Buying a car using the internet

[ladyalex]

I am going to buy a new small car. I've been to the local showrooms but cannot get their prices down to what I appear to be able to get from www.drivethedeal.com
I am, however, a bit wary of buying something as expensive as a car over the internet and wonder if anyone can give me the benefit of their experience and/or advice ?
Thank you .
ladyalex

[TWR]

Hi, with respect take someone with you if you are bying 2nd hand there are that many things to look out for, 1st do not bye in rain, Do not bye at night, 2nd be left on your own to decide, check that the engine is cold, then with someone that has Mech knowlege, oil filer cap is the inner clean of Gunge? (Although I do wash my own Engine) is the Engine Bay too clean for the age of the car? Has the Cam Belt been changed for the mileage the car has done? are the door gaps even? Tyres, what are they like Including the spare, Lights, are the clear and no signs of Mist? check the Clutch Pedal rubber is it showing a lot of use? This can indicate someone has been rideing the Clutch, Check all the Electrics, Windows, Roof , Etc, check the carpets are they wet, including inside the boot, Look down each side of the car does it show any signs of different shades of the colour if so this indicates a fresh panel has been fitted, These are the things that are very very important when going for a fresh car, To end this SERMON, Barter & Barter for everything Eg Tax, fuel, service, warrantee, the lot, you think I may be a Cheecky B, I let you come to that conclusion when you have made the deal If you cannot get anywhere with the saleman, ask to see the manager but stick to your guns if no joy WALK AWAY THERE ARE PLENTY OF CARS OUT THERE BELIVE ME. Last of all get a HP check.

[ladyalex]

Thanks for your answer, TWR. Lots of good advice there. I was wondering about buying a new car over the internet, though. Do you or anyone else out there have any experience of the company www.drivethedeal.com ?

Thanks again.

[TWR]

Hi, You are better off to purchase from a local garage or some where near your area, "Why" should you have a problem they will help you out with a replacement car whilst yours is getting repaired, also there will be a lot of messing about with bying over the net regards what I have stated If you have the Cash you have the upper hand what I mean by that, the Dealers are after your cash, but you have a Ace card because you can walk away belive me, I have done it and I do not have any regrets of walking If I cannot get what I think is the best deal, With respect to Women you can be soft as regards the purchasing of a car And I dont intend to be Male Chaf on that statement but as I have said, do not go on your own, at night, in the wet, and most important do not show any monies untill you have made the final choice, Good Luck T.W.R.

[Blackthorn]

When I'm looking for a 'new' car I usually tell friends and colleagues, I've always been fairly lucky and found something decent, its surprising what turns up.
The only used car I ever bought from a dealer turned to be a nightmare heap of junk that I sold on after six weeks at a huge loss just to be rid of it. I didn't buy this car on impulse, I stuck to all the good advice TWR outlines in his answers and still got caught.
And if you are buying new, sticking with a local dealer might save a lot of grief, a mate of mine bought a new Mercedes 'on line' and waited ages for delivery, and then found that our local dealer wouldn't touch it with a long stick.
Sorry to be so negative but its easy to be took for a mug.

Good Luck!

[ladyalex]

Thanks, everyone for your answers.
I'll try to bear in mind all of the good advice.
Still not sure whether to use the online service or not....had thought that the local dealers might not be too keen if I hadn't bought from them and it sounds as though I was right , according to Blackthorn.
Well, I don't need to rush anything , I'll keep on weighing things up.
Thanks again
ladyalex

[parkie30]

I am a remarketing manager for a large car company in cheadle in Cheshire. I buy and sell used cars all day long. The advice given to you by the first guy is great sound advice. If you need anything else or need a car, please contact me on [email protected] and i will be glad to help you.

Cheers Mark

[ladyalex]

Hi Mark

Thanks for your answer , but you're too far away for me, and I took the plunge and bought a car over the internet.......So far everything has worked out very well. The car was delivered to my front door at a price that even with delivery our local dealer could not match. It is a Citroen C1 and , according to Citroen, any mechanic can service it without interfering with the warranty, as long as they use genuine Citroen parts.
As I said, so far so good, but we sure saved a load of money.
Thanks again,
ladyalex