Choosing a garage

[Rathcon]

Not had the need to buy a car for a good few years now but am having to look into it for my daughters first car.

Got a budget and an idea of the type of car she’s after (typical small hatchback, low insurance group and tax type of car) so am left with the tricky part of choosing a reputable place to buy from or to go for a private sale.

Adding to the complication is that there is around 200 miles between us so I can’t practically go along to view every car with her (although I’m not sure how much help I would be!) so any tips for what to look out for when selecting a dealer to buy from?

Want her first car to be an enjoyable experience and not for her to end up with a lemon!!

Anyone got any advice please..Ta!!

Edited to add location if it’s relevant…..around the Manchester area

Edited by Rathcon on Tuesday 10th January 20:01

[Silenoz]

What's the budget for the car?

[georgeyboy12345]

Rathcon said:

Not had the need to buy a car for a good few years now but am having to look into it for my daughters first car.

Got a budget and an idea of the type of car she’s after (typical small hatchback, low insurance group and tax type of car) so am left with the tricky part of choosing a reputable place to buy from or to go for a private sale.

Adding to the complication is that there is around 200 miles between us so I can’t practically go along to view every car with her (although I’m not sure how much help I would be!) so any tips for what to look out for when selecting a dealer to buy from?

Want her first car to be an enjoyable experience and not for her to end up with a lemon!!

Anyone got any advice please..Ta!!

Edited to add location if it’s relevant…..around the Manchester area

Edited by Rathcon on Tuesday 10th January 20:01

As someone who also lives in Manchester, I would advise to avoid buying from anywhere in Manchester unless they are a proper chain! Some very dodgy outfits operating around here to say the least.

Here are some steps to ensure maximum safety

1. Use Autotrader and make use of the free basic history check
2. Avoid dealers with no ratings
3. Avoid dealers with a rating under 4 stars
4. Avoid dealers with no website
5. Avoid dealers with no landline telephone number
6. Check reviews on google maps, and avoid dealers with a rating less than 4 stars
7. Avoid any dealers without a company number that you can't verify on Companies House
8. Avoid any dealers under 2 years old
9. Avoid any dealers with any dodgyness going on such as lots of companies, etc
10. Avoid buying from Manchester, Birmingham, central London, Bradford, Leeds, Keighley, edit - Luton and Bedford too
11. Check that the car has an MOT, when the MOT is next due and it's MOT history
12. Avoid any cars with a missing year in their MOT history
13. Avoid any cars with mileage discrepencies in their MOT history
14. Avoid any cars that have failed previous MOTs for corrosion, oil leaks or emissions fails
15. When you go to view the car, ensure the car has full documented service history with receipts for all work. Ignore any rubbish they tell you about GDPR with not showing you SH, they are lying.
16. Purchase a VCheck (www.vcheck.uk) when you think you have found one you really want.
edit: 17. Forgot this one, it's very important - trust your gut! If something doesn't "feel" right, it probably isn't. Walk away. Much less hassle than having to deal with a broken down car!

I'm sure some nit-picky forum troll types will take issue with my list, but this is a good way to decrease your risk

Edited by georgeyboy12345 on Tuesday 10th January 20:44

[ZX10R NIN]

Buy on condition whoever you buy from, do YOUR own checks so M.O.T history/Vcheck/cambelt changes etc as a pointer, if there's no proof then it hasn't been done.

As above what's the budget?

[Rathcon]

Thanks for replies… budget up to £5k ish

[ZX10R NIN]

Clio Dynamique Media Nav 75:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301073...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210150...

[georgeyboy12345]

Fiat 500 1.2 Lounge
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211041...

[georgeyboy12345]

This one is nearer to Manchester, also looks alright but can't check the reg. They said the cambelt was replaced in 2018, so it's probably due a new one before the end of the year. Should cost around £400 at an independent garage.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211191...

[Rathcon]

Thanks for the links!! I'm not sure she's a fan of Fiat 500's but will pass them on

[Rathcon]

Looking at 2 cars over the next few days….
2011 107 and a 2004 Yaris, anyone have anything good or bad to say about either of them?
Thanks again!!

[samoht]

I like georgeyboy's list, not to say there wouldn't be some good cars it would exclude, but when looking for something mainstream can afford to play it safe.

Major maintenance items to look out for:
- timing belt (and some chains if they need replacing, but many don't)
- clutch (especially if it has a dual mass flywheel)

If going for a petrol normally aspirated engine you're probably less at risk from all the diesel issues.

Rathcon said:

Looking at 2 cars over the next few days….
2011 107 and a 2004 Yaris, anyone have anything good or bad to say about either of them?
Thanks again!!

I would guess they're both decent options. The 107 is a platform-share with the Citroen C1 and Toyota Aygo, AFAIK both that and the Yaris are fairly reliable. Yaris obviously a slightly bigger car.

Rust could be a concern with a nearly 20 year old Yaris.

[georgeyboy12345]

Rathcon said:

Looking at 2 cars over the next few days….
2011 107 and a 2004 Yaris, anyone have anything good or bad to say about either of them?
Thanks again!!

Both decent cars, pretty reliable with no major issues. The petrol engines found in these are capable of 200,000 miles. Keep an eye out for rust, especially with the Yaris.