First Car

Slippin Jimmy

I have my driving test coming up within the next month, so if I pass it I am going to get a car. I have been looking on carzone a lot, I only want to buy off a car dealer rather than a private sale. I was thinking of going either for an Opel Astra or else a VW Golf.

I want to go for the older style astras, the oldest being a 00. I would love a newer type golf but I don't think I will have the money for it, so i'd be happy to settle for an older one. Every car I look at seems to have very hight milage, well I think it does anyway. Most of them are around 100,000 kms.

I want to spend about 6000 on a car, maybe 8000 at a push but definetly no more. I am just looking for a bit of advice on it. What should I be looking for when buying a car? etc

peasant

My advice always is no to spend too much money on a first car. You will put a few dents and scrapes into it at some stage, which won't matter on an old banger but will piss you off big time on something nice.

Also, you will find that running a car costs a lot more money than you initially thought, so it helps not to blow the whole budget on the purchase.

Anan1

As peasant said. I also think you'd be a lot safer buying privately - dealers at that end of the market tend to be sharks.

Quatre Mains

hi there
below is a list from another forum for a specific car (406 coupe), but most of it holds true for any car. One thing I'd say is re the NCT - dont be tempted to get a car which is nearly due its NCT. I'd rather get a car that has just failed tha that, cos at least you can see what the problem is. Some other stuff - cars need their timing belt done anywhere from 40k miles up(its different for every car) - you need to find out at what mileage its due for the Astra etc. because its a few hundred quid to get done, you dont want toget stung with one that needs it done without bargaining it into your negotiations. I'm sure others will haveplenty advice or you but hope thats a start.

To check:

Under the bonnet/car

§ General engine condition - leaks anywhere they shouldn't be?
§ Radiator – leaky?
§ Coolant/fuel pipes - not perished/split
§ Power steering reservoir ok?
§ Wing mounting bolts ok? Accident damage?
§ Oil leaks? - check around sump gasket and nut
§ Coolant & brake fluid levels - normal?
§ Screenwash bottle - ok and level? - it takes 9 Litres!
§ Strut brace - condition/present (my paint was flaky)
§ Wiring and ECU – visual check

Electricals

§ Seat memory & slide/tilt mechanism (both seats) 1, 2 & M
§ Electric mirrors - folding (6 o'clock posn) and adjustment
§ Heated seats working? (both sides)
§ Windows working? (both sides)
§ Auto dim mirror (cover front sensor on mirror nr windscreen)
§ Headlights (auto?), foglights F/R & indicators inc. hazards
§ Wipers ok inc auto mode
§ CD Changer – operation - take some CDs!
§ Radio/cassette and stalk controls
§ Any error messages on central panel/warning lights on dash?
§ Sunroof operation
§ Lock/Deadlock from key plip
§ Total closure (see threads for varying operation)
§ Alarm (lock using plip, unlock using key and get in to set off!)
§ Keys in ignition/lights on warnings
§ Fusebox (fuses correctly seated)
§ Air conditioning and fan (hot/ice cold)
§ Trip computer operation

Drive

§ Starting ok? (from cold) check it’s not been warmed up!
§ Idle – smooth?
§ Drive – Engine & power delivery smooth?
§ Clutch – ok?
§ Gearchange – ok?
§ Brakes – squeal & feel?
§ Suspension & Engine mounts cornering/start & stop – knocks?
§ Handbrake – good?
§ ESP – functional and off switch works
§ ABS – functional and stops in a straight line
§ Cruise control – functional? - setting varies depending on model
§ Power steering - operation
§ Fan/s working when up to temp?

Exterior

§ Paint condition & Rust (particularly inside door shuts)
§ Condition of light lenses and bodywork in general
§ Alloy wheel condition
§ Tyres – good quality & condition?
§ Headlight wash function
§ Boot badge condition
§ Bumpers – condition/cracks?
§ Panel gaps – all correct particularly bonnet to front wings, doors to chassis and boot to body
§ Overspray/accident damage apparent?

Interior

§ Any leaks obvious - misting up etc?
§ Radio crackle?
§ Leather condition particularly driver's seat bolster
§ Lumbar support operation
§ Locking wheel nut removal tool present?
§ Wheel nut cover removal tool (yellow) present?
§ Headlining condition
§ Mats present?
§ Storage spaces & glovebox condition?
§ Ski hatch/armrest condition
§ Spare wheel & tools present?
§ Boot – ok?
§ CD Changer cassette present?
§ Rear windows – ok?
§ Rear headrests – present?
§ Rear coat hooks - present?
§ Steering wheel reach/rake adjust operation
§ Vanity mirror lights working?
§ Petrol flap release mechanism operation
§ Map light working?

History

§ Last serviced… FSH? Stamps etc…
§ Mileage listed tally with display in car and car age (approx 10-12k/yr)?
§ Owner’s manual
§ Dealer/servicing stamps?
§ Tax?
§ NCT?
§ Spare key?
§ Receipts for work/servicing?
§ Radiator changed?
§ Cambelt changed?
§ Engine mounts changed?
§ Coil packs changed?
§ Suspension components?
§ Oil used? – semi/fully synth?