Looking at buying for first time

[mikesufc]

Hiya guys, just looking for a little guidance as im going into buying a car for the first time. ( My first car was given to me by family).

Im a little scpetical, so after a bit of advice on a car ive seen.

The car is a 2001 Saxo VTR with 54,000 miles and is priced at a tad under £1600, does this seem a fair price?

The major problem I have with the car is the MOT is due next month, the car is for sale from a used car showroom, which looks good as far as i can see.

If i were to ask whether the car is likely to pass its MOT or not am i going to get an honest reply? Is it worth me visiting,showing intrest (if its a good one) and asking them to pay to get it through its MOT and ill pay a large cash deposit there and then?

I realise these are probably daft questions but £1600 is a fair bit of money to me.

Cheers.

[Road Pest]

Check the mileage checks out on the previous MOTs. Also see if there were any advisories on the last MOTs (it's written on the certificate), if there were check the work was done.

[Shaw Tarse]

I'd want a new MOT

[RRS_Staffs]

if you are buying from a dealer then id expect a years ticket not 4 weeks

An MOT is just over 50 quid so it wont bankrupt him

The MOT test isnt anything like paying for a mechanical inspection but Im afraid I would be really wary of buying from a pro with only a month left

Good luck

[geeteeaye]

I would definitely want a long MOT if buying from a dealer, trying to sell it with a month seems odd. I would also be wary of the mileage - as the poster above said, have a good look into the previous MOT history and the service history comparing mileages and dates carefully.

[TOENHEEL]

I would walk away if they wont give you an MOT!!! Its not like Saxo's are short on the ground. Your the man in charge..moneys in your pocket remember!

[AMST09]

Work a new MOT into the deal

I know in my mind when I go to look at a car that I need to be prepared to walk if its not completely right, personally if they won't renew the MOT I would walk away, I'd also walk because its a saxo but thats just me

[mikesufc]

Thought it seemed strange to not put it through it's MOT before selling.

Should i phone tomorrow, tell them im interested and ask if they are willing to pay for an MOT or should I go check out the mileage etc. if that checks out, then ask them in person?

[TOENHEEL]

mikesufc said:

Thought it seemed strange to not put it through it's MOT before selling.

Should i phone tomorrow, tell them im interested and ask if they are willing to pay for an MOT or should I go check out the mileage etc. if that checks out, then ask them in person?

If you really want the car tell them your interested but want the MOT thrown in and haggle on the price, you should never ever buy a car without trying to get something knocked off the price!!

[WeirdNeville]

£1,600 is a fair whack.
If you are seriously interested then be sure to hpi check it and I'd consider an independent mechanical inspection - £100 now could save huge grief later on.

A full years MOT is also a must, but it's no guarantee of mehanical integrity! If you demand one the danger is that it gets one slapped on it by dodgy dave the MOT man and potentially dangerous faults are overlooked.

[Sixpackpert]

New MOT is a must. Have you had any insurance quotes yet?