Buying my first car - need advice

[slysy]

ok first I should say I know virtually nothing about cars lol. Any advice about getting a first (second hand) car would be great. What model would be good (I need something with cheap insurance)? Where should I get it from? How do I know the car will be reliable? Etc etc...

Try this http://trial.which.co.uk/motoring.ph...101&roi=203632

[bob_builder]

Buy yourself a copy of Auto Express and/or visit http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/ - this will list cars and their insurance groups (the lower numbers are cheapest to insure) and also new and second-hand prices so you can find a cheap deal all round.
They also ran a reliability survey recently:
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/ae_data...rpower2003.pdf

[spacedhopper]

i would go here: http://www.parkers.co.uk/choosing/chooser/index.aspx

To help you choose a car based on criteria you specify. Then go here: http://www.parkers.co.uk/pricing/used_car/

To find out how much you should be paying for it.

Then go here http://www.autotrader.co.uk/

and find yourself a motor :0)

[ian@huth]

Two things to look at are the purchase price and running costs. You may find a cheap car but it could cost a fortune to run and maintain, bit like printers in that respect.

What type of car are you after anyway. Small(Corsa), meduim(vectra),Large (BMW) etc

[slysy]

Im a bit worried i will buy a car and it will break down really soon after i buy it or something. Is it worth forking out to get it checked by the AA?

[Nemesis]

Originally Posted by slysy

Im a bit worried i will buy a car and it will break down really soon after i buy it or something. Is it worth forking out to get it checked by the AA?

Anything that's going to give you piece of mind is worthwhile. Good Hunting.

[slysy]

Ok thanks for the links everyone. I found this on auto trader, do you think this may be an ok sort of car for me to go for?

Nissan Micra 1.0 Shape , Petrol, 1997 P Reg , White, Hatchback, 38,000 miles , 3 Doors. Catalytic Converter, Centre Rear Seat Belt, Heated Rear Screen, In Car Entertainment, Rear Wash/Wipe, Seat Belt Pre-Tensioners, Tinted Glass, UK Supplied Car. £1,995

[Nemesis]

Originally Posted by slysy

Ok thanks for the links everyone. I found this on auto trader, do you think this may be an ok sort of car for me to go for?

Nissan Micra 1.0 Shape , Petrol, 1997 P Reg , White, Hatchback, 38,000 miles , 3 Doors. Catalytic Converter, Centre Rear Seat Belt, Heated Rear Screen, In Car Entertainment, Rear Wash/Wipe, Seat Belt Pre-Tensioners, Tinted Glass, UK Supplied Car. £1,995

Micra's are popular, should be cheap to run and get spares for. When you go and see it take someone with you. If you have any concerns about the car, mention bringing in the RAC/AA and ask whether that will be a prob - see what the reaction is.

Check MOT, Tyres (inc spare), damage, Tax. Make sure you test drive it, and always offer a lower price.

May sound sexist but if your after a second hand one try getting one thats been owned by a women driver, always check for the little dints in the windscreen and bonnet. That lets you know if its been getting hammered on the motorway. Also check for oil leaks.

Oh and check the colour of the exhaust emissions

[slysy]

I think I may be in over my head with this checking thing, perhaps an AA check is the best way to go for me. How much lower price should I offer (if we take the £2000 micra I listed as an example?)

[Nemesis]

Originally Posted by slysy

I think I may be in over my head with this checking thing, perhaps an AA check is the best way to go for me. How much lower price should I offer (if we take the £2000 micra I listed as an example?)

Go in at about 1800 and see what is said, play skint, hard up, maybe you can squeeze to 1850, maybe even 1900.

If the checking is a prob, the definately get it checked over, or take a mechanic friend with you. Even a parent/relative with some knowledge.

Originally Posted by slysy

I think I may be in over my head with this checking thing, perhaps an AA check is the best way to go for me. How much lower price should I offer (if we take the £2000 micra I listed as an example?)

I'd go from £1500 and haggle from their.

Show them the ready's first they tend to take the lower offer when seeing the ready's

[Nemesis]

Originally Posted by Defiant

I'd go from £1500 and haggle from their.

Show them the ready's first they tend to take the lower offer when seeing the ready's

the voice of experience ... you've got to try if nothing else.