buying a used car

[mkburns]

hi

passed my test recently and have been looking for a used car for 4 weeks now , tried dealers they seem to be more interested in you parting with your cash than if the car has any service history etc, some used cars I have hpi checked have been dodgy to say the least any ideas of good used car dealers in the north east area?


getting insane looking now - this is harder than passing my test !! ROFL

my budget is around 700 pounds.

cheers

mcb

[tvrbob]

For £700 I wouldn't be going to traders, I would check out AutoTrader. HPI ceases to make good financial sense for cars under £1k. Worth doing if you can get it for free but it's a little expensive to be paying HPI over and over again while you look around.

[bilton_d]

Best option would be to do a search on Autotrader ..... put you max price in and try 1 owner you never know your luck. Look for a low insurance group car and don't be too picky what you want .... there are some nice cheap cars out there its just being in the right place at the right time.
Try and take someone with you who know's a bit about cars and before you buy take it for an MOT its a low price to get the car basically checked over to make sure its road worthy.
Don't be frightened to tell the owner what is wrong with his car and remember if you offer a low price you can always increase it ...... you will feel gutted if he accepts your first offer!!!

Happy hunting.

[docevi1]

where abouts are you based? There is a gent near me (Blaydon) who buys traded-in cars, runs them for a bit and then sells them on at reasonable money. He had a Saab 900 16v Turbo the other day for £900 and I bought a Carina from him in October last year - it ran happily till it failed it's MOT 6months later!

He always has something on offer...

[mkburns]

based in newcastle.


i think blaydon is a tad far out for me - no car uc looking for first car !

actually I have considered a Carina as it goes, they seem nice reliable cars.

got any ideas anyone on a smallish car for a tall driver?

considered clios and corsas but more drawn towards the larger saloon type cars rover 600s and mondeos - I must admit..

[zebra]

I would try and get a honda; there any number of civics and preludes out there for good prices which will give you a bit of reliability as well as some comfort, kudos and speed.

Zebra

[ray_von]

mkburns said:

based in newcastle.
i think blaydon is a tad far out for me

Try your next door neighbour then
sorry

[docevi1]

for the money you need to be looking at condition rather than make...

Try G Scott cars on the far side of the Tyne bridge in the arches under the railway line. He has been there for years and sells reasonable cars. I nearly bought a Volvo 440 off him when I was first looking, but decided it wasn't right for me. IIRC he services and MOTS all the cars before they go out so they are in reasonable nick, cost a bit more as a result tho...

[zebra]

docevi1 said:

for the money you need to be looking at condition rather than make...

Try G Scott cars on the far side of the Tyne bridge in the arches under the railway line. He has been there for years and sells reasonable cars. I nearly bought a Volvo 440 off him when I was first looking, but decided it wasn't right for me. IIRC he services and MOTS all the cars before they go out so they are in reasonable nick, cost a bit more as a result tho...

But within walking distance though. Good call docevil.

Zebra

[ray_von]

docevi1 said:

Try G Scott cars on the far side of the Tyne bridge in the arches under the railway line.

Yep good call my brother in law bought last 2 cars from him both very good for the money