Second Hand car buying advice needed

at1withmyself

Hi,

I am looking to buy a second hand car but as I'm not expecting to use it much I was thinking of a 02 / 03 Ford focus which suits my budget of 3,000.

Anyway I was wondering is it safer buying private cars now that the NCT is in place? One car I am currently looking at has no service history and is 2002 but has a NCT till 2012. The owner isn't the first so is it normal not to have any service history on a car or should I be worried and look elsewhere.

Any tips on what to look for when buying second hand or any links to websites appreciated.

Thanks...

Del2005

at1withmyself wrote: »

Hi,

I am looking to buy a second hand car but as I'm not expecting to use it much I was thinking of a 02 / 03 Ford focus which suits my budget of 3,000.

Anyway I was wondering is it safer buying private cars now that the NCT is in place? One car I am currently looking at has no service history and is 2002 but has a NCT till 2012. The owner isn't the first so is it normal not to have any service history on a car or should I be worried and look elsewhere.

Any tips on what to look for when buying second hand or any links to websites appreciated.

Thanks...

The NCT is only proof that the vehicle was sound(ish) on the day it was tested. An NCT is better then nothing, you need to look at the car and make your decision on the cars merits. You sound like you need to bring a friend who knows cars or pay a trusted mechanic/AA to do an inspection.

Way too many cowboys out there to rip off the unwary and the wary.

fptosca

I would go to a Dealer. You can find an 02/03 Focus for €3K from a Dealer nowdays.
They probably won't give you any warranty on such an old car but, should anything go wrong, you won't pay for the parts but only for the labour. Also, they are obliged to have checked and serviced the car before selling it.

Esel

fptosca wrote: »

I would go to a Dealer..... They probably won't give you any warranty on such an old car but, should anything go wrong, you won't pay for the parts but only for the labour.

Dealer is obliged to give a minimum of 3 months warranty, no?

Also, if no warranty as you say - how would replacement parts be free?

Del2005

esel wrote: »

Dealer is obliged to give a minimum of 3 months warranty, no?

Also, if no warranty as you say - how would replacement parts be free?

There is no obligation for a dealer to offer any warranty, thought you'd have to be getting a very good deal if they aren't. All a dealer has to do is sell a car in a roadworthy condition.

Henry Ford III

If you can get a car with a fsh privately and satisfy yourself with it's overall condition, chances are you'll save some money.

If not there is some comfort in buying from a dealer, but not a lot in reality.