Non Footy - Used Car Sales Recommendations

Afternoon all,

Just wondering if any of you kind folk could recommend somewhere to consider buying my son his first car in the coming weeks?

He's at University of Birmingham and starts his 3rd year of Medicine in the summer and will need a car for any hospital placements he gets outside of Birmingham itself, which can include Worcester, Hereford, Wolverhampton etc.

Student area where he lives, Selly Oak at present, is street parking and like anywhere else in terms of risks etc, but ideally looking at something like a Corsa, Fiesta, 208 and about 8-10 years old.

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

Daughter got hers from a garage in Heckmondwike, 12 years old but only about 70 000 on the clock when she got it. They delivered it and put it through its MOT. Been a great little runner so far and I'm on the insurance as a named driver which makes it cheaper She pays £25 a year for her permit parking in Newcastle.

 

I tend to look on Autotrader, always managed to find something suitable and like the flexibility of choosing all the different search options myself rather than talking to a salesperson.

 

When you find one you like go on Gov site check my mot history and put reg in ,it will tell you all the past mot's and work done to pass along with each years mileage

 

Both my daughter and myself have used Motorpoint in the past.
Never had a problem.
View on line, book a viewing. No pressure to buy and if you see a car from another city they can get it delivered with again no pressure to buy.
We use the Glasgow outlet but I notice Sheffield has one.

 

I buy private on either eBay or Autotrader. Weed out the dodgy dealers impersonating private sellers by asking if the car is registered in their name, at the address you can view it at and how long they have had it. I'm always amused by the sh!te excuses as to why they are selling after only "owning" it for three weeks. The daftest one I heard was that their dog didn't like it. Google where to find the stamped in chassis numbers of the car you are going to see, check against the V5.
If you find a genuine private seller who has had it a while and kept the maintenance up and a lower than average number of owners, Hpi check it first. You get £30k indemnity on defect in title if it's clear. Pay by bank transfer not cash. Then.... don't turn the car down because you can't screw the seller. Pay up, you're looking for a decent car, not a chance to brag to your mates you've bagged the bargain of the century (if someone lets a "good" car go too cheap it probably isnt a "good" car). Oh and under no circumstances buy a 1.0 Ecoboost Fiesta. Ask any mechanic about them first but the 1.25 engine is bulletproof. Bought my daughter last year a 63 plate Fiesta 1.25 in white, one owner, Hpi clear with 60k miles for £3,000, a grand below retail value. Really smart car too. If you're around the £1500 mark don't overlook an Astra, especially the 1.4 petrol. Bulletproof, low insurance and high safety ratings. Good luck

 

Agree with this, I always buy private.

 

I bought a car from this place about 18 months ago:

https://aqcarsales.co.uk/

Its near Parkgate in Rotherham.

I wasn't hassled by the lads who worked there, and they seemed genuine and honest when answering my questions.

I bought a 15 reg Suzuki Swift from them. And whilst it was low mileage anyway (24k) I've not had an ounce of trouble with it. It's the entry level 1.2l one. And whilst not my first car, I'd certainly recommend it as one. £30 a year road tax, and cheap to insure.

 

great shout that

 

tell you what that government site is a shocker, your life's not your own, just checking everyone in streets MOTs , its nosey neighbour heaven

 

My middle son was looking to buy his first car from someone who he worked with. He was telling my son that it's a great little car (Citroen Saxo I think it was) and never been any trouble.

Checked it's MOT history and it had failed just about every one, even the first one when it was only 3 years old, and not for daft things like worn tyres or blown light bulbs.

I told him it was obviously a Friday car and he should look elsewhere.

 

Get him a Range Rover. He’ll always know where his wallet is.

 

When you’ve finished that, you can check if their insurance and tax is up to date too!

 

omg ,this world is crazy,big brother or what?

 

as anyone recommend a car yet?, I always enjoyed driving my

 

I think you’re only supposed to check your own. I find it handy for remembering when things need sorting.

 

Corsa, sorry keyboard stuck for some reason

 

yes good shout, just received my renewal was like wtf ,never a year passed so soon

 

Whatever you do, don’t renew! Get on a cashback site, do a quote and shop around.

 

agree with JamDrop. Always ring the insurance company up and say you've got a cheaper quote, even if you haven't. Sound convincing and they'll knock at least £50 off.