Advice for buying a used car

[biggs682]

French cars are bad, Italian are a mare.

couldnt agree more

 

[oldfatfool]

On the one hand there are hundreds of KA's around so don't rush into buying the first one you see if you have any reason to doubt it. On the other hand if it as full MOT /4 tyres that will last 12 months and goes and stops ok don't get hung up on bodywork etc. I am guessing you are looking at sub £500 (or at least you should be for a 13 year old KA) so for that price if you get 12 months motoring out of it with no expense it is a throwaway item.

 

[Matthew_T]

[QUOTE 2755484, member: 9609"] - paid me 13K in used notes, and that was probably the scariest bit.[/quote]
I would have taken one of the note markers from work and checked every single one of them. Its always a risk when dealing with cash nowadays.

 

[screenman]

About the seller: He is an individual but seems to work for a garage/company. He gets car in regularly to sell. The photos taken of the car were on an industrial site which I can imagine his garage is on.

Beat me too it with that post, the guy is a dealer, which of course is not a problem if it is a nice car, also you will have some legal recall, that is if he is still there when problems arise.

Personally I would not touch a KA unless of course I was selling it straight on again. The Japanese or Korean choices are far better.

 

[Matthew_T]

On the one hand there are hundreds of KA's around so don't rush into buying the first one you see if you have any reason to doubt it. On the other hand if it as full MOT /4 tyres that will last 12 months and goes and stops ok don't get hung up on bodywork etc. I am guessing you are looking at sub £500 (or at least you should be for a 13 year old KA) so for that price if you get 12 months motoring out of it with no expense it is a throwaway item.

I do not intend on keeping it for any major length of time. If it lasts me 1/2 years then I am happy to just scrap it if repairs would be too much.

 

[gavgav]

and the Renault 5 where the back screen popped when I shut the drivers door one frosty evening.

Edit: The above isn't to be taken too seriously. I find French cars generally fine (apart from the handbrakes).

A very careful owner beforehand never had any window trouble...........

 

[Matthew_T]

Well there is a little bit more comfort in the purchase. The car is located on a forecourt of a vehicle sales place (I have seen it on Streetview). The industrial estate next to it has multiple vehicle maintenance shops and tyre fitting. So I suspect the MOT was carried out by themselves.

 

[TwickenhamCyclist]

I know I'm going to be shot down by the anti-French brigade but I would look for a Peugeot 106/Citroen Saxo with the 1124cc TU series engine. Personally I'd look for a 5 door as it's less likely to have been owned by an idiot with a big bore exhaust and bodykit.

Very economical, the main mechanical parts last for ages (although check the synchromesh on 2nd and 3rd gears - bad drivers can do it in) the body is one of the most rust resistant you'll find anywhere at any price and they are great fun to drive.

Suspension bushings can be a weakness in Peugeots but are cheap and easy to fit at the front end. Only major expensive/hassle issue you may come across is knackered trailling arm bearing on the back. Check for strange clunks or creaks from the back end over bumps and make sure both back wheels are sitting upright and not leaning in at the top edge and tyres worn to the inside edge.

+1 on the Peugeot front
Had a few and found them to be cheap, economical and reliable - got a 307 estate at the moment - cheap to run and insure - loads of space - children love it - all the back seats come out - did I mention the space!!

 

[Brandane]

Slightly off topic, and I'm a bit scared to ask, but ...... Whatever came of the motorbike that you bought?

 

[Matthew_T]

Slightly off topic, and I'm a bit scared to ask, but ...... Whatever came of the motorbike that you bought?

I have someone coming around on Sunday to look at it.

 

[Brandane]

I have someone coming around on Sunday to look at it.

An Officer from the stolen vehicle squad?

Or did you eventually get a V5 for it?

 

[Matthew_T]

An Officer from the stolen vehicle squad?

Or did you eventually get a V5 for it?

Yes I have got the V5 and the SORN notification came today.

 

[Crankarm]

If the seller of the Ka is a dealer you have to make sure he is not pulling a fast one by claiming it is is a private sale when it clearly isn't. Tbh you are going to be paying more because he is a dealer and if he is then he will know every trick to pull one over on you. If it is a trade sale you MUST enquire what warranty you are going to get with it as you WILL be paying more than if it were a private sale. Don't be afraid to point out the car's faults, tell him his price is too high and walk away if he doesn't drop his price.

 

[gavroche]

French cars are bad, Italian are a mare.

I happen to like French cars. I have had many in the past and have two at present. Very happy with them although I admit, they are difficult to work on. If I could afford it, I would buy a Citroen DS4.

 

[Matthew_T]

If I could afford it, I would buy a Citroen DS4.

Me too. It would be my ideal first car. In either black with grey or black with yellow. It would have to be the DS4 Sporting though.