What is and isn't normal when buying a used car from a trade
Discussion
Hi all 
I need to buy a used car for the first time in many years. There aren't many traders in my area, and I don't currently have a car, so my options are limited for how far I can go to check a car out.
I have found a car locally that I'm interested in, but there are a bunch of issues with the trader that are making me wary. Am I overworried or are these red flags?
1) They won't let me test drive further than round the block. I've offered to get temp insurance for a proper test, they say its against policy.
2) The asking price is above average, and the mileage is above average, according to Autotrader. They say its non negotiable and (vaguely) suggested their 3 month warranty is better than others.
3) They say they've just put in a new clutch, but its not in the documentation. They said if I buy the car they'll email it to me.
4) After the short test drive, the anti theft system light started blinking quickly. I queried this, the salesman said not to worry, it'll all be checked before I take it home, if I buy it. I left for an hour to think, when I came back the car had been moved and the radio/satnav was asking for a code. Does this suggest they unplugged the battery?
5) There are covers on the car seats. I asked to check under them and the salesman was dismissive, like he hadn't noticed. On the driver's seat I found a huge tear that has been taped up.
Should I give myself a slap, or run away fast?
Thanks for any advice you can give!
I need to buy a used car for the first time in many years. There aren't many traders in my area, and I don't currently have a car, so my options are limited for how far I can go to check a car out.I have found a car locally that I'm interested in, but there are a bunch of issues with the trader that are making me wary. Am I overworried or are these red flags?
1) They won't let me test drive further than round the block. I've offered to get temp insurance for a proper test, they say its against policy.
2) The asking price is above average, and the mileage is above average, according to Autotrader. They say its non negotiable and (vaguely) suggested their 3 month warranty is better than others.
3) They say they've just put in a new clutch, but its not in the documentation. They said if I buy the car they'll email it to me.
4) After the short test drive, the anti theft system light started blinking quickly. I queried this, the salesman said not to worry, it'll all be checked before I take it home, if I buy it. I left for an hour to think, when I came back the car had been moved and the radio/satnav was asking for a code. Does this suggest they unplugged the battery?
5) There are covers on the car seats. I asked to check under them and the salesman was dismissive, like he hadn't noticed. On the driver's seat I found a huge tear that has been taped up.
Should I give myself a slap, or run away fast?
Thanks for any advice you can give!
VinVB said:
Hi all I need to buy a used car for the first time in many years. There aren't many traders in my area, and I don't currently have a car, so my options are limited for how far I can go to check a car out.
I have found a car locally that I'm interested in, but there are a bunch of issues with the trader that are making me wary. Am I overworried or are these red flags?
1) They won't let me test drive further than round the block. I've offered to get temp insurance for a proper test, they say its against policy.
2) The asking price is above average, and the mileage is above average, according to Autotrader. They say its non negotiable and (vaguely) suggested their 3 month warranty is better than others.
3) They say they've just put in a new clutch, but its not in the documentation. They said if I buy the car they'll email it to me.
4) After the short test drive, the anti theft system light started blinking quickly. I queried this, the salesman said not to worry, it'll all be checked before I take it home, if I buy it. I left for an hour to think, when I came back the car had been moved and the radio/satnav was asking for a code. Does this suggest they unplugged the battery?
5) There are covers on the car seats. I asked to check under them and the salesman was dismissive, like he hadn't noticed. On the driver's seat I found a huge tear that has been taped up.
Should I give myself a slap, or run away fast?
Thanks for any advice you can give!
1) Walk away I need to buy a used car for the first time in many years. There aren't many traders in my area, and I don't currently have a car, so my options are limited for how far I can go to check a car out.I have found a car locally that I'm interested in, but there are a bunch of issues with the trader that are making me wary. Am I overworried or are these red flags?
1) They won't let me test drive further than round the block. I've offered to get temp insurance for a proper test, they say its against policy.
2) The asking price is above average, and the mileage is above average, according to Autotrader. They say its non negotiable and (vaguely) suggested their 3 month warranty is better than others.
3) They say they've just put in a new clutch, but its not in the documentation. They said if I buy the car they'll email it to me.
4) After the short test drive, the anti theft system light started blinking quickly. I queried this, the salesman said not to worry, it'll all be checked before I take it home, if I buy it. I left for an hour to think, when I came back the car had been moved and the radio/satnav was asking for a code. Does this suggest they unplugged the battery?
5) There are covers on the car seats. I asked to check under them and the salesman was dismissive, like he hadn't noticed. On the driver's seat I found a huge tear that has been taped up.
Should I give myself a slap, or run away fast?
Thanks for any advice you can give!
2) Walk away
3) Walk away
4) Walk away
5) Walk away
VinVB said:
Hi all I need to buy a used car for the first time in many years. There aren't many traders in my area, and I don't currently have a car, so my options are limited for how far I can go to check a car out.
I have found a car locally that I'm interested in, but there are a bunch of issues with the trader that are making me wary. Am I overworried or are these red flags?
1) They won't let me test drive further than round the block. I've offered to get temp insurance for a proper test, they say its against policy.
2) The asking price is above average, and the mileage is above average, according to Autotrader. They say its non negotiable and (vaguely) suggested their 3 month warranty is better than others.
3) They say they've just put in a new clutch, but its not in the documentation. They said if I buy the car they'll email it to me.
4) After the short test drive, the anti theft system light started blinking quickly. I queried this, the salesman said not to worry, it'll all be checked before I take it home, if I buy it. I left for an hour to think, when I came back the car had been moved and the radio/satnav was asking for a code. Does this suggest they unplugged the battery?
5) There are covers on the car seats. I asked to check under them and the salesman was dismissive, like he hadn't noticed. On the driver's seat I found a huge tear that has been taped up.
Should I give myself a slap, or run away fast?
Thanks for any advice you can give!
Reads to me it is a great car, go for it!! I need to buy a used car for the first time in many years. There aren't many traders in my area, and I don't currently have a car, so my options are limited for how far I can go to check a car out.I have found a car locally that I'm interested in, but there are a bunch of issues with the trader that are making me wary. Am I overworried or are these red flags?
1) They won't let me test drive further than round the block. I've offered to get temp insurance for a proper test, they say its against policy.
2) The asking price is above average, and the mileage is above average, according to Autotrader. They say its non negotiable and (vaguely) suggested their 3 month warranty is better than others.
3) They say they've just put in a new clutch, but its not in the documentation. They said if I buy the car they'll email it to me.
4) After the short test drive, the anti theft system light started blinking quickly. I queried this, the salesman said not to worry, it'll all be checked before I take it home, if I buy it. I left for an hour to think, when I came back the car had been moved and the radio/satnav was asking for a code. Does this suggest they unplugged the battery?
5) There are covers on the car seats. I asked to check under them and the salesman was dismissive, like he hadn't noticed. On the driver's seat I found a huge tear that has been taped up.
Should I give myself a slap, or run away fast?
Thanks for any advice you can give!
M1C said:
VinVB said:
Hi all I need to buy a used car for the first time in many years. There aren't many traders in my area, and I don't currently have a car, so my options are limited for how far I can go to check a car out.
I have found a car locally that I'm interested in, but there are a bunch of issues with the trader that are making me wary. Am I overworried or are these red flags?
1) They won't let me test drive further than round the block. I've offered to get temp insurance for a proper test, they say its against policy.
2) The asking price is above average, and the mileage is above average, according to Autotrader. They say its non negotiable and (vaguely) suggested their 3 month warranty is better than others.
3) They say they've just put in a new clutch, but its not in the documentation. They said if I buy the car they'll email it to me.
4) After the short test drive, the anti theft system light started blinking quickly. I queried this, the salesman said not to worry, it'll all be checked before I take it home, if I buy it. I left for an hour to think, when I came back the car had been moved and the radio/satnav was asking for a code. Does this suggest they unplugged the battery?
5) There are covers on the car seats. I asked to check under them and the salesman was dismissive, like he hadn't noticed. On the driver's seat I found a huge tear that has been taped up.
Should I give myself a slap, or run away fast?
Thanks for any advice you can give!
1) Walk away I need to buy a used car for the first time in many years. There aren't many traders in my area, and I don't currently have a car, so my options are limited for how far I can go to check a car out.I have found a car locally that I'm interested in, but there are a bunch of issues with the trader that are making me wary. Am I overworried or are these red flags?
1) They won't let me test drive further than round the block. I've offered to get temp insurance for a proper test, they say its against policy.
2) The asking price is above average, and the mileage is above average, according to Autotrader. They say its non negotiable and (vaguely) suggested their 3 month warranty is better than others.
3) They say they've just put in a new clutch, but its not in the documentation. They said if I buy the car they'll email it to me.
4) After the short test drive, the anti theft system light started blinking quickly. I queried this, the salesman said not to worry, it'll all be checked before I take it home, if I buy it. I left for an hour to think, when I came back the car had been moved and the radio/satnav was asking for a code. Does this suggest they unplugged the battery?
5) There are covers on the car seats. I asked to check under them and the salesman was dismissive, like he hadn't noticed. On the driver's seat I found a huge tear that has been taped up.
Should I give myself a slap, or run away fast?
Thanks for any advice you can give!
2) Walk away
3) Walk away
4) Walk away
5) Walk away
VinVB said:
Hi all I need to buy a used car for the first time in many years. There aren't many traders in my area, and I don't currently have a car, so my options are limited for how far I can go to check a car out.
I have found a car locally that I'm interested in, but there are a bunch of issues with the trader that are making me wary. Am I overworried or are these red flags?
1) They won't let me test drive further than round the block. I've offered to get temp insurance for a proper test, they say its against policy.
2) The asking price is above average, and the mileage is above average, according to Autotrader. They say its non negotiable and (vaguely) suggested their 3 month warranty is better than others.
3) They say they've just put in a new clutch, but its not in the documentation. They said if I buy the car they'll email it to me.
4) After the short test drive, the anti theft system light started blinking quickly. I queried this, the salesman said not to worry, it'll all be checked before I take it home, if I buy it. I left for an hour to think, when I came back the car had been moved and the radio/satnav was asking for a code. Does this suggest they unplugged the battery?
5) There are covers on the car seats. I asked to check under them and the salesman was dismissive, like he hadn't noticed. On the driver's seat I found a huge tear that has been taped up.
Should I give myself a slap, or run away fast?
Thanks for any advice you can give!
RUN! I need to buy a used car for the first time in many years. There aren't many traders in my area, and I don't currently have a car, so my options are limited for how far I can go to check a car out.I have found a car locally that I'm interested in, but there are a bunch of issues with the trader that are making me wary. Am I overworried or are these red flags?
1) They won't let me test drive further than round the block. I've offered to get temp insurance for a proper test, they say its against policy.
2) The asking price is above average, and the mileage is above average, according to Autotrader. They say its non negotiable and (vaguely) suggested their 3 month warranty is better than others.
3) They say they've just put in a new clutch, but its not in the documentation. They said if I buy the car they'll email it to me.
4) After the short test drive, the anti theft system light started blinking quickly. I queried this, the salesman said not to worry, it'll all be checked before I take it home, if I buy it. I left for an hour to think, when I came back the car had been moved and the radio/satnav was asking for a code. Does this suggest they unplugged the battery?
5) There are covers on the car seats. I asked to check under them and the salesman was dismissive, like he hadn't noticed. On the driver's seat I found a huge tear that has been taped up.
Should I give myself a slap, or run away fast?
Thanks for any advice you can give!
You are all stars, thank you so much. I was fighting myself over this and needed support from people who know better to give me confidence.
My lack of options is going to get annoying fast. There are cars further away where the trader offers delivery - is this worth considering, when it means I can't examine or test drive the vehicle before delivery? Do you have any advice you could share?
Thank you again, forums like this are invaluable for these situations.
My lack of options is going to get annoying fast. There are cars further away where the trader offers delivery - is this worth considering, when it means I can't examine or test drive the vehicle before delivery? Do you have any advice you could share?
Thank you again, forums like this are invaluable for these situations.
It'll come down to what kind of budget you have and expectations for a car of that age/mileage, but the big downside of buying from a long way away is if anything goes wrong, it'll more than likely be a headache to get sorted because of the distance. The big upside is it'll be covered by distance selling regulations, but having the law on your side and getting a trader to play ball are not necessarily straight forward.
If you are asking questions and not getting answers (or getting bad answers/ignorance) that is a red flag and the point where you should walk away. If they are like this when they are selling you a car, how will they be when something goes wrong?!
Chris
If you are asking questions and not getting answers (or getting bad answers/ignorance) that is a red flag and the point where you should walk away. If they are like this when they are selling you a car, how will they be when something goes wrong?!
Chris
Personally, I would at most put a refundable deposit on a car I haven't seen. I would never buy until I have had a good test drive, checked the car, its history, and had my questions answered satisfactorily. This is especially so at the lower end of the market where you expect more wear and tear (and warning lights ).
Have some patience, expand your search area and don't feel pressured into buying something you are not sure of. You could always grab a train or a lift to see a car if it all checks out beforehand. You can ask for a walk around video and extra photos before deciding to view or travel. You can also check MOT history online and ask about recent services to get a clearer picture of the car.
).Have some patience, expand your search area and don't feel pressured into buying something you are not sure of. You could always grab a train or a lift to see a car if it all checks out beforehand. You can ask for a walk around video and extra photos before deciding to view or travel. You can also check MOT history online and ask about recent services to get a clearer picture of the car.
Deerfoot said:
What exactly are you after?
- 3k max budget (including cost of any issues it makes sense to sort immediately)Edited by Deerfoot on Thursday 9th October 14:37
- Flexible enough to squeeze in 4 adults and 1 kid (not in baby seat) comfortably, OR 2 adults and 1 kid with camping equipment or bikes
- hope to get 3 years out of it before any expensive repairs
- straightforward enough to be able to fix non-major things myself with a bit of help from the internet
- reliable no matter whether it is cold/wet/hot (unpredictable weather!)
- no mould!
- comfy drivers seat for reasonably tall man with recurring back pain
- low day to day running costs
- an honest trader who is up front with me!
- if possible, something that'll be good for a learner to practice in
I'll keep looking, I'm down in the deep South West but checking all the way up to Taunton and beyond. Thank you all for the support you've given
paul_c123 said:
The Kia venga sounds perfect and having watched chops YouTube channel I'd trust him.At this sort of price bracket I'd be looking for something you can inspect in person first; there will be issues so you need to decide if you're ok with them
I'd suggest using the distance function on AT, price up to £3k, petrol (for reliability), manual (if you want it for a learner driver), then page through Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda and see what you find that looks suitable.
I'd suggest using the distance function on AT, price up to £3k, petrol (for reliability), manual (if you want it for a learner driver), then page through Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda and see what you find that looks suitable.
Rather than just looking at buying from traders at that value also look at private sales, as you are also seeing the current owner and can get more of the story around the car / why they are selling it etc.
I'm also looking for a car for up to £3k for my 17 year old daughter, although apparently it has to be a Fiat 500...! I've seen a complete variety of cars from within a 100 miles radius, and having that talk with the current owner especially around maintenance etc certainly helps.
Good luck. Definitely sounds like a Honda Civic or similar would hit the mark.
I'm also looking for a car for up to £3k for my 17 year old daughter, although apparently it has to be a Fiat 500...! I've seen a complete variety of cars from within a 100 miles radius, and having that talk with the current owner especially around maintenance etc certainly helps.
Good luck. Definitely sounds like a Honda Civic or similar would hit the mark.
VinVB said:
- 3k max budget (including cost of any issues it makes sense to sort immediately)
- Flexible enough to squeeze in 4 adults and 1 kid (not in baby seat) comfortably, OR 2 adults and 1 kid with camping equipment or bikes
- hope to get 3 years out of it before any expensive repairs
- straightforward enough to be able to fix non-major things myself with a bit of help from the internet
- reliable no matter whether it is cold/wet/hot (unpredictable weather!)
- no mould!
- comfy drivers seat for reasonably tall man with recurring back pain
- low day to day running costs
- an honest trader who is up front with me!
- if possible, something that'll be good for a learner to practice in
I'll keep looking, I'm down in the deep South West but checking all the way up to Taunton and beyond. Thank you all for the support you've given
I'd be looking at something like this- https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510026...- Flexible enough to squeeze in 4 adults and 1 kid (not in baby seat) comfortably, OR 2 adults and 1 kid with camping equipment or bikes
- hope to get 3 years out of it before any expensive repairs
- straightforward enough to be able to fix non-major things myself with a bit of help from the internet
- reliable no matter whether it is cold/wet/hot (unpredictable weather!)
- no mould!
- comfy drivers seat for reasonably tall man with recurring back pain
- low day to day running costs
- an honest trader who is up front with me!
- if possible, something that'll be good for a learner to practice in
I'll keep looking, I'm down in the deep South West but checking all the way up to Taunton and beyond. Thank you all for the support you've given
There seems to be quite a few options in Plymouth
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