Expectations when buying a used car
Discussion
Having sold my Clubman a few months back, I've been lucky enough to have use of a couple of cars from family and friends.
But I'm getting more serious about looking for another car again. This time it's a Fiat 500 that I'll use and once my 17yr old daughter passes her test will become hers (so no Abarth suggestions), at which point I get to look for something fun for me again.
Her only requirement is being able to play music from her phone, so that pretty much rules out the Pop, and very few of them came with the necessary USB connections. So basically S or Lounge it is then....I know there are other models, but this accounts for the majority at my budget.
I twice visited one major dealer at the weekend (PV), deal fell through after I spotted an issue with last MOT failure, and manager then advised me they couldn't sell me the car anyway. I also visited the other main dealer (AC), who has many franchise sites over the city, sadly their Fiat one only has new/nearly new, and the ones that did have any were in poor shape, dented/scratched etc.
And that brings me to today, spotted an S on ACs website, just in so no pictures. Enquired, spoke to manager on the phone etc and arranged to go up at lunchtime. When I arrived the car was in the jetwash bay, so had a nosey outside, and I could see the car, from a reasonable distance I could see a big ding beside the passenger door handle. Once it was out, there were a further 2 dings in the door, and a couple of crackers on the rear wing, as well as a diy touch up on the back bumper, drivers side this time for good measure.
All enough to put me off, despite the manager saying they'd sort all this etc etc. and used cars get like this. Well here's the thing, mine don't. I've only once had to get dent devils, and that was on the clubman which I'd bought from down south.
Am I unreasonable?
Next option is a local Arthur Daley type, or ebay, but both worry me with above.
But I'm getting more serious about looking for another car again. This time it's a Fiat 500 that I'll use and once my 17yr old daughter passes her test will become hers (so no Abarth suggestions), at which point I get to look for something fun for me again.
Her only requirement is being able to play music from her phone, so that pretty much rules out the Pop, and very few of them came with the necessary USB connections. So basically S or Lounge it is then....I know there are other models, but this accounts for the majority at my budget.
I twice visited one major dealer at the weekend (PV), deal fell through after I spotted an issue with last MOT failure, and manager then advised me they couldn't sell me the car anyway. I also visited the other main dealer (AC), who has many franchise sites over the city, sadly their Fiat one only has new/nearly new, and the ones that did have any were in poor shape, dented/scratched etc.
And that brings me to today, spotted an S on ACs website, just in so no pictures. Enquired, spoke to manager on the phone etc and arranged to go up at lunchtime. When I arrived the car was in the jetwash bay, so had a nosey outside, and I could see the car, from a reasonable distance I could see a big ding beside the passenger door handle. Once it was out, there were a further 2 dings in the door, and a couple of crackers on the rear wing, as well as a diy touch up on the back bumper, drivers side this time for good measure.
All enough to put me off, despite the manager saying they'd sort all this etc etc. and used cars get like this. Well here's the thing, mine don't. I've only once had to get dent devils, and that was on the clubman which I'd bought from down south.
Am I unreasonable?
Next option is a local Arthur Daley type, or ebay, but both worry me with above.
I don’t want to appear biased against certain people here, but I’d imagine it very much depends on the type of car you’re looking at. You maybe wouldn’t treat your car like that, but you probably also wouldn’t usually drive a Fiat 500. The type of people who want small cheap cars often do treat their cars like that.
If they are willing to get the dents fixed as part of the deal why not?
I bought a used Audi a couple of years ago had a couple of bits repaired prior to purchase. No issues
Cars get damaged. Since I’ve had it someone has pushed a trolley into the passenger door leaving a nice big dent.. damage doesn’t always mean it hasn’t been looked after by the owner
I bought a used Audi a couple of years ago had a couple of bits repaired prior to purchase. No issues
Cars get damaged. Since I’ve had it someone has pushed a trolley into the passenger door leaving a nice big dent.. damage doesn’t always mean it hasn’t been looked after by the owner
In general, I expect a car to be dent-free although tiny parking dings might be expected and maybe small stone chips but clean largely unkerbed alloys, if fitted.
Much depends on your budget. There is a 500, in a dealer, local to me that was £6500 IIRC and it was pretty immaculate but if you're looking at the low end of the market, you're going to get the auction "needs work" fodder.
We actually bought a new one with £2200 off with Fiat Finance (settled within 14 days) and that came with 3 years free servicing, 2 valets and free mats and GardX.
Worth bearing in mind the number of Fiat models. We test drove a 500 which was obviously more top end and had nice instruments. The Lounge we bought had the orange LED style instruments. There are lots of 500s round where we live (South Wales) and I have seen some crackers on ebay for decent money.
Much depends on your budget. There is a 500, in a dealer, local to me that was £6500 IIRC and it was pretty immaculate but if you're looking at the low end of the market, you're going to get the auction "needs work" fodder.
We actually bought a new one with £2200 off with Fiat Finance (settled within 14 days) and that came with 3 years free servicing, 2 valets and free mats and GardX.
Worth bearing in mind the number of Fiat models. We test drove a 500 which was obviously more top end and had nice instruments. The Lounge we bought had the orange LED style instruments. There are lots of 500s round where we live (South Wales) and I have seen some crackers on ebay for decent money.
The 'my 17 year old daughter will use it when she passes her test' bit may be relevant - Fiat 500s are v. popular with new and newish drivers so I'm not too surprised if they do collect dings more than the average car. Plus that may be a reason why you perhaps shouldn't be too bothered if it does have a few - i.e. it may well get a few more anyway - so long as the price reflects the less-than-mint condition of course. But no you're not being unreasonable at all in wanting a clean one, why wouldn't you?
You do realise that used cars turn up in used condition?
That's why buying from a dealer, will have these items dealt with, once given the time and chance to.
The car had just arrived, give them a chance!
Why don't you revisit the car once prepared?
Either that, or up the budget or lower your expectations.
That's why buying from a dealer, will have these items dealt with, once given the time and chance to.
The car had just arrived, give them a chance!
Why don't you revisit the car once prepared?
Either that, or up the budget or lower your expectations.
Is it fair to say that the average youngster/small car has flimsier metal in the panels so is more prone to dings (and presumably easier to rectify?).
I agree with the earlier poster that an "awaiting" prep car can be an eye opener/sale killer, even if you have an open mind about these things. The dealers that prep well and touch up alloys etc know that first impression works even it a few days earlier it was carrying some war wounds.
I agree with the earlier poster that an "awaiting" prep car can be an eye opener/sale killer, even if you have an open mind about these things. The dealers that prep well and touch up alloys etc know that first impression works even it a few days earlier it was carrying some war wounds.
Thanks for the replies guys, definitely helpful. I maybe should have said, I've been looking at cars around the £5k mark, 2012 to 2015ish.
I genuinely thought a £5k budget would get me better than this.
ThunderSpook said:
I don’t want to appear biased against certain people here, but I’d imagine it very much depends on the type of car you’re looking at. You maybe wouldn’t treat your car like that, but you probably also wouldn’t usually drive a Fiat 500. The type of people who want small cheap cars often do treat their cars like that.
Yes, that's true, and I guess the average Fiat 500 is dare I say it in these times, female?john-mxn6w said:
If they are willing to get the dents fixed as part of the deal why not?
I bought a used Audi a couple of years ago had a couple of bits repaired prior to purchase. No issues
Cars get damaged. Since I’ve had it someone has pushed a trolley into the passenger door leaving a nice big dent.. damage doesn’t always mean it hasn’t been looked after by the owner
I honestly doubt they'd be fixable without painting. And yes I know they get damaged, but if you're looking after a car you'll generally get them sorted as/when they happen, not collect them.I bought a used Audi a couple of years ago had a couple of bits repaired prior to purchase. No issues
Cars get damaged. Since I’ve had it someone has pushed a trolley into the passenger door leaving a nice big dent.. damage doesn’t always mean it hasn’t been looked after by the owner
LuS1fer said:
In general, I expect a car to be dent-free although tiny parking dings might be expected and maybe small stone chips but clean largely unkerbed alloys, if fitted.
Much depends on your budget. There is a 500, in a dealer, local to me that was £6500 IIRC and it was pretty immaculate but if you're looking at the low end of the market, you're going to get the auction "needs work" fodder.
We actually bought a new one with £2200 off with Fiat Finance (settled within 14 days) and that came with 3 years free servicing, 2 valets and free mats and GardX.
Worth bearing in mind the number of Fiat models. We test drove a 500 which was obviously more top end and had nice instruments. The Lounge we bought had the orange LED style instruments. There are lots of 500s round where we live (South Wales) and I have seen some crackers on ebay for decent money.
Thanks, these were certainly more than parking dings. That one is at the top end of the budget I'd been looking at. I'm not sure I would feel happy at the lower end of the market, from a reliability point of view as much as condition.Much depends on your budget. There is a 500, in a dealer, local to me that was £6500 IIRC and it was pretty immaculate but if you're looking at the low end of the market, you're going to get the auction "needs work" fodder.
We actually bought a new one with £2200 off with Fiat Finance (settled within 14 days) and that came with 3 years free servicing, 2 valets and free mats and GardX.
Worth bearing in mind the number of Fiat models. We test drove a 500 which was obviously more top end and had nice instruments. The Lounge we bought had the orange LED style instruments. There are lots of 500s round where we live (South Wales) and I have seen some crackers on ebay for decent money.
Roger Irrelevant said:
The 'my 17 year old daughter will use it when she passes her test' bit may be relevant - Fiat 500s are v. popular with new and newish drivers so I'm not too surprised if they do collect dings more than the average car. Plus that may be a reason why you perhaps shouldn't be too bothered if it does have a few - i.e. it may well get a few more anyway - so long as the price reflects the less-than-mint condition of course. But no you're not being unreasonable at all in wanting a clean one, why wouldn't you?
I totally get what you're saying, my daughter said the same to me at the weekend, but I still want as good as I can find. Based on that, I looked at a couple of older ones, both at £3.5k. One of those, fully prep'd, had that many ripples on the door it made my eyes hurt. Mexman said:
You do realise that used cars turn up in used condition?
That's why buying from a dealer, will have these items dealt with, once given the time and chance to.
The car had just arrived, give them a chance!
Why don't you revisit the car once prepared?
Either that, or up the budget or lower your expectations.
Yes thanks, but for me, used means the odd stone chip, and worn out tyres, not looking like it was used in Mad Max.That's why buying from a dealer, will have these items dealt with, once given the time and chance to.
The car had just arrived, give them a chance!
Why don't you revisit the car once prepared?
Either that, or up the budget or lower your expectations.
I genuinely thought a £5k budget would get me better than this.
calletso said:
Used cars will have bodywork issues. These are usually rectified by the dealer before sale.
Pretty much every used car on a forecourt will have had some paintwork and or dents removed by their "dent guy/SMART repairer" to bring up to a respectable condition for sale.
I've only had 1 brand new car, out of 14 iirc. PDR wasn't much of a thing when I started driving, so I'd wager that maybe only one or two of my cars would have been fixed. Then again the older XR2s etc were a bit more dent resistant.Pretty much every used car on a forecourt will have had some paintwork and or dents removed by their "dent guy/SMART repairer" to bring up to a respectable condition for sale.
Scootersp said:
Is it fair to say that the average youngster/small car has flimsier metal in the panels so is more prone to dings (and presumably easier to rectify?).
I agree with the earlier poster that an "awaiting" prep car can be an eye opener/sale killer, even if you have an open mind about these things. The dealers that prep well and touch up alloys etc know that first impression works even it a few days earlier it was carrying some war wounds.
I also agree with this, but seeing the car just in gave me an idea of how well, or not, it had been looked after. Am I the only neep who cleans a car before trading in?I agree with the earlier poster that an "awaiting" prep car can be an eye opener/sale killer, even if you have an open mind about these things. The dealers that prep well and touch up alloys etc know that first impression works even it a few days earlier it was carrying some war wounds.
They are a popular car so wait until you can find one that comes up to your standards and expectations. I am like you in that my cars are extremely well looked after and kept immaculate. Any car I look at to buy has to come up to those standards. A lot of people really don't give a s
t though. My neighbours wife just recently purchased a brand new Velar. Both front wheels are already badly kerbed and the front bumper scraped, she's also badly marked the leather on the drivers seat with a studded jacket she wears. Needless to say her hubby is fuming but she doen't give a shít, its just a metal box to her.
t though. My neighbours wife just recently purchased a brand new Velar. Both front wheels are already badly kerbed and the front bumper scraped, she's also badly marked the leather on the drivers seat with a studded jacket she wears. Needless to say her hubby is fuming but she doen't give a shít, its just a metal box to her.to be fair when I looked at my clubman it looked like it'd been used for target practice on the local driving range and I was, quite frankly, massively disappointed with the condition. However, the dealer did say that all of his cars get prepped prior to sale and that all the dents and cracks would be taken care of - and they were. Properly happy with the bodywork now - especially compared to previous condition.
Sounds like on an average Italian street it'll stick out like a sore thumb as being barely dented :P
If it's all fixed to a high quality why not? I mean if they'd repaired it before you saw it would you know or care? If it's mechanically sound then just agree a price on the condition it's done to a satisfactory level. I mean it's going to be driven by a learner and might well end up in the same state again.
If it's all fixed to a high quality why not? I mean if they'd repaired it before you saw it would you know or care? If it's mechanically sound then just agree a price on the condition it's done to a satisfactory level. I mean it's going to be driven by a learner and might well end up in the same state again.
You can look for whatever condition car you want, it's your choice.
But a few drinks and dents don't necessarily indicate a lack of care. I bought a nice looking Saab 9-5 for £2000 a few years ago and was lightly miffed when someone put small but deepish dink in the rear quarter panel (looked like a heavily-laden trolley had hit the corner). Quote to have it fixed was £350, which to me was too much to bother with given the value of the car and the difference it would make.
But a few drinks and dents don't necessarily indicate a lack of care. I bought a nice looking Saab 9-5 for £2000 a few years ago and was lightly miffed when someone put small but deepish dink in the rear quarter panel (looked like a heavily-laden trolley had hit the corner). Quote to have it fixed was £350, which to me was too much to bother with given the value of the car and the difference it would make.
OP, to answer your question, I maybe come across 1 out of every 10 cars that don't at least need a very deep valet.
That's why a dealer is offering his services as a dealer.
The state of some that arrive would make your eyes water.
They may have a comprehensive history and been mechanically maintained very well, but cleaning cars is normally right low down on the vast majority of the publics priority.
You are looking at 5 to 8 year old used city cars, that invariably will be damaged in some way.
The dealer didn't damage it, and dare say they have taken the damage into account when purchasing it.
Let them prepare it, to the standard they are accustomed to, and then another look.
If you are still not happy at that point, then fair enough, look elsewhere, but to instantly dismiss a car that has just arrived and awaiting prep is shortsighted.
That's why a dealer is offering his services as a dealer.
The state of some that arrive would make your eyes water.
They may have a comprehensive history and been mechanically maintained very well, but cleaning cars is normally right low down on the vast majority of the publics priority.
You are looking at 5 to 8 year old used city cars, that invariably will be damaged in some way.
The dealer didn't damage it, and dare say they have taken the damage into account when purchasing it.
Let them prepare it, to the standard they are accustomed to, and then another look.
If you are still not happy at that point, then fair enough, look elsewhere, but to instantly dismiss a car that has just arrived and awaiting prep is shortsighted.
Thanks again guys, and apologies to admins for not putting this in the Car Buying forum.
Not sure who that's aimed at, but no I don't. Grippy Scot though.
Good point on them being city cars, I'm a country lad (teuchter), and when I do hit the big smoke I park miles away from anyone else. Maybe that's why after owning my Cooper for 5 yrs from new, it only had a few stone chips, the doors were still as straight as when they left Oxford.
As I said above, there's plenty of them on the go, so shortsighted perhaps, but that's the way it is.
monzaxjr said:
They are a popular car so wait until you can find one that comes up to your standards and expectations. I am like you in that my cars are extremely well looked after and kept immaculate. Any car I look at to buy has to come up to those standards. A lot of people really don't give a st though. My neighbours wife just recently purchased a brand new Velar. Both front wheels are already badly kerbed and the front bumper scraped, she's also badly marked the leather on the drivers seat with a studded jacket she wears. Needless to say her hubby is fuming but she doen't give a shít, its just a metal box to her.
Thanks Monza, and I think that's my problem right there, these things are popular with young lassies and old women who as a rule don't worry. My Mum has one, and she's 89. t though. My neighbours wife just recently purchased a brand new Velar. Both front wheels are already badly kerbed and the front bumper scraped, she's also badly marked the leather on the drivers seat with a studded jacket she wears. Needless to say her hubby is fuming but she doen't give a shít, its just a metal box to her.irocfan said:
to be fair when I looked at my clubman it looked like it'd been used for target practice on the local driving range and I was, quite frankly, massively disappointed with the condition. However, the dealer did say that all of his cars get prepped prior to sale and that all the dents and cracks would be taken care of - and they were. Properly happy with the bodywork now - especially compared to previous condition.
Glad to hear it, I know my Clubman needed a few dings taken car of, but I'd bought online without seeing and had little choice. If I'd gone to see it I would have walked away.Tyre Smoke said:
If the car has a decent service history, is otherwise clean and tidy and the dealership will fix the cosmetic work, where's the issue?
It's a first car for your daughter. It's never going to end up a classic. And it's £5k, ok not small beans, but not exactly a fortune either.
and...It's a first car for your daughter. It's never going to end up a classic. And it's £5k, ok not small beans, but not exactly a fortune either.
MDMetal said:
Sounds like on an average Italian street it'll stick out like a sore thumb as being barely dented :P
If it's all fixed to a high quality why not? I mean if they'd repaired it before you saw it would you know or care? If it's mechanically sound then just agree a price on the condition it's done to a satisfactory level. I mean it's going to be driven by a learner and might well end up in the same state again.
The issue is I don't want a car that's had this work done. Picky I know, but it's not like there's only half a dozen for sale, so at the moment I have the choice.If it's all fixed to a high quality why not? I mean if they'd repaired it before you saw it would you know or care? If it's mechanically sound then just agree a price on the condition it's done to a satisfactory level. I mean it's going to be driven by a learner and might well end up in the same state again.
boyse7en said:
You can look for whatever condition car you want, it's your choice.
But a few drinks and dents don't necessarily indicate a lack of care. I bought a nice looking Saab 9-5 for £2000 a few years ago and was lightly miffed when someone put small but deepish dink in the rear quarter panel (looked like a heavily-laden trolley had hit the corner). Quote to have it fixed was £350, which to me was too much to bother with given the value of the car and the difference it would make.
Ouch, that's a lot to get it fixed.But a few drinks and dents don't necessarily indicate a lack of care. I bought a nice looking Saab 9-5 for £2000 a few years ago and was lightly miffed when someone put small but deepish dink in the rear quarter panel (looked like a heavily-laden trolley had hit the corner). Quote to have it fixed was £350, which to me was too much to bother with given the value of the car and the difference it would make.
A500leroy said:
And stop looking at the main dealers and get down the car supermarket
I only started with PV, AC etc as online they claim to have many cars at their disposal. Once you drill down though, lot's are not available to move to another dealer, and lot's are awaiting pictures, so difficult to gauge. 280 mile round trip to anything resembling a supermarket for me, not likely I'm afraid.HTP99 said:
KungFuPanda said:
Just buy new to avoid future hassle.
See this kind quite a bit, they want a new car for used money.Mexman said:
OP, to answer your question, I maybe come across 1 out of every 10 cars that don't at least need a very deep valet.
That's why a dealer is offering his services as a dealer.
The state of some that arrive would make your eyes water.
They may have a comprehensive history and been mechanically maintained very well, but cleaning cars is normally right low down on the vast majority of the publics priority.
You are looking at 5 to 8 year old used city cars, that invariably will be damaged in some way.
The dealer didn't damage it, and dare say they have taken the damage into account when purchasing it.
Let them prepare it, to the standard they are accustomed to, and then another look.
If you are still not happy at that point, then fair enough, look elsewhere, but to instantly dismiss a car that has just arrived and awaiting prep is shortsighted.
A very deep valet, that's fine. I did say to them not to bother hoovering and washing yesterday, I just wanted to see the car. That's why a dealer is offering his services as a dealer.
The state of some that arrive would make your eyes water.
They may have a comprehensive history and been mechanically maintained very well, but cleaning cars is normally right low down on the vast majority of the publics priority.
You are looking at 5 to 8 year old used city cars, that invariably will be damaged in some way.
The dealer didn't damage it, and dare say they have taken the damage into account when purchasing it.
Let them prepare it, to the standard they are accustomed to, and then another look.
If you are still not happy at that point, then fair enough, look elsewhere, but to instantly dismiss a car that has just arrived and awaiting prep is shortsighted.
Good point on them being city cars, I'm a country lad (teuchter), and when I do hit the big smoke I park miles away from anyone else. Maybe that's why after owning my Cooper for 5 yrs from new, it only had a few stone chips, the doors were still as straight as when they left Oxford.
As I said above, there's plenty of them on the go, so shortsighted perhaps, but that's the way it is.
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