Car buying etiquette
Discussion
My 2nd question on 'etiquette' tonight, must be my new favourite word!!
Anyway PHers, I'm slowly coming in to a position to buy my first car and I am after some advice if that is OK. I would ask my old man on such things but the last time he purchased a car, Duran Duran were in the charts with Wild Boys!! He's been stuck with company cars ever since....
I've seen a car I'm willing to buy if insurance checks out (phoning them tomorrow) but am after a few more photos and a few more details which aren't mentioned in the ad is it deemed as rude to email and request such things and not mention about a possible viewing at first? Is it ok to email and ask for the extra info I require and say I will get back to him at a later date after I've had a chance to look it etc?
Basically, I don't know how to go about and am after some much needed help please!
43034
Anyway PHers, I'm slowly coming in to a position to buy my first car and I am after some advice if that is OK. I would ask my old man on such things but the last time he purchased a car, Duran Duran were in the charts with Wild Boys!! He's been stuck with company cars ever since....
I've seen a car I'm willing to buy if insurance checks out (phoning them tomorrow) but am after a few more photos and a few more details which aren't mentioned in the ad is it deemed as rude to email and request such things and not mention about a possible viewing at first? Is it ok to email and ask for the extra info I require and say I will get back to him at a later date after I've had a chance to look it etc?
Basically, I don't know how to go about and am after some much needed help please!
43034
Just give him a call and ask if he has any other pictures he can e-mail you (if there is an angle you want or a specific thing you want to see - perhaps he's mentioned a scratch or whatever) as you want to make sure before you travel to view so as not to waste anyone's time.
Most people are happy with this.
Please note, do not advise that you wish to drive for 50 miles on any test drive........
Most people are happy with this.
Please note, do not advise that you wish to drive for 50 miles on any test drive........
Thanks for the replies lads. I suppose Im thinking in too much detail about this 
Sadly no test drive for me, I'm still on a green license. I'll be taking someone a long who knows their stuff (if insurance etc checks out). Well, he's currently building an Ultima GTR with a Chevvy V8 so I assume he knows his stuff
Sadly no test drive for me, I'm still on a green license. I'll be taking someone a long who knows their stuff (if insurance etc checks out). Well, he's currently building an Ultima GTR with a Chevvy V8 so I assume he knows his stuff
There's no real etiquette - just good manners and keeping your wits about you.
If the ad has less info/pictures about certain aspects, simply ask for the additional info.
There's no shame in doing so, so you can see if it ticks enough boxes for you to go view the vehicle in the flesh.
Don't talk money by email, unless it's a few hundred quid, but if a decent amount, leave that to over the phone or in person, if you go to look at it.
Again, if you lay your cards on the table, and ask them to do likewise, then you both know where you stand, and time can be saved from being wasted.
It's your money, you control how it gets used - wisely or foolishly.
Have options, know rough costs for scratches/dent/wheel refurb, use whatcar's online valuation to help guide you on prices - especially differences between dealer, private, trade-in.
Similarly use autotrader & eBay completed auctions to see what similar/better spec/younger model have sold for/priced at.
With all that, you'll have a fair idea where to pitch your price, even allowing for extra option like Sat Nav, leather interior, etc.
Whilst desirable, don't pay over the odds for them - they only add so much.
Tips on buying can be found on AT & WC, so read through them.
If the ad has less info/pictures about certain aspects, simply ask for the additional info.
There's no shame in doing so, so you can see if it ticks enough boxes for you to go view the vehicle in the flesh.
Don't talk money by email, unless it's a few hundred quid, but if a decent amount, leave that to over the phone or in person, if you go to look at it.
Again, if you lay your cards on the table, and ask them to do likewise, then you both know where you stand, and time can be saved from being wasted.
It's your money, you control how it gets used - wisely or foolishly.
Have options, know rough costs for scratches/dent/wheel refurb, use whatcar's online valuation to help guide you on prices - especially differences between dealer, private, trade-in.
Similarly use autotrader & eBay completed auctions to see what similar/better spec/younger model have sold for/priced at.
With all that, you'll have a fair idea where to pitch your price, even allowing for extra option like Sat Nav, leather interior, etc.
Whilst desirable, don't pay over the odds for them - they only add so much.
Tips on buying can be found on AT & WC, so read through them.
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