Do you regret over-paying for a car?
Do you regret over-paying for a car?
Author
Discussion

xt500e

Original Poster:

57 posts

158 months

Friday 24th September 2021
quotequote all
I want to buy a car, I know it’s really a bit overpriced but there aren’t many around and everything is good with it. As not many around they don’t come up that often within other parameters I want like age, options or whatever.

So on that basis should I go ahead or will I regret it?! (I know I’m going to go ahead anyway lol). It’s not mega money only £12k and should maybe be £10.5 to £11ish I suppose.

Pistom

6,400 posts

187 months

Friday 24th September 2021
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I've been lucky in that all the over-priced cars I've had have turned out to be great cars. The bargain ones crap.

Like steak - it's often better to pay too much than too little.

Pica-Pica

16,482 posts

112 months

Friday 24th September 2021
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Pistom said:
I've been lucky in that all the over-priced cars I've had have turned out to be great cars. The bargain ones crap.

Like steak - it's often better to pay too much than too little.
… and to under-cook than over-cook.

Pica-Pica

16,482 posts

112 months

Friday 24th September 2021
quotequote all
xt500e said:
I want to buy a car, I know it’s really a bit overpriced but there aren’t many around and everything is good with it. As not many around they don’t come up that often within other parameters I want like age, options or whatever.

So on that basis should I go ahead or will I regret it?! (I know I’m going to go ahead anyway lol). It’s not mega money only £12k and should maybe be £10.5 to £11ish I suppose.
If it’s the car you want, then go ahead if you are keeping it.
And, if according to many on here, you can sell it in a few months and get an extra £2k.

Northernboy

12,642 posts

285 months

Friday 24th September 2021
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No. I’ve generally been good at being willing to walk away if I can’t get it at a price that I’m happy with.

It’s not the case with everything in my life, but it is with cars.

It’s a bit different if it’s rare, as it could be this one, or nothing, but then “fair” is just what you are willing to pay to not take the risk of ever finding another.

What is it?

ZX10R NIN

30,461 posts

153 months

Friday 24th September 2021
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Negotiate get the best price you can & then buy it. wink

You may be able to find one cheaper but who's to say you won't spend the difference getting it up to the condition of the one you want to buy.

ChrisH72

3,064 posts

80 months

Friday 24th September 2021
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Trouble is that right now everything seems overpriced. But it is just the price really.

If you want it and can afford then do it. Life's too short for regrets.

CG2020UK

2,942 posts

68 months

Saturday 25th September 2021
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I think if you are over paying but getting an extremely well cared for example it’s fine. Your paying for condition.

If you are overpaying for a dog definitely not.

samoht

7,174 posts

174 months

Saturday 25th September 2021
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Buy if:
- you intend to keep it for at least three years
- you're confident it is indeed a good example (pre purchase inspection or other second opinion?)
- you're not confident of finding another as good in a reasonable timeframe
- it's truly the car and spec that you want

If you end up selling it soon you'll likely struggle to recoup the premium you've paid, whereas if it's truly a good example you'll save more on repairs in a few years of ownership (the variation in prices rarely reflects the full price of bringing a poor car up to the standard of a good one).

Super Sonic

13,984 posts

82 months

Saturday 25th September 2021
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Buy it. If you don't you'll always regret it. It's not as if you're buying to make a profit.
ETA to answer your question, occasionally, but the more I drive it the less I regret it.

Edited by Super Sonic on Saturday 25th September 23:46

Summit_Detailing

2,419 posts

221 months

Sunday 26th September 2021
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Crack on and get it bought!

I've placed a deposit on a car this morning (privately) after a 150 mile round trip to view and drive it.

Fairly rare in this specific spec and bought from a lovely older couple who clearly looked after it properly - folder full of bills in chronological order + service book etc.

Needs the front bumper painting and I've no doubt it would have been £2k less before CV but happy with the price we shook hands at.

Life's too short, we are only here once!

Cheers,

Chris

ChocolateFrog

34,954 posts

201 months

Sunday 26th September 2021
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I paid £750 over asking for my Touareg.

No regrets, although mine and the sellers definition of mint differ somewhat.

At the time there was a choice of 3, only one of which was a private sale, which I prefer so my hands were tied.

Mr Tidy

31,013 posts

155 months

Sunday 26th September 2021
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I did many years ago, but as things are now if you want it and can afford it just buy it!

YOLO.