Buying a used car, what to look for?
Discussion
Evening all,
Due to the me loosing my job 3 weeks ago, I am having to go and buy my first used car. Of which is a very PH friendly Mazda Mx5, now I haven't decided on a trim level yet. But with a budget of £2,500 I doubt I have very much choice.
What are the things which you look for in a good quality MX5, or other used cars? MR2, MG TF, anything which I can take the roof off really.
My criteria are -
MOT'd till 2012
Service history
Rot free
Under 100k miles
Cambelt changed
Also, I will be wanting to test drive the chosen car. But due to me opting to buy from a private seller, is there any insurance I could get for 1 hour. I currently have no insurance, so I can't even go through that option.
One other question, what are Mg TF's like? I have been looking at a few, of which have had their head gaskets changed so fingers crossed no issues there.
Due to the me loosing my job 3 weeks ago, I am having to go and buy my first used car. Of which is a very PH friendly Mazda Mx5, now I haven't decided on a trim level yet. But with a budget of £2,500 I doubt I have very much choice.
What are the things which you look for in a good quality MX5, or other used cars? MR2, MG TF, anything which I can take the roof off really.
My criteria are -
MOT'd till 2012
Service history
Rot free
Under 100k miles
Cambelt changed
Also, I will be wanting to test drive the chosen car. But due to me opting to buy from a private seller, is there any insurance I could get for 1 hour. I currently have no insurance, so I can't even go through that option.
One other question, what are Mg TF's like? I have been looking at a few, of which have had their head gaskets changed so fingers crossed no issues there.
You can get temp insurance from a few companies such as Aviva as long as you're over 25.
If you have any major concerns about a car, or if you really have no idea what you're doing, pay the AA to do a full check. It'll seem cheap for the peace of mind it gives you.
I've never driven the MG, but they're very popular, so i assume some people on here will have experience of them.
If you have any major concerns about a car, or if you really have no idea what you're doing, pay the AA to do a full check. It'll seem cheap for the peace of mind it gives you.
I've never driven the MG, but they're very popular, so i assume some people on here will have experience of them.
HPI check - write off/stolen/finance etc...
Pannel gaps and no differances in the paint shade - some cars are repaired (badly) after accidents that are not recordable
Rust - arches/anywhere exposed to the elements/salt
Condition of the hood, operates smoothly, no tears/rips - if its a plastic window make sure it isnt discoloured.
engine - check the oil filler cap for mayo (MG especially)
Other than that just the normal checks - if your not competant/dont trust yourself bring a friend that is/the AA
Pannel gaps and no differances in the paint shade - some cars are repaired (badly) after accidents that are not recordable
Rust - arches/anywhere exposed to the elements/salt
Condition of the hood, operates smoothly, no tears/rips - if its a plastic window make sure it isnt discoloured.
engine - check the oil filler cap for mayo (MG especially)
Other than that just the normal checks - if your not competant/dont trust yourself bring a friend that is/the AA
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