Too good to be true?
Discussion
Currently in the process of refunding a new car I bought due to issues within the first 30 days so am looking for new car. I found one on auto trader, 15 mins away, a dealer. An Audi A1 2011/12 33,000 miles, full service history, perfect MOT history, 4 owners, £8500. All the others I looked at for this price had like double the miles, could this just be a really good deal or will there likely be an untold problem with the car? I’m going to look at it tomorrow as well as my bf (who’s a lot more of a car person than me 
) take it for a test drive and if I’m happy then place a £100 reserve for it. I’d like to hear peoples advice and what to look out for when I go and view it/test drive it tomorrow. I will also be px it for my old car which I’m getting refunded from the previous dealer in case that helps anyone with their answer
) take it for a test drive and if I’m happy then place a £100 reserve for it. I’d like to hear peoples advice and what to look out for when I go and view it/test drive it tomorrow. I will also be px it for my old car which I’m getting refunded from the previous dealer in case that helps anyone with their answer If it seems.too good to be true it probably is especially where a car dealer is concerned. They won't be underselling a car in the current market.
As a poster above has stated also I don't thinknits advisable to be putting down a deposit on another car until you have concluded the issue with the current one.
I accept what your rights are but if the dealer decides to be difficult you could end up with that dragging on and you lose a deposit on the new car too.
As a poster above has stated also I don't thinknits advisable to be putting down a deposit on another car until you have concluded the issue with the current one.
I accept what your rights are but if the dealer decides to be difficult you could end up with that dragging on and you lose a deposit on the new car too.
I bought a car with similar age and mileage.
Shortly after purchase I had to replace the front brake discs and brake pads all round (discs had rusted, killing pads). It also needed a couple of suspension arms (rubber bushes shot) a year later, plus I decided to replace the aged offbrand mismatched tyres.
Those issues aside, it was genuinely a very fresh car which felt like it had a lot of life left, as you'd expect.
So what I'm saying is, a car that's been little used can store up a load of 'normal' replacement maintenance items, which can add up to a fair bit of money. However once that's paid, you do end up with a 'younger' car.
I suggest not getting too excited, and I'm not sure that a low mileage on a car of this type increases the value that significantly, but at the same time it does sound like a car worth going to look at.
Apart from making sure all the buttons, switches, lights, electrics etc work, and that it drives ok with no unusual noises or vibrations, and that cosmetically it's in good shape, the other things I look for are:
Any signs of leaks, such as oil or other fluids. Also any evidence of water leaks in cabin or boot, eg check if carpets damp.
Have a look underneath (take a torch) for any signs of rust.
Check the MOT history, as that wil give you an idea of any problems that might have arisen, and whether they've been addressed. Equally, check the service history and any receipts to see what past work has been carried out.
Also, if they offer to service and MOT it before sale, then ask for the money off instead, as it can often mean just an oil change and so you're better off with the cash and using it to get it serviced yourself. That way you'll know what's done.
I also agree about an independent inspection, for peace of mind. Last time I used Clickmechanic, who were around £160 and seemed pretty thorough.
Any signs of leaks, such as oil or other fluids. Also any evidence of water leaks in cabin or boot, eg check if carpets damp.
Have a look underneath (take a torch) for any signs of rust.
Check the MOT history, as that wil give you an idea of any problems that might have arisen, and whether they've been addressed. Equally, check the service history and any receipts to see what past work has been carried out.
Also, if they offer to service and MOT it before sale, then ask for the money off instead, as it can often mean just an oil change and so you're better off with the cash and using it to get it serviced yourself. That way you'll know what's done.
I also agree about an independent inspection, for peace of mind. Last time I used Clickmechanic, who were around £160 and seemed pretty thorough.
Dealers in this climate don't offer bargains.
Personally I'd run a vcheck. I do this for all cars, private or dealer bought. I follow dodgycars on Facebook (vcheck) and they uncover some nasties.
As above, mot stations can be tied or have a relationship where they tell the dealer the faults but pass it as clean.
Personally I'd run a vcheck. I do this for all cars, private or dealer bought. I follow dodgycars on Facebook (vcheck) and they uncover some nasties.
As above, mot stations can be tied or have a relationship where they tell the dealer the faults but pass it as clean.
Hugo Stiglitz said:
Dealers in this climate don't offer bargains.
Personally I'd run a vcheck. I do this for all cars, private or dealer bought. I follow dodgycars on Facebook (vcheck) and they uncover some nasties.
As above, mot stations can be tied or have a relationship where they tell the dealer the faults but pass it as clean.
The last car I traded in required around £1,500 in MOT repairs but amazingly passed with zero advisories..Personally I'd run a vcheck. I do this for all cars, private or dealer bought. I follow dodgycars on Facebook (vcheck) and they uncover some nasties.
As above, mot stations can be tied or have a relationship where they tell the dealer the faults but pass it as clean.
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