Dealer or private?

Vamoose Killers

Corsa decided to pack it in today so I'm on the lookout for a new car. I intend on paying by cash so obviously a private deal would be better. But then I get a warranty if I buy off a dealer. Is private usually okay to go with (prices are a lot cheaper)?

Looking for something from 2k - 3k, 1.2litre or so.

Alanstrainor

With those kind of prices eg 3k and less i'd be thinking buying a car privately would be the better option. It's worth your while shopping around however and seeing what kind of deals you can get both privately and with dealers. And be sure to check what these "warranties" cover if looking at Dealership cars, As they may not be worth very much at all.

Vamoose Killers

Damn timing chain gone in my old one

Cheers.

mikemac

At the price I'd go private.
If you don't have much mechanical knowledge bring along a mate who does when going to view a car.

At <3k a dealers warranty will probably only cover engine & gearbox. Ok it's something but you need to decide if you're willing to pay for that. As it's factored into the price

Cicero

would go private- but..with full dealer history or service history... for 2-3 K, you'll get a lot of options...

Step 1 - find the car you want (private dealer)

Step 2- Pay a couple 100 euro for a mechanic to give it a once over

Step 3- on basis on mechanics report, bargain hard or bargain hard anyway ..

Really, at the price range of EUR 2K - 3K- or even a few grand above, the dealers don't do much to the car before putting it in the forecourt and absolutely no guarantee they will be around in a few months to come through on those guarantees they promised, so best buy private but pick your car, service history and moment in advance before putting down your money=== cheers

carface

OP with a small budget dont rule out anything dealer or private.
find a vehicle you are happy with first. Lots of private sales in that price bracket often tend to be stuff dealers will not trade in for reasons such as resale preparation costs,warranty problems etc. Buying private is not always the bed of roses people like to portray so keep an open mind.
With regards warranty a dealer is bound by sale of goods act to provide a product fit for the purpose intended for a reasonable lenght of time which is a lot more than you get buying privately. To close a sale a dealer will have little bother agreeing to a 3 or 6 month period with you. With a 3k budget dont be expecting 12months. Searching the net is great to find cars but always ring and speak to a seller to get best prices.
all the best