I was younger that were crap. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"And if it’s not right, just reject it/send it back? So financially, I wouldn’t lose any money at all?
That was the deal with ours yes.
It was back in January though and might of still been a bit covid type related so just check with the dealer but I think it’s quite a common thing now.
Thanks. I guess I’m just picky about condition. For example, scruff alloys, paint work, pulls in fabric and/or dints/scratches can’t be seen in the photos so it’s difficult to assess this without seeing it."
See, you are sounding like the nightmare customer that'll see all the things the average one will miss.
That isn't a dig, I'm the same tbh.
I think MsDev's suggestion of owner's clubs sounds good. You can usually track the car and any work done etc. |
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"I would buy from a dealer or atleast get a hpi check on it.
Never pay asking price, its a buyers market at the moment.
Do your research on the car and be prepared to walk away if it is not right.
I have purchased so many cars when I was younger that were crap."
Yeah, that’s cool. How much money are they likely to take off at a main dealer would you say? |
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"And if it’s not right, just reject it/send it back? So financially, I wouldn’t lose any money at all?
That was the deal with ours yes.
It was back in January though and might of still been a bit covid type related so just check with the dealer but I think it’s quite a common thing now.
Thanks. I guess I’m just picky about condition. For example, scruff alloys, paint work, pulls in fabric and/or dints/scratches can’t be seen in the photos so it’s difficult to assess this without seeing it.
See, you are sounding like the nightmare customer that'll see all the things the average one will miss.
That isn't a dig, I'm the same tbh.
I think MsDev's suggestion of owner's clubs sounds good. You can usually track the car and any work done etc."
Haha… yeah, I’m not taking it as a dig. I guess some out there aren’t fussy but as I’ve looked after my car and it’s in great condition I don’t want to buy something scruffy that’s clearly not had much tlc.
How would you track the work done on a car etc etc? Not sure how you’d do that through an owners club etc. |
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"Do you know what you want? Maybe join some groups on social media specific to the model you want lr join the owners network forums related to the car as they have for sale sections "
Yeah, I know exactly what I want now. Where are the owners network forums? You mean like a BMW forum or VW forum etc? |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"And if it’s not right, just reject it/send it back? So financially, I wouldn’t lose any money at all?
That was the deal with ours yes.
It was back in January though and might of still been a bit covid type related so just check with the dealer but I think it’s quite a common thing now.
Thanks. I guess I’m just picky about condition. For example, scruff alloys, paint work, pulls in fabric and/or dints/scratches can’t be seen in the photos so it’s difficult to assess this without seeing it.
See, you are sounding like the nightmare customer that'll see all the things the average one will miss.
That isn't a dig, I'm the same tbh.
I think MsDev's suggestion of owner's clubs sounds good. You can usually track the car and any work done etc.
Haha… yeah, I’m not taking it as a dig. I guess some out there aren’t fussy but as I’ve looked after my car and it’s in great condition I don’t want to buy something scruffy that’s clearly not had much tlc.
How would you track the work done on a car etc etc? Not sure how you’d do that through an owners club etc."
If you have the reg you can track the MOT history through the Government website. It will say what advisories, passes fails it's had. |
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"I would buy from a dealer or atleast get a hpi check on it.
Never pay asking price, its a buyers market at the moment.
Do your research on the car and be prepared to walk away if it is not right.
I have purchased so many cars when I was younger that were crap.
Yeah, that’s cool. How much money are they likely to take off at a main dealer would you say?"
Hard to say without knowing what car it is.
Always ask them what their best price is, never tell them how much you have.
Research other dealers and play them off.
When you get the price ask for car mats,warranty, full tank of fuel as well. They dont want to lose a sale over car mats or get them to do a deal on them.
They will do the bollocks let me speak to the manager, they normally go in the back and make a tea etc, ask to negotiate with the manager.
Leave your number with them and let them sweat it out for the deal you want.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Do you know what you want? Maybe join some groups on social media specific to the model you want lr join the owners network forums related to the car as they have for sale sections
Yeah, I know exactly what I want now. Where are the owners network forums? You mean like a BMW forum or VW forum etc?"
Yeah, just do a Google/Social media search. I am a member of Vauxhall Owners network, the members have helped me out loads with my advice for my car |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Do you know what you want? Maybe join some groups on social media specific to the model you want lr join the owners network forums related to the car as they have for sale sections
Yeah, I know exactly what I want now. Where are the owners network forums? You mean like a BMW forum or VW forum etc?"
Forums, Facebook pages, Instagram etc.
As for tracking the car, once again the lady whose name i can never quite remember is bang on. MsDev for now, apologies haha, MOT checks are good for general stuff but if its a particularly fruity or specific BMW, chances are the owner might post about their car, mods, work done etc etc.
It's by no means a guarantee, just an avenue of research.
Funny how you can sniff out the other petrol heads and, borderline obsessives so easily haha  |
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"Do you know what you want? Maybe join some groups on social media specific to the model you want lr join the owners network forums related to the car as they have for sale sections
Yeah, I know exactly what I want now. Where are the owners network forums? You mean like a BMW forum or VW forum etc?
Yeah, just do a Google/Social media search. I am a member of Vauxhall Owners network, the members have helped me out loads with my advice for my car"
Got you, thanks.
Yeah, I’ve seen MOT records for the cars. The main thing I don’t get is, how can I see the car and drive it (to make sure there’s not rattled etc) before someone beats me to it. |
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"Do you know what you want? Maybe join some groups on social media specific to the model you want lr join the owners network forums related to the car as they have for sale sections
Yeah, I know exactly what I want now. Where are the owners network forums? You mean like a BMW forum or VW forum etc?
Forums, Facebook pages, Instagram etc.
As for tracking the car, once again the lady whose name i can never quite remember is bang on. MsDev for now, apologies haha, MOT checks are good for general stuff but if its a particularly fruity or specific BMW, chances are the owner might post about their car, mods, work done etc etc.
It's by no means a guarantee, just an avenue of research.
Funny how you can sniff out the other petrol heads and, borderline obsessives so easily haha "
Cool, I’ve got you. Makes sense. Thanks  |
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"Depends really on what you're after, a very specific model, spec, colour, trim level, transmission etc?
Prepare to wait, pay and fight for the one. If you find it and it needs work, pay for the work as clearly, this is a want rather than need item.
Just a reasonable car that you're not too fussed on, a few weeks probably? If it's a bit tatty, negotiate and be prepared to walk, plenty more out there if you are patient.
Depending on the price, are you talking private sales or dealers?
If it's dealers, talk to them, explain what you're after and leave details etc. Make yourself known and be serious, if they get it on a trade you could be the easiest turn around for them, which they'll like.
If you are after "the one" but need transport in the interim, grab a beater, sell it when done. "
Jesus, sounds like buying a Rolex or a GT3. Nightmare! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Do you know what you want? Maybe join some groups on social media specific to the model you want lr join the owners network forums related to the car as they have for sale sections
Yeah, I know exactly what I want now. Where are the owners network forums? You mean like a BMW forum or VW forum etc?
Yeah, just do a Google/Social media search. I am a member of Vauxhall Owners network, the members have helped me out loads with my advice for my car
Got you, thanks.
Yeah, I’ve seen MOT records for the cars. The main thing I don’t get is, how can I see the car and drive it (to make sure there’s not rattled etc) before someone beats me to it."
Luck, discipline, sheer fucking will.
You know the answer is graft and borderline risk, you just don't want to hear it lol.
This is what being particular gets you, now go buy a random 320 regardless of colour and be happy if you want easy haha. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Depends really on what you're after, a very specific model, spec, colour, trim level, transmission etc?
Prepare to wait, pay and fight for the one. If you find it and it needs work, pay for the work as clearly, this is a want rather than need item.
Just a reasonable car that you're not too fussed on, a few weeks probably? If it's a bit tatty, negotiate and be prepared to walk, plenty more out there if you are patient.
Depending on the price, are you talking private sales or dealers?
If it's dealers, talk to them, explain what you're after and leave details etc. Make yourself known and be serious, if they get it on a trade you could be the easiest turn around for them, which they'll like.
If you are after "the one" but need transport in the interim, grab a beater, sell it when done.
Jesus, sounds like buying a Rolex or a GT3. Nightmare! "
Oh at that point that's easy, get the PA to do it. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Do you know what you want? Maybe join some groups on social media specific to the model you want lr join the owners network forums related to the car as they have for sale sections
Yeah, I know exactly what I want now. Where are the owners network forums? You mean like a BMW forum or VW forum etc?
Yeah, just do a Google/Social media search. I am a member of Vauxhall Owners network, the members have helped me out loads with my advice for my car
Got you, thanks.
Yeah, I’ve seen MOT records for the cars. The main thing I don’t get is, how can I see the car and drive it (to make sure there’s not rattled etc) before someone beats me to it."
Just ask I guess...if they are decent then they will keep options open. Don't forget that if you buy off a car specific owners forum then the likelihood of it once being their pride and joy will be high so they will want it to go to the right person and if they have cared for it then they will have the history.
Good luck, car buying is a minefield I know |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"So reserving a car (maybe it’s the other end of the country) means you have to go through with the sale?"
I'm pretty sure that's something to discuss with each dealer, but if it isn't up to the description I'm sure there is grounds for backing out and getting a refund.
Will that be easy, probably not, will they like it, definitely not.
As I said, maybe try talking to your local BMW dealers, see what they can do. Maybe hop on the owners clubs and ask, I feel this isn't the place for the correct information haha. |
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"Do you know what you want? Maybe join some groups on social media specific to the model you want lr join the owners network forums related to the car as they have for sale sections
Yeah, I know exactly what I want now. Where are the owners network forums? You mean like a BMW forum or VW forum etc?
Yeah, just do a Google/Social media search. I am a member of Vauxhall Owners network, the members have helped me out loads with my advice for my car
Got you, thanks.
Yeah, I’ve seen MOT records for the cars. The main thing I don’t get is, how can I see the car and drive it (to make sure there’s not rattled etc) before someone beats me to it.
Just ask I guess...if they are decent then they will keep options open. Don't forget that if you buy off a car specific owners forum then the likelihood of it once being their pride and joy will be high so they will want it to go to the right person and if they have cared for it then they will have the history.
Good luck, car buying is a minefield I know "
Really good points, thanks for your help. Thanks for the best wishes too, as you say, it’s a minefield, I agree xx |
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"So reserving a car (maybe it’s the other end of the country) means you have to go through with the sale?
I'm pretty sure that's something to discuss with each dealer, but if it isn't up to the description I'm sure there is grounds for backing out and getting a refund.
Will that be easy, probably not, will they like it, definitely not.
As I said, maybe try talking to your local BMW dealers, see what they can do. Maybe hop on the owners clubs and ask, I feel this isn't the place for the correct information haha."
Haha… thanks. Usually people are pretty knowledgable here and I value the chats. I’ll find an owners club though as you say. Cheers |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Do you know what you want? Maybe join some groups on social media specific to the model you want lr join the owners network forums related to the car as they have for sale sections
Yeah, I know exactly what I want now. Where are the owners network forums? You mean like a BMW forum or VW forum etc?
Yeah, just do a Google/Social media search. I am a member of Vauxhall Owners network, the members have helped me out loads with my advice for my car
Got you, thanks.
Yeah, I’ve seen MOT records for the cars. The main thing I don’t get is, how can I see the car and drive it (to make sure there’s not rattled etc) before someone beats me to it.
Just ask I guess...if they are decent then they will keep options open. Don't forget that if you buy off a car specific owners forum then the likelihood of it once being their pride and joy will be high so they will want it to go to the right person and if they have cared for it then they will have the history.
Good luck, car buying is a minefield I know
Really good points, thanks for your help. Thanks for the best wishes too, as you say, it’s a minefield, I agree xx"
You're welcome, be interested to know if you find it |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"So reserving a car (maybe it’s the other end of the country) means you have to go through with the sale?
I'm pretty sure that's something to discuss with each dealer, but if it isn't up to the description I'm sure there is grounds for backing out and getting a refund.
Will that be easy, probably not, will they like it, definitely not.
As I said, maybe try talking to your local BMW dealers, see what they can do. Maybe hop on the owners clubs and ask, I feel this isn't the place for the correct information haha.
Haha… thanks. Usually people are pretty knowledgable here and I value the chats. I’ll find an owners club though as you say. Cheers "
Oh you'll get the general gist, but you need engine codes, transmission codes, specific paint and trim codes and designations, all that really, really good stuff, the stuff that kills conversations dead with normal folk.
Then talk about specific tuners, helical or plate differentials, to absolutely nuke it |
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"So reserving a car (maybe it’s the other end of the country) means you have to go through with the sale?
I'm pretty sure that's something to discuss with each dealer, but if it isn't up to the description I'm sure there is grounds for backing out and getting a refund.
Will that be easy, probably not, will they like it, definitely not.
As I said, maybe try talking to your local BMW dealers, see what they can do. Maybe hop on the owners clubs and ask, I feel this isn't the place for the correct information haha.
Haha… thanks. Usually people are pretty knowledgable here and I value the chats. I’ll find an owners club though as you say. Cheers
Oh you'll get the general gist, but you need engine codes, transmission codes, specific paint and trim codes and designations, all that really, really good stuff, the stuff that kills conversations dead with normal folk.
Then talk about specific tuners, helical or plate differentials, to absolutely nuke it "
Haha…. Exciting stuff  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"So reserving a car (maybe it’s the other end of the country) means you have to go through with the sale?
I'm pretty sure that's something to discuss with each dealer, but if it isn't up to the description I'm sure there is grounds for backing out and getting a refund.
Will that be easy, probably not, will they like it, definitely not.
As I said, maybe try talking to your local BMW dealers, see what they can do. Maybe hop on the owners clubs and ask, I feel this isn't the place for the correct information haha.
Haha… thanks. Usually people are pretty knowledgable here and I value the chats. I’ll find an owners club though as you say. Cheers
Oh you'll get the general gist, but you need engine codes, transmission codes, specific paint and trim codes and designations, all that really, really good stuff, the stuff that kills conversations dead with normal folk.
Then talk about specific tuners, helical or plate differentials, to absolutely nuke it "
Recently been there, done that! I learnt everything there is to know about OPCOM diagnostics and the fault codes and tbf (fingers crossed, will find out tomorrow lol) OPCOM tracked the fault other scanners couldn't pinpointb  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"So reserving a car (maybe it’s the other end of the country) means you have to go through with the sale?
I'm pretty sure that's something to discuss with each dealer, but if it isn't up to the description I'm sure there is grounds for backing out and getting a refund.
Will that be easy, probably not, will they like it, definitely not.
As I said, maybe try talking to your local BMW dealers, see what they can do. Maybe hop on the owners clubs and ask, I feel this isn't the place for the correct information haha.
Haha… thanks. Usually people are pretty knowledgable here and I value the chats. I’ll find an owners club though as you say. Cheers
Oh you'll get the general gist, but you need engine codes, transmission codes, specific paint and trim codes and designations, all that really, really good stuff, the stuff that kills conversations dead with normal folk.
Then talk about specific tuners, helical or plate differentials, to absolutely nuke it
Recently been there, done that! I learnt everything there is to know about OPCOM diagnostics and the fault codes and tbf (fingers crossed, will find out tomorrow lol) OPCOM tracked the fault other scanners couldn't pinpointb "
So, that's going to be something breathtakingly simple and easy like a loose wire, or an engine out job to test your sanity.
Fingers crossed for the former
That's the great thing about brand specific scanners, generic obd ports are ok to a point, but when you have the proper stuff it's just *chef's kiss* |
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