Never bought a second hand car before - help needed
Discussion
When I passed my test I basically stole my mums Corsa B, then in my early 20s I got a brand new aygo, which I had for 14 years. A couple of years ago I bought a pre-reg car. So I’ve never bought a second hand car before.
I am a high mileage driver and can drive down single track lanes, and places with branches wacking about, etc. Just as much countryside as motorway. Therefore I’m looking for a 1.6 or 2.0 (ish) diesel that’s an older car so I’m not too precious about it. Hatchback or compact. Decent boot size (around 300l give or take as my hobby requires lots of equipment). Pref under 100k miles. Budget is £3k but the sorta stuff I’m looking at seem to be £2ish or less.
My thought process for the older car element too is that people expect big mileage from them, or I can just run it to the ground. Whereas my 69 plate corsa 1.2 turbo premium SRi now has 84k miles on it and will be harder to sell then average miles. (But hoping to get around £10k for it?)
As my aygo had basically no issues during the 14 years, I’d not mind going back to a Toyota, for a Corolla, maybe an auris. Or go for an Astra H (though I’d quite like an Astra G just coz I have always had a soft spot for that mark).
I want something as reliable as poss for its age that can handle the mileage I do (20-30k a year, due to my hobby involving going all over the country)
So here’s what I need help in:
- How to spot a good one just from the car advert - in order to help make a shortlist
- are MOT’s anything to consider these days as dodgy MOT’s are on the rise? Would a car with three recent passes be better than a car that just failed but had everything apparently fixed so you’d assume those things won’t be a problem for the foreseeable?
- when seeing the car in person, what checks should I do?
- thoughts on Facebook market place if auto trader or piston heads don’t throw anything up that suits?
I must warn you, I’m a a bit of a girl (I am female by the way!) when it comes to these things with buying older cars, I have some bits of basic knowledge, but feel free to simplify/ explain things.
I am a high mileage driver and can drive down single track lanes, and places with branches wacking about, etc. Just as much countryside as motorway. Therefore I’m looking for a 1.6 or 2.0 (ish) diesel that’s an older car so I’m not too precious about it. Hatchback or compact. Decent boot size (around 300l give or take as my hobby requires lots of equipment). Pref under 100k miles. Budget is £3k but the sorta stuff I’m looking at seem to be £2ish or less.
My thought process for the older car element too is that people expect big mileage from them, or I can just run it to the ground. Whereas my 69 plate corsa 1.2 turbo premium SRi now has 84k miles on it and will be harder to sell then average miles. (But hoping to get around £10k for it?)
As my aygo had basically no issues during the 14 years, I’d not mind going back to a Toyota, for a Corolla, maybe an auris. Or go for an Astra H (though I’d quite like an Astra G just coz I have always had a soft spot for that mark).
I want something as reliable as poss for its age that can handle the mileage I do (20-30k a year, due to my hobby involving going all over the country)
So here’s what I need help in:
- How to spot a good one just from the car advert - in order to help make a shortlist
- are MOT’s anything to consider these days as dodgy MOT’s are on the rise? Would a car with three recent passes be better than a car that just failed but had everything apparently fixed so you’d assume those things won’t be a problem for the foreseeable?
- when seeing the car in person, what checks should I do?
- thoughts on Facebook market place if auto trader or piston heads don’t throw anything up that suits?
I must warn you, I’m a a bit of a girl (I am female by the way!) when it comes to these things with buying older cars, I have some bits of basic knowledge, but feel free to simplify/ explain things.
If your corsa is a known good car why not consider keeping it?
If you need more space maybe consider a small roof box.
There is a lot of rubbish around these days so you need to be careful.
It's better the devil you know sometimes.
All you can do really is check service history is present, previous mots look ok regarding mileage etc.
If your not car savvy consider paying for a used car inspection for extra peace of mind.
If you need more space maybe consider a small roof box.
There is a lot of rubbish around these days so you need to be careful.
It's better the devil you know sometimes.
All you can do really is check service history is present, previous mots look ok regarding mileage etc.
If your not car savvy consider paying for a used car inspection for extra peace of mind.
I’ve got annoyed with the corsa - too reliant on the computer and sensors and stuff. If, for example, a handbrake is broken, as least back in the day it was physical rather than is it physical? Is it the computer? It’s it some sensor? It just over complicates things. Vauxhall did a software indicator recall fix a few months back. And it kicked all sorts out of place software/ sensor wise, and needed seeing to a few times in order for them to solve the silly unnecessary issues. So it’s put me right off modern cars. Shame, as it’s fun, comfortable and nippy. But you know when there’s too many niggles and you just don’t feel the same about it anymore? I’m at that point. So I want to go back in time with my next car to a time things were a little simpler haha
Forgot what else you said, hold on. Haha.
Edit:
Yeah services and MOT’s (as long as they haven’t had a dodgy MOT - but guess there’s no way of knowing that)
Yeah I probably look at getting someone to inspect the options for me.
Forgot what else you said, hold on. Haha.
Edit:
Yeah services and MOT’s (as long as they haven’t had a dodgy MOT - but guess there’s no way of knowing that)
Yeah I probably look at getting someone to inspect the options for me.
Edited by Carpix__uk on Wednesday 28th February 11:44
Edited by Carpix__uk on Wednesday 28th February 11:46
Great. Thanks. Yeah I think PPI’s would be worth it as I don’t really know many knowledgeable car people friends just to bring with me. Well, I have 1 but she’s 2h away so it’s not exactly handy for random potential car visits!
I thought it was just random mechanics that did PPI’s but good to know my roadside cover provider does them too. Thanks!
I thought it was just random mechanics that did PPI’s but good to know my roadside cover provider does them too. Thanks!
The 56 plate Aygo I had for 14 years had the right about of things going on. Whereas the 69 plate corsa has too much going on. Yeah I think it’s pre- electric handbrake I want!
Everyone keeps saying go for a Golf. But I’m not keen on them post mk4. But if that’s the best option then I’ll just have to make do. A lot of the Leon’s I’ve seen within my specs are ugly imo (mk2). Ibizas aren’t too bad, I’d consider one of them. Or a Polo. Corollas must be super reliable considering how many are the road but how little are for sale (Auris’ are in a similar boat it seems). Whereas there’s a load of Golfs and Leons up for sale. But also those cars often get ragged about a bit or tinkered with. So, hmm.
I have seen a 12 plate 1.6 Fabia at a really good price though. That’s not too old and too old banger-y. Haha.
Everyone keeps saying go for a Golf. But I’m not keen on them post mk4. But if that’s the best option then I’ll just have to make do. A lot of the Leon’s I’ve seen within my specs are ugly imo (mk2). Ibizas aren’t too bad, I’d consider one of them. Or a Polo. Corollas must be super reliable considering how many are the road but how little are for sale (Auris’ are in a similar boat it seems). Whereas there’s a load of Golfs and Leons up for sale. But also those cars often get ragged about a bit or tinkered with. So, hmm.
I have seen a 12 plate 1.6 Fabia at a really good price though. That’s not too old and too old banger-y. Haha.
Edited by Carpix__uk on Wednesday 28th February 12:37
Carpix__uk said:
The 56 plate Aygo I had for 14 years had the right about of things going on. Whereas the 69 plate corsa has too much going on. Yeah I think it’s pre- electric handbrake I want!
Everyone keeps saying go for a Golf. But I’m not keen on them post mk4. But if that’s the best option then I’ll just have to make do. A lot of the Leon’s I’ve seen within my specs are ugly imo (mk2). Ibizas aren’t too bad, I’d consider one of them. Or a Polo. Corollas must be super reliable considering how many are the road but how little are for sale (Auris’ are in a similar boat it seems). Whereas there’s a load of Golfs and Leons up for sale. But also those cars often get ragged about a bit or tinkered with. So, hmm.
I have seen a 12 plate 1.6 Fabia at a really good price though. That’s not too old and too old banger-y. Haha.
If you're going to be doing high miles then I'd be looking for a Mercedes with the 2.1d drivetrain:Everyone keeps saying go for a Golf. But I’m not keen on them post mk4. But if that’s the best option then I’ll just have to make do. A lot of the Leon’s I’ve seen within my specs are ugly imo (mk2). Ibizas aren’t too bad, I’d consider one of them. Or a Polo. Corollas must be super reliable considering how many are the road but how little are for sale (Auris’ are in a similar boat it seems). Whereas there’s a load of Golfs and Leons up for sale. But also those cars often get ragged about a bit or tinkered with. So, hmm.
I have seen a 12 plate 1.6 Fabia at a really good price though. That’s not too old and too old banger-y. Haha.
Edited by Carpix__uk on Wednesday 28th February 12:37
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202402236...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202402196...
CLK220:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202402266...
Another good option is the GTC SRI:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401316...
You know what? I have I soft spot for those mercs (clc 220s). But never really looked into them to see if they’re any good. Do you know how they are in terms of cost for parts, are they actually that much more than average? Fine to get hold of?
Yeah a gtc can be an option too. Oh decisions decisions. Haha.
Yeah a gtc can be an option too. Oh decisions decisions. Haha.
Edited by Carpix__uk on Wednesday 28th February 15:57
Used cars can be a minefield, but it's the only place I buy cars now.
Benefits of older cheaper are you can research the model and largely avoid known trouble makes/models and gain some degree of comfort in others, you didn't know at the time the Aygo was going to be reliable, but someone today does. You can do this with makers like Toyota and Honda being better than Vauxhall or Renault perhaps but this isn't always the case.
eg a 2.2 Toyota diesel can be a nightmare the 2.0D4D is reliable etc
You want simple/older tech, but 20-30K a year, that's possible but you also want it to be acceptable to you to look at? I can't help with that as it's personal/subjective but on a limited budget with that criteria I'd be going with the following.
Volvo Manual D5 pre DPF (2005) (Saloons will be cheaper if you don't need an estate)
PD VAG, so the Seats/Golfs/Passats (again the saloons Passat Bora will be cheaper)
1.4 D4D engined Toyota
1.7crdi (Kia's or Hyundai) Ceed I30
As you are older now you can target the larger harder to insure cars.
As for actually spotting a good one, I always search private sellers first, the rationale being all dealer cars are just private ones with a premium added (also some warranty protection I get that) and I'm willing to take the risk. Facebook is full of scam ads but in amongst these are decent private cars being sold as it's free to advertise, I would look daily at cars within 10-20 miles and you can filter on recently listed and so monitor current stock/new ads.
Nice house/area backdrop, decently worded adds, lower owners (last owner long ownership) and mileage can be indicative of a good car, but it could be very tired hence it going or it could be that the owner is finally just upgrading ie it's in perfectly serviceable condition.
Buying for 20-30K miles annual use is tricky if you aren't at all DIY biased, you could plan to switch cars every year so as to possible avoid major issues, service points?
Benefits of older cheaper are you can research the model and largely avoid known trouble makes/models and gain some degree of comfort in others, you didn't know at the time the Aygo was going to be reliable, but someone today does. You can do this with makers like Toyota and Honda being better than Vauxhall or Renault perhaps but this isn't always the case.
eg a 2.2 Toyota diesel can be a nightmare the 2.0D4D is reliable etc
You want simple/older tech, but 20-30K a year, that's possible but you also want it to be acceptable to you to look at? I can't help with that as it's personal/subjective but on a limited budget with that criteria I'd be going with the following.
Volvo Manual D5 pre DPF (2005) (Saloons will be cheaper if you don't need an estate)
PD VAG, so the Seats/Golfs/Passats (again the saloons Passat Bora will be cheaper)
1.4 D4D engined Toyota
1.7crdi (Kia's or Hyundai) Ceed I30
As you are older now you can target the larger harder to insure cars.
As for actually spotting a good one, I always search private sellers first, the rationale being all dealer cars are just private ones with a premium added (also some warranty protection I get that) and I'm willing to take the risk. Facebook is full of scam ads but in amongst these are decent private cars being sold as it's free to advertise, I would look daily at cars within 10-20 miles and you can filter on recently listed and so monitor current stock/new ads.
Nice house/area backdrop, decently worded adds, lower owners (last owner long ownership) and mileage can be indicative of a good car, but it could be very tired hence it going or it could be that the owner is finally just upgrading ie it's in perfectly serviceable condition.
Buying for 20-30K miles annual use is tricky if you aren't at all DIY biased, you could plan to switch cars every year so as to possible avoid major issues, service points?
ZX10R NIN said:
They're very reliable parts are no more than a VAG product but more expensive than the Vauxhall, the gearbox needs servicing every 40k & if it's not been done budget £300 for the fluids to be changed.
Overall very good cars.
Well if some of my options are like vw and the like then it won’t be too different then. That’s good to know. Thanks. Overall very good cars.
Scootersp said:
Used cars can be a minefield, but it's the only place I buy cars now.
Benefits of older cheaper are you can research the model and largely avoid known trouble makes/models and gain some degree of comfort in others, you didn't know at the time the Aygo was going to be reliable, but someone today does. You can do this with makers like Toyota and Honda being better than Vauxhall or Renault perhaps but this isn't always the case.
eg a 2.2 Toyota diesel can be a nightmare the 2.0D4D is reliable etc
You want simple/older tech, but 20-30K a year, that's possible but you also want it to be acceptable to you to look at? I can't help with that as it's personal/subjective but on a limited budget with that criteria I'd be going with the following.
Volvo Manual D5 pre DPF (2005) (Saloons will be cheaper if you don't need an estate)
PD VAG, so the Seats/Golfs/Passats (again the saloons Passat Bora will be cheaper)
1.4 D4D engined Toyota
1.7crdi (Kia's or Hyundai) Ceed I30
As you are older now you can target the larger harder to insure cars.
As for actually spotting a good one, I always search private sellers first, the rationale being all dealer cars are just private ones with a premium added (also some warranty protection I get that) and I'm willing to take the risk. Facebook is full of scam ads but in amongst these are decent private cars being sold as it's free to advertise, I would look daily at cars within 10-20 miles and you can filter on recently listed and so monitor current stock/new ads.
Nice house/area backdrop, decently worded adds, lower owners (last owner long ownership) and mileage can be indicative of a good car, but it could be very tired hence it going or it could be that the owner is finally just upgrading ie it's in perfectly serviceable condition.
Buying for 20-30K miles annual use is tricky if you aren't at all DIY biased, you could plan to switch cars every year so as to possible avoid major issues, service points?
I got a few golf and Leon quotes last month for 1.6 and 2.0, and the insurance difference wasn’t anything major, which was a pleasant surprise. I’m sure some scenarios were cheaper than my current 1.2 turbo!Benefits of older cheaper are you can research the model and largely avoid known trouble makes/models and gain some degree of comfort in others, you didn't know at the time the Aygo was going to be reliable, but someone today does. You can do this with makers like Toyota and Honda being better than Vauxhall or Renault perhaps but this isn't always the case.
eg a 2.2 Toyota diesel can be a nightmare the 2.0D4D is reliable etc
You want simple/older tech, but 20-30K a year, that's possible but you also want it to be acceptable to you to look at? I can't help with that as it's personal/subjective but on a limited budget with that criteria I'd be going with the following.
Volvo Manual D5 pre DPF (2005) (Saloons will be cheaper if you don't need an estate)
PD VAG, so the Seats/Golfs/Passats (again the saloons Passat Bora will be cheaper)
1.4 D4D engined Toyota
1.7crdi (Kia's or Hyundai) Ceed I30
As you are older now you can target the larger harder to insure cars.
As for actually spotting a good one, I always search private sellers first, the rationale being all dealer cars are just private ones with a premium added (also some warranty protection I get that) and I'm willing to take the risk. Facebook is full of scam ads but in amongst these are decent private cars being sold as it's free to advertise, I would look daily at cars within 10-20 miles and you can filter on recently listed and so monitor current stock/new ads.
Nice house/area backdrop, decently worded adds, lower owners (last owner long ownership) and mileage can be indicative of a good car, but it could be very tired hence it going or it could be that the owner is finally just upgrading ie it's in perfectly serviceable condition.
Buying for 20-30K miles annual use is tricky if you aren't at all DIY biased, you could plan to switch cars every year so as to possible avoid major issues, service points?
I prefer the looks of the proceed than ceed. But I haven’t had, and no one I know has, had experience of Kias, but I do hear that most people say they’re pleasantly good.
I usually buy cars to be “forever” cars. But I don’t even know why. Maybe it’s laziness. So I don’t have to stick with what I’m about to get next. Just as long as it lasts 3-4 years. Or maybe I’ll end up having it for 10 years! Who knows but I’m more flexible about this than I used to be anyways.
Yeah I get the looks are subjective. I can compromise on looks, but to a car that looks “alright” rather than ugly haha.
Yeah I don’t need an estate. I want a medium sized car rather than a boat.
Oh good point about the nice areas, because the cars will likely be better cared for let’s be honest. And if it’s within like a 20m radius I’ll know those areas well.
Yeah I wouldn’t be doing any DIY, unless I suddenly befriend someone that just to happens to be a car person haha.
And thanks for the other nuggets of tips, very useful.
Edited by Carpix__uk on Wednesday 28th February 17:21
Your situation is making me think as I have x3 old cars and do maybe 12-15K miles between them a year. This is a LOT easier to manage deal with!
One car doing 20-30K miles and trying to keep for 3-4 years minimum with the least chance of major trouble, I'm a bit stumped as to what exactly I'd do even with a large budget, let alone modest one!
One car doing 20-30K miles and trying to keep for 3-4 years minimum with the least chance of major trouble, I'm a bit stumped as to what exactly I'd do even with a large budget, let alone modest one!
There’s definitely an element of luck to buying a second hand car, occasionally you stumble upon an awful advert for a car that’s had a fortune spent on it and has no issues. Equally some of the more ropey dealers will claim full history by printing off the MOT history.
I’ve got mates who always seem to buy lemons, I’ve never had a car with serious issues and I’ve owned 2 Land Rover products!
I’ve got mates who always seem to buy lemons, I’ve never had a car with serious issues and I’ve owned 2 Land Rover products!
Scootersp said:
Your situation is making me think as I have x3 old cars and do maybe 12-15K miles between them a year. This is a LOT easier to manage deal with!
One car doing 20-30K miles and trying to keep for 3-4 years minimum with the least chance of major trouble, I'm a bit stumped as to what exactly I'd do even with a large budget, let alone modest one!
I live in an apartment so I only have one parking space. Otherwise I’d definitely have a normal car and one for my hobby. And maybe a barn full of 80s/90s cars if money was no object.One car doing 20-30K miles and trying to keep for 3-4 years minimum with the least chance of major trouble, I'm a bit stumped as to what exactly I'd do even with a large budget, let alone modest one!
I may get bored of my hobby in a few years (doubt it) or I’ll stop when my health conditions make me stop (more likely). It’s my hobby to blame for all this mileage. My corsa mileage included a trip all round Belgium and some of France. (My hobby is urban exploring - including car graveyard and such.)
Edited by Carpix__uk on Wednesday 28th February 18:42
ChrisH79 said:
There’s definitely an element of luck to buying a second hand car, occasionally you stumble upon an awful advert for a car that’s had a fortune spent on it and has no issues. Equally some of the more ropey dealers will claim full history by printing off the MOT history.
I’ve got mates who always seem to buy lemons, I’ve never had a car with serious issues and I’ve owned 2 Land Rover products!
Two landies and no lemons! Like you say, there is luck involved!I’ve got mates who always seem to buy lemons, I’ve never had a car with serious issues and I’ve owned 2 Land Rover products!
If it wasn’t for my high mileage need to move to diesel and my annoyance niggles of too modern/ too much reliance on tech then I’d probably run my corsa into the ground. But I kinda wanna drive it off a cliff instead. Haha
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