Buying a 2nd hand car

[Uzoma]

I've looked in Parkers at the price of a car. I've found the car & the vendor. Would it be fair to deduct from the price (1) MOT (2) Car tax (3) Servicing? Or is it assumed that I would have to pay for these anyway? At the moment, the car needs all 3 of these.

[NORMANTHEDOG]

the parkers guide is what the trade prices are for cars and can mean very little for the privare buyer,of course you would expect to pay more for a car with a new mot,and with 4/5 mths tax on it,and it depends on how long ago the car was serviced,im pretty sure the seller would take less then he is asking but with no mot you are taking a big risk that it might need 2/3 hundred pounds spent on it to pass the mot,steering,welding,things you cant see underneath the car,ask him to mot it then you will buy it,see what he says,if he declines,leave it alone and look elsewhere.

[stanleyman]

1. Never ever buy a car without a long current MOT. This at least gives some idea of it's current roadworthiness. If the vendor hasn't or can't get it MOT'd to sell, then it usually means something is seriously wrong with it that you will have to put right. Pay only scrap value if you really know what you are doing.

2. Tax is usually down to you but also drops the price without it.

3. A service record is good but drop the price for no recent service and be wary as for no MOT.

Always buy a car that is all ready to go on the road, you don't need to buy someone else's trouble, best to avoid this one. It's well worth getting the AA or a mechanic to check over any potentials, could save you pounds.

[NORMANTHEDOG]

stanleyman,isent that what iv allready said

[Littlejohn]

Always remember the word "Guide" is included in the full title of the publication you refer to. That's just what it is, "a guide". It's always up to you to negotiate the best deal you can. All the points you raise are good bargaining points, but if your'e not skilled at inspecting such a car take heed of NOMANTHEDOG & stanleymans good advise and walk away from this one.

[stanleyman]

Norman, I started my answer before yours appeared and no it isn't quite the same only similar as most answers are, I don't see your problem.

[WoWo]

With all due respect Stanleyman if it's taking you 31 minutes to type 140 words you might want to get yourself on a typing course ; )

"It's well worth getting the AA or a mechanic to check over any potentials, could save you pounds."

I did one of those on the last car I purchased privately, they said it was sound then at the first service about 2 months later it needed �800 worth of work.