Purchasing a second hand car.

[porkchop]

I was interested in purchasing a particular model 2003 small car for my son but the price asked for is in excess of £1000 over the average price for a similar model for sale elsewhere. The garage owner said the reason for the high price, which he admitted, was that the milage was extremely low for a 2003 car. The car is in great condition, and i agree the low milage is important but surely the fact that since it is a 2003 car the price should be principably based on the age of the car and asking for in excess of £1000 of the average price is crazy. Your views would be appreciated.

[Count-A-Strong]

We need details to be able to substantiate both your opinion and their claims. Come on don't be shy.

[Graham-W]

I would have thought on a car of that age or older. condition, mileage and service history would be more important than year.

[VHG]

Surely he is entitled to ask anything he wants for the car. If nobody buys it he will have to lower the price.

Go back in a week and see if it is still there, then offer him a lower amount..

[TWR]

There are ways to think about this sale, as you say low mileage, condition, If there are MOTs check the mileage on each Cert, has the car belonged to an elderly person! with respect ( I'm there myself) they can be nursed too much that what Ive found in the past that the car is lazy, has the car been bumped? I & others advise, If you are not well up on the workings of the car, take someone with you that is, 7yr old, the cam belt requires change if a belt, £1000 is not a lot of money these days & what can you get for that money, does the garage sell cars? are they reputable? I doubt there will be a warranty with the car but ask, lastly, if you are suited by the car & you think its worth battering go for it. make sure the car has 12months MOT before you bye.

[AlBags]

low mileage ... 'particular' model
What's the secret?

[paul25601]

well what car is it? that matters more than anything, Paul

[porkchop]

Its a Nissan micra 1.0, 2003. I think i will forget it. The motto is, if in doubt dont buy. Thanks for all your help. I will go for a banger and my 18yo son will not worry if he wrecks it. But then again , what about me, i will have to insure it!

[AlBags]

If that Micra gets near 100K miles... expect a transmission change and maybe worn out engine. They ain't the hardiest of motors.

[SkellieMonster]

Forget the Micra, but look for something lke a '98 Diesel Clio, Pug 206, Polo or Fabia.

Diesel engines, quite economical and quite rapid, also score low with insurers. My son had a choice of two Corsa's, 1.2 petrol or 1.7 TDi. Insurance premium on the Diesel was almost half that for the petrol model!

Also, get your son his own insurance, but put yourself on the policy. It'll start to give him an NCB, and the premium will be lower as you're a 'mature' driver, and in an emergency, you'll still be able to drive his car!

My daughters can both recommend Tesco Car Insurance for a young 'un.

Good luck! :-)