help buying a car

[admaicyam]

hi all,

im new to this site and was just wanted 2 ask what you guys think a first time car buyer should b looking out for when buying a car.

as you can probably tell i dont really have that much knowledge about cars but want to get to know abt them!

i've been looking at some mags and the net to get 2 know wats out there...but i dont really know wat i'm looking.

any advice would b gr8!!

ady

[bluejonjo]

Look for What Car? magazine's buying guide they do once in a while. Extensive and impartial.

What I do: It pays to think negatively about every aspect: If it has a new clutch, did the last one burn out cos the guy drives like a nob sort of thing

Apart from the obvious stuff like seeing if everything works

Look down the length of the car along the wings both sides. The panels should have smooth transitions and no discolouration. If it looks wobbley could be a bad repair job.

Tyre wear should be even. If one side is worn more than the other tracking could be off or it could be a sign of something worse.

Always see the car start from cold. Put you hand on the bonnet to see if its been warmed up before you arrived to see it. Be wary if its warm.

Never buy a car in the rain. It hides a multitude of sins.

Rev the engine and have a mate look for smoke. White means headgasket gone, black means oil leaking in the combustion chamber. Expensive.

Check the spare wheel area for signs of resprays/rust. Rust means water is leaking in from the boot. Different colours means its been smacked up the arse. Same for the sills by the driver side. Look under the carpets.

[bluejonjo]

NEVER buy a car without complete V5 (and full service history if your a newbie) No V5 and its probably nicked or a ringer.

Check the V5 document against the VIN plate on the engine plate, and still/windscreen no.s. they should match. If the numbers have been filed off its stolen.

For extra piece of mind get an HPI check done and if your still not sure, an AA car check. Worth the effort and expense, it could save you a small fortune.

If it seems iffy, walk away. Dont fall in love with anything at first sight. There are 30 million cars in the UK. You can always get one of those instead!

I could go on. Best Get the guide for more info.

[PhilBy]

If you are young check out the cost of insurance before you buy!

[Mudman]

Cheap and cheerful for a first buy!..

You've heard people saying "They never forget their first car"?

Maybe not exactly an old 'banger', but something with character.. I bet you learn plenty about engines from it!

[admaicyam]

wow, thank u 4 all the info!

i'll definetley get the guide - i think theres loads i have to read up on.

im 20 and taking drivin lessons at the moment, left things a bit late but i will b ready 4 my test soon. im plannin 2 take the pass plus...so hopefully that'll reduce insurance once i do get a car.

im looking to get a small to medium sized car, im not too fussy with wat it looks like but not sum old 'banger'. i do like the yaris or clio.....but i cant really afford those cars to be honest. i'll probobly get something like a fiesta, micra, or punto - but it depends really.

thanks 4 all the advice!!

ady x