WHEN TO BUY
Because new number plate registrations become available in March and
September, lots of people part exchange their car for a new one. This causes
an over supply which drives used car prices down. Mid-March to early May and
Mid-September to early November are therefore regarded as the best times to
buy used cars. But in reality, the savvy buyer can pick up a great used car
deal at any time of the year. Just follow the steps in this Times Online
guide.
WHERE TO BUY
Scaremongers and inexperienced buyers will tell you that to get a bargain, you
will need to buy privately or from an independent garage. That’s true.
They’ll also say this is risky – but that’s not necessarily true. Not if you
use this Times Online guide. Here’s a summary of your options:
Franchise dealers
Positives:
- Approved used car scheme
- High quality cars
- Lots of legal ‘comeback’ if you have a problem. The new European directive
means you now have six months to complain
- Will offer part exchange
Negatives:
- Expensive car prices and labour prices
- Better value warranties and finance can be arranged privately
- Limited range of makes
- Service not necessarily better than independents
Independent dealers
Positives:
- Reasonable prices
- More inclined to give a discount
- Legal ‘comeback’ if you have a problem
- Will offer part exchange
- Specialists really know their stuff and care about their reputation, so they
offer a good service
Find a good independent or independent specialist and you will have the best
experience
Negatives:
- Quality varies significantly. You must judge them on a case-by-case basis.
- Better value warranties can be arranged privately – so do not let the dealer
use it as a negotiation tool to keep the car price up
Car Supermarkets
Positives:
- Lots of stock
- Mostly good prices
- Lots of legal ‘comeback’ if you have a problem
Negatives:
- Check all the prices carefully; some will not be as much of a saving as the
much talked about offers
- Better value warranties and finance can be arranged privately
- Limited movement on price
- Not as interested in part exchange as dealers
- Customer care can be mixed
- Cars sold as ‘new’ because they are low mileage, but actually may already
have one owner in the log book
- Cars can be imports
- You can sometimes be charged a standard ‘pre-sale’ inspection fee. This is
you paying for a valet and administration costs. So check the small print
Private sales
Positives:
- The best prices (if you do it right)
- Endless choice
- If you know what to do, you can have the same peace of mind as from any
other option
This is the most satisfying way to buy a car. And should be the cheapest too.
Negatives:
- No legal comeback (but you can get other protection such as a private
warranty)
- You need to spend slightly more time to ensure you get a great deal and a
great car
- No part exchange
Auctions
Positives:
- Amazing bargains can be found
- Thrilling environment to buy a car in
Negatives:
- A lot of stock arrives at auctions because it would not sell elsewhere
- You have limited opportunities to check the car
- No part exchange
- Intimidating environment where it is easy to over-bid because you are forced
to think quickly
- Limited legal comeback (you must read the auction house’s terms and
conditions before bidding to find out what comeback you have)
Direct Internet Buying (From manufacturers, dealers or the Times
Online Car Locator).
Positives:
- Bargains can be found on new, nearly new and used cars
- Highly convenient. Have you tried the Times Online Car Locator?
Negatives:
- Legal comeback depends on who is selling the car
- You may have to buy ‘unseen’
- Not the same customer care or contact point as buying from a showroom or
individuals
- Organising payment can present problems
