First time buyer! Help.

thehomeofDob

Hi guys,

I'm a first time buyer, 19, just got my provisional. I'm looking for a cheapie to start me off, as I don't have the money for a more expensive car + insurance. It's only an A to B car, and it won't get much milleage so I really don't want to spend a lot of money on it.

I've found this -
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Renault/Clio/1.2-16V/1029927/

Would like some opinions. I'm looking for a 5 door, maximum 1.2, 16v if possible and a decent NCT length. This seems to match all of them. I had been looking at it last week online, and it was priced at 895, it's down to 750. Is that something to be concerned about? Or are they just trying to shift it?

I'm going to look at the car tomorrow, I really have no idea what I should be looking for. Is there a guide online (or here) with big things and little things that should be checked? Should I bother haggling something off the price? or ask them to throw in some extras (what should they be)?

I'm quite lost. Help!

bazz26

I'd be going for something like a Fiesta myself:
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Ford/Fiesta/car/1053300/
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Ford/Fiesta/car/991892/

In this price range I'd be looking at a purchase from a private seller as you will probably get better value imo, dealers will not offer you much in the way of warranty and most will only have junk traded-ins, in this price range.

Have a good mechanic check the car out before buying and try and find one with as much NCT left on it as possible.

Here is a nice tidy Polo though:
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Volkswagen/Polo/car/1058443/

Or a nice little 106:
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Peugeot/106/1.1-LOOK/1012985/

Or Hyundai Accent:
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Hyundai/Accent/LADY-OWNER/967200/

thehomeofDob

Thanks mate,
I've had a look at most of those, and none of them really meet what I'm looking for. I've checked around and a 1.3 ups my insurance by a fairly large amount. They're all 3 doors too, with no NCT's. Thanks though

What kind of checks can be run? HPI checks etc.? Where do I go to get these done? What kind of questions should I be asking the dealer about the car?

Thanks again guys. Any help is greatly appreciated.