unrealistic expectations of the used car market???
Discussion
danlightbulb said:
Isnt it funny how a simple desire for a black interior causes so many sarcastic responses. Its not gold bloody plating.
Not once has anyone said i shouldnt be targeting the HOT model even though there are less around.
Not once has anyone said the vector is as suitable as the aero.
But black interior - you lot would have me burned at the stake for wanting that.
I think people are looking at the bigger picture and some comments you made about beige interior for turning cars down when you already know that Saab HOT/Aero models are few and far between at this price range. If you turn a car down for faults with the car then thats fine, but turning down a rare car which meets all of your criteria on the interior colour is a bit silly. Not once has anyone said i shouldnt be targeting the HOT model even though there are less around.
Not once has anyone said the vector is as suitable as the aero.
But black interior - you lot would have me burned at the stake for wanting that.
For me your expectations are unrealistic.
I don't really understand the s/h car market at the moment. Despite people saying that cars are disposable and nobody is interested in running an older car, s/h cars seem relatively more expensive than they used to be.
10 years ago I bought a 3 year old base spec Citroen C5 2.0Hdi with 40k miles for £4k privately.
If I wanted to do the same today I would be paying close to double that.
Perhaps the recession meant that there are fewer cars of a certain age on the market today?
10 years ago I bought a 3 year old base spec Citroen C5 2.0Hdi with 40k miles for £4k privately.
If I wanted to do the same today I would be paying close to double that.
Perhaps the recession meant that there are fewer cars of a certain age on the market today?
danlightbulb said:
Because £2k is all I have. If its spent on a dog I'm f
ked. I have no reliable car. I can't get to work. I can't get to see my kids. Understand? £2k is a hell of alot of money to me and its all I have.
If this is the case then I'm with the people who say you're being too fussy and/or difficult. I have bought a massive number of cars at or under your price point. Two grand is plenty to buy a good car but if you wait for the perfect one you'll be waiting forever. You have to pick a couple of criteria that are the most important and downgrade all the rest. If you want a hot Saab which has been well looked after that's fine but you'll probably have to accept that you won't necessarily find one in the exact cosmetic spec you want nearby. Conversely if you decide that the interior is very important you’re going to have to broaden your model search. ked. I have no reliable car. I can't get to work. I can't get to see my kids. Understand? £2k is a hell of alot of money to me and its all I have.I’d suggest that with your criteria of being ‘f
ked’ if you buy a dog you just buy a £1500 boring Honda or Toyota model beloved of minicab drivers and keep £500 aside for when/if something goes pop.Firstly the mondeo is worth £200, he may give you £500 if he has a few quid in the car he's selling but I'd doubt it on a £2k car, the main reason that you're struggling for private sellers is selling the car is an utter ball ache, best price bruv and my latest fave is people getting took to court who have sold private.
I think someone suggested a cheap lease deal, there are several £100 a month cars out there, if you are cash conscious don't whatever you do buy from a trade auction, you'll lose the lot.
How about 1.6 petrol Fords? The focus on a 2007-08 can be bought for that sort of money, PM me if I can help
I think someone suggested a cheap lease deal, there are several £100 a month cars out there, if you are cash conscious don't whatever you do buy from a trade auction, you'll lose the lot.
How about 1.6 petrol Fords? The focus on a 2007-08 can be bought for that sort of money, PM me if I can help
hairykrishna said:
If this is the case then I'm with the people who say you're being too fussy and/or difficult. I have bought a massive number of cars at or under your price point. Two grand is plenty to buy a good car but if you wait for the perfect one you'll be waiting forever. You have to pick a couple of criteria that are the most important and downgrade all the rest. If you want a hot Saab which has been well looked after that's fine but you'll probably have to accept that you won't necessarily find one in the exact cosmetic spec you want nearby. Conversely if you decide that the interior is very important you’re going to have to broaden your model search.
I’d suggest that with your criteria of being ‘fked’ if you buy a dog you just buy a £1500 boring Honda or Toyota model beloved of minicab drivers and keep £500 aside for when/if something goes pop.
That £500, lets say something sI’d suggest that with your criteria of being ‘f
ked’ if you buy a dog you just buy a £1500 boring Honda or Toyota model beloved of minicab drivers and keep £500 aside for when/if something goes pop.ts itself. Budget do a small car for £20/day. So in the event that the car you buy is off the road for something, either the garage might have a courtesy car, or more likely you can pick something up to run around in on hire while it gets sorted out. Personally, with £2k I'd be headed for the nearest low mileage 2003-2005 petrol Focus I could find that has under 80k on it and aiming to spend around a grand or so and banking the rest. Nothing's going to go wrong that badly on one of those that you have to spend the other £700-£1000 sorting it out, it'll be little niggles like wonky mirrors, needs tyres, maybe a sensor or two.
I bought a Kia Carens a month or two ago because I wanted something cheap, estatey, diesel and anonymous to go about my day. It had a wobbly passenger side mirror, the rear seat didnt fold, it had Four Season tyres (1 x winter, 1 x all season, 2 x summer), the reverse lights didnt work, it tracked out. It was £800. Replacement mirror was £3 on ebay, rear seat needed a bungee cord fastening, pair of new tyres, a reverse light switch and all corners tracked up cost me about £175 all in. It works better now and we've taken it all over Wales and the North West. It's completely uninteresting, but it's in better shape than it was and seems to be reliable.
If it falls to pieces I'll hire something for a few days and think about what else I might buy. I hate the idea of spending more than a couple of grand on a car, because I had a car allowance forever, I've driven new to nearly new when someone else was paying. But if I'm paying, it's 10 years old and needs a few bits here and there
danlightbulb said:
Isnt it funny how a simple desire for a black interior causes so many sarcastic responses. Its not gold bloody plating.
Not once has anyone said i shouldnt be targeting the HOT model even though there are less around.
Not once has anyone said the vector is as suitable as the aero.
But black interior - you lot would have me burned at the stake for wanting that.
Not into Saabs at all personally, just what ever car I like I would not touch one with a long pokey stick if it had grey/beige/cream leather interior.Not once has anyone said i shouldnt be targeting the HOT model even though there are less around.
Not once has anyone said the vector is as suitable as the aero.
But black interior - you lot would have me burned at the stake for wanting that.
Black yes, red on a dark car yes. if that is what you want stick by your guns and keep looking.
This might sound patronising to the OP but it's not meant to be. You've got a car that works and does most of what you want it to. That's not nothing.
You are fed up with it and want a change - fair enough. The car is worth £200 p/ex - you are better off selling it separately.
While you're car is behaving itself, you need to be saving some money (!) so that you can have a better choice, since you have fairly specific requirements.
Perhaps leasing is an option as mentioned - I don't know much about it but it requires a lump of cash up front and a not inconsiderable amount every month, month in, month out until you jump off.
You are fed up with it and want a change - fair enough. The car is worth £200 p/ex - you are better off selling it separately.
While you're car is behaving itself, you need to be saving some money (!) so that you can have a better choice, since you have fairly specific requirements.
Perhaps leasing is an option as mentioned - I don't know much about it but it requires a lump of cash up front and a not inconsiderable amount every month, month in, month out until you jump off.
danlightbulb said:
Ghost91 said:
You can't find a decent car for the budget without putting some effort in so if you're not willing to either travel or compromise a bit then it's no real surprise you're struggling.
I am putting in effort, but I have to be realistic about travelling distance simply due to time constraints. I'm in the Midlands. You'd think the law of averages would mean some cars are for sale fairly near me, because the midlands is in the 'middle' of the country. But its not happening.There was one I saw advertised last week. I contacted the guy and said I was interested but I can't get there until Sunday (it was about 80 miles away). It sold a couple of days later. I travelled 120 miles round trip yesterday to see a dog that was supposedly a good runner. There is one in Peterborough I like the look of, but I won't be able to get there until next Sunday because I simply can't get time off work this week. Its not like travelling round a few local garages for a browse, every car needs a full day out.
I'm not willing to commit to buy anything until Ive seen it first. God knows how people can bid unseen. It does my head it as it f
ks it up for everyone else.Edited by danlightbulb on Sunday 22 November 21:14
Typically you'll need to look at probably ten vehicles before you find the one. Sometimes you get lucky, sometimes you have to look at loads. They're out there, you've just got to find them.
WinstonWolf said:
Is it on a forecourt? I might be able to scout it out and tell you if it's worth travelling to view.
Typically you'll need to look at probably ten vehicles before you find the one. Sometimes you get lucky, sometimes you have to look at loads. They're out there, you've just got to find them.
Thanks thats very nice of you to offer. Its sold now unfortunately, and it was private. There is another in the chilterns somewhere (dealer) i like the look of but its slightly over budget. If it doesnt sell by sunday ill try and go and see it.Typically you'll need to look at probably ten vehicles before you find the one. Sometimes you get lucky, sometimes you have to look at loads. They're out there, you've just got to find them.
I wont be part ex-ing my current car its not worth it. Ill keep it and sorn it then sell it private for a few hundred.
Lease deals are out as well. No way i can get something big enough for what i would be able to pay.
I came across something called a 'holding deposit' recently when car hunting myself. I called the trader to arrange to come over and view a car and he said someone had already placed a 'holding deposit' on the car over the phone.
I asked him what the hell that was and basically the person was travelling a long distance and paid a deposit; the trader agrees not to sell the car to anyone else until the depositor has had first dibs.
Needless to say that was the end of my interest in that one. What happens to the deposit if the deal does not go through I don't know; I presume it is returnable.
News to me but maybe some more seasoned buyers have come across it before.
I asked him what the hell that was and basically the person was travelling a long distance and paid a deposit; the trader agrees not to sell the car to anyone else until the depositor has had first dibs.
Needless to say that was the end of my interest in that one. What happens to the deposit if the deal does not go through I don't know; I presume it is returnable.
News to me but maybe some more seasoned buyers have come across it before.
swisstoni said:
I came across something called a 'holding deposit' recently when car hunting myself. I called the trader to arrange to come over and view a car and he said someone had already placed a 'holding deposit' on the car over the phone.
I asked him what the hell that was and basically the person was travelling a long distance and paid a deposit; the trader agrees not to sell the car to anyone else until the depositor has had first dibs.
Needless to say that was the end of my interest in that one. What happens to the deposit if the deal does not go through I don't know; I presume it is returnable.
News to me but maybe some more seasoned buyers have come across it before.
I think that's pretty reasonable actually, I gave up travelling to see cars when traders started saying 'just sold it, 10 minutes ago but we have this old pile of overpriced sI asked him what the hell that was and basically the person was travelling a long distance and paid a deposit; the trader agrees not to sell the car to anyone else until the depositor has had first dibs.
Needless to say that was the end of my interest in that one. What happens to the deposit if the deal does not go through I don't know; I presume it is returnable.
News to me but maybe some more seasoned buyers have come across it before.
t instead' when I'd called in advance, asked them to let me know if it'd been sold, called on the morning and been told it's still thereFarmer Geddon said:
On a 2 grand car, yes the colour of the leather is being a little picky. If it's an otherwise ideal car, then it's a bit silly to worry about that. You can pick up an interior in a few months time for next to nothing and swap it if it's that big an issue, otherwise you could be back on here in another couple of months complaining again.
Honestly you're making it far too difficult for yourself. If worst came to worst, and you didn't like your new purchase, you could sell it. That's the beauty of used cars at this price, you're unlikely to lose anything if you've chosen well.
I've bought a Saab 9-5 Aero HOT, 2004, fsh, 100k, more or less mint apart from kerbed alloys, £1450, and an MG ZT Tourer CDTI (bmw Diesel engine, brilliant), leather, great condition. If I were to be picky I would have preferred the aluminium attle dash in the saab instead of the wood effect, but If I were that fussy I'd have missed out on a bloody good car, like a fool (btw I was one of these 'fools' who bought unseen!!!) and if I were being picky with the MG then I'd of wanted an earlier model before rover started scrimping on things like sound proofing. But it was £900. You'd probably think its for a 70 year old, I dont care, it wafts magnificently, is chipped to 170 odd bhp and the seats are magic.
I genuinely don't know how someone can make such a big deal out of a 2k car purchase to be honest.
Same here. I had exactly the OPs requirements in summer and I live in the Midlands. In fact I had even less to spend.Honestly you're making it far too difficult for yourself. If worst came to worst, and you didn't like your new purchase, you could sell it. That's the beauty of used cars at this price, you're unlikely to lose anything if you've chosen well.
I've bought a Saab 9-5 Aero HOT, 2004, fsh, 100k, more or less mint apart from kerbed alloys, £1450, and an MG ZT Tourer CDTI (bmw Diesel engine, brilliant), leather, great condition. If I were to be picky I would have preferred the aluminium attle dash in the saab instead of the wood effect, but If I were that fussy I'd have missed out on a bloody good car, like a fool (btw I was one of these 'fools' who bought unseen!!!) and if I were being picky with the MG then I'd of wanted an earlier model before rover started scrimping on things like sound proofing. But it was £900. You'd probably think its for a 70 year old, I dont care, it wafts magnificently, is chipped to 170 odd bhp and the seats are magic.
I genuinely don't know how someone can make such a big deal out of a 2k car purchase to be honest.
Took me a week to find a suitable car.
At that price the only things that matter are mechanical condition. If it runs sweet, doesn't have any major MOT advisories then its good to go. At this range you absolutely have to budget for odd things; a service/mot refresh, CV joints, new wipers perhaps etc.
My S60 :
Silver - when I would have liked an actual colour.
Old man wood trim
nasty chipped and flaking alloys
few paint cosmetic blemishes
not a face lift car and is a few years older than I would have liked.
I have had to have a tow bar removed and I had to give it a full service and ATF and PAS fluid change because it clearly hadn't been done properly by the supposed volvo specialist used by the seller.
Also needed one new Coil on Plug.
I would have actually liked a V70 but couldn't find a decent one. Also this car was in much better condition than many of the younger face lift models being sold. But this car was in good mechanical condition, drove well and the interior was probably in the best condition I had seen for a volvo that age. back seat like new, very little wear on the drivers side bolsters which are normally cracked to buggery and flaking.
But now its a perfectly good car. Have done 6000 miles in it so far in pure comfort and I've blasted up and down to cornwall a number of times in it. Not a beat missed yet. Its really not hard...if it sounds like its been decently looked after in the advert and when you turn up to view it, that rings true. Then I don't think you can ask for much more.
Cost me £1400 to buy and another £500 putting a few bits right, service, two new tyres.
Before that I was a "fool" who bought a V40 unseen off ebay for £900. Yeah it had somethings wrong with it and the suspension knocked but it worked for a year solid with only a minor service in extra cost. Even passed its MOT fine when I came to sell it on because I just wanted something a bit more motorway friendly. It was an excellent car.
I'm having the same issue selling a car. BMW E39 525i; have it up for £1100, bodywork has a dent on the passenger side rear door and rub strip along with some scuffs. Also couple of patches of rust (nothing serious) I have spent about £1000 on it in the last several months.
All I keep getting are people expecting to pay £300 for it and drive away in a mechanically solid car..........
I have been told that: 'It has a dent on the rear door.'
I'm aware of that; I even took a big arse photo to show said dents and scuffs.
I have also been told: 'There is some rust on it.'
I'm also fully aware of that; I even took a big arse photo to show the patches of rust.
I'm going to chop it in soon and go looking for an immaculate; FSH; V8 for £300...........Wish me luck!
All I keep getting are people expecting to pay £300 for it and drive away in a mechanically solid car..........
I have been told that: 'It has a dent on the rear door.'
I'm aware of that; I even took a big arse photo to show said dents and scuffs.
I have also been told: 'There is some rust on it.'
I'm also fully aware of that; I even took a big arse photo to show the patches of rust.
I'm going to chop it in soon and go looking for an immaculate; FSH; V8 for £300...........Wish me luck!
Butter Face said:
At that price, buy privately.
Anything on a 'dealer' (I use that lightly as it won't be a Main dealer, it'll be a 'bobs value motors' type place) will basically be a £1000 car with their margin+ prep costs.
£2000 buys you a lot in the Private market and it's not like you will get a lot more backup from a trader on a £1695 134k SAAB.
I wouldn't rule out buying from a dealer at this price point.Anything on a 'dealer' (I use that lightly as it won't be a Main dealer, it'll be a 'bobs value motors' type place) will basically be a £1000 car with their margin+ prep costs.
£2000 buys you a lot in the Private market and it's not like you will get a lot more backup from a trader on a £1695 134k SAAB.
I've been after a nice BMW 328i E36 for a while, and this weekend found one at a dealer local to me. Got it for a bargain price and the dealer was a joy to deal with as well.
OP, there's always a nice car out there it's just finding it or waiting for the right one to come up for sale. I viewed quite a few E36s before buying the aforementioned car. Good luck!
Stu08 said:
I'm having the same issue selling a car. BMW E39 525i; have it up for £1100, bodywork has a dent on the passenger side rear door and rub strip along with some scuffs. Also couple of patches of rust (nothing serious) I have spent about £1000 on it in the last several months.
All I keep getting are people expecting to pay £300 for it and drive away in a mechanically solid car..........
I have been told that: 'It has a dent on the rear door.'
I'm aware of that; I even took a big arse photo to show said dents and scuffs.
I have also been told: 'There is some rust on it.'
I'm also fully aware of that; I even took a big arse photo to show the patches of rust.
I'm going to chop it in soon and go looking for an immaculate; FSH; V8 for £300...........Wish me luck!
Any chance you can PM me the link to the ad? I just happen to know someone who's been looking for an E39, bodywork not really an issue.All I keep getting are people expecting to pay £300 for it and drive away in a mechanically solid car..........
I have been told that: 'It has a dent on the rear door.'
I'm aware of that; I even took a big arse photo to show said dents and scuffs.
I have also been told: 'There is some rust on it.'
I'm also fully aware of that; I even took a big arse photo to show the patches of rust.
I'm going to chop it in soon and go looking for an immaculate; FSH; V8 for £300...........Wish me luck!
Edited by Ghost91 on Monday 23 November 12:47
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Dont exaggerate. I have listened to all the previous advice i recieved hence why ive been looking for a saab 95.anonymous said:
[redacted]
I have said before that the whole point of me changing my car is to get something better than i have now. The saab was suggested by many here as the car to go for so thats what im doing. Instead of having a go at me maybe realise that im only acting on the advice i have previously recieved here on this very forum.Lets say for the sake of argument that you want an 04 onwards 200bhp+ large family car and you have 2k to spend. What would you buy right now if you had to make that choice?
Edited by danlightbulb on Monday 23 November 13:03
danlightbulb said:
Because £2k is all I have. If its spent on a dog I'm fked. I have no reliable car. I can't get to work. I can't get to see my kids. Understand? £2k is a hell of alot of money to me and its all I have.
In which case you need to stop worrying about what colour it is and whether it has black leather or not.ked. I have no reliable car. I can't get to work. I can't get to see my kids. Understand? £2k is a hell of alot of money to me and its all I have.Edited by danlightbulb on Monday 23 November 00:08
I've bought plenty of cheapish cars and the key is to not rule cars out on the basis of unimportant stuff. You're priority is reliability, not the colour of the seats.
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