bit of advice please

avfc1874

hi we're looking to buy a family car.we're looking to spend 6-7 grand on a family car.i've a 95 escort that was a great runner but needs retiring.I don't know a great deal about cars so want something reliable and comfortable, i was hoping to get an 2007 or 08.i've heard mondeo's passat' and skodas are reliable but any advice would be great.also private or dealer i know the dealers are a good bit dearer but i'm worried about going private when you hear so many bad storys. any advice would be apprieciated. thanks

richardsheil

Buy private. Assess the seller. Anything dodgy about them. Dodgy cars and sellers go together.

Get finance check etc.

coylemj

avfc1874 wrote: »

i know the dealers are a good bit dearer but i'm worried about going private when you hear so many bad storys. any advice would be apprieciated. thanks

If you compare bona fide private sellers vs. independent dealers I think you'll find that a private sale carries far less risk because you're usually buying a genuine secondhand car that is not a heap of sh1te.

What 'storys' have you heard about private sellers?

Nonoperational

Personally I search both in dealers and privately. Buy the car not the seller. Look at it on it's merits and get it checked out if your not able to yourself.

Go browsing carzone and donedeal, make a shortlist and go driving. That's the fun in buying a new car anyway!

visual

In any car its all down to how well its been looked after (service history)
if the car has been maintained correctly and serviced it should be good.
If there is no history then something is amiss most likely the cars not been serviced or looked after.
Service history also records mileage as do NCT cert and even my local tyre center notes the mileages... This will enable you compare it to the mileage on the clock and avoid clocked cars...

for the money your spending you should pick up a nice motor.
The models you listed are good.
Skoda is a favorite of taxi men as they are durable and last.
I would add Toyota to the list and even Opel.
avoid French, Italian and English cars it doesn't matter what anyone says they where rubbish and will continue to be rubbish.

Most are pointing you toward private sales... just avoid someone selling a car for someone else... The person you want to buy from should be on the log book and live at the address as shown in log book...
Dealers have the advantage of offering a warranty but you'll pay a inflated price.

Best of luck in your search for you car.

avfc1874

coylemj wrote: »

If you compare bona fide private sellers vs. independent dealers I think you'll find that a private sale carries far less risk because you're usually buying a genuine secondhand car that is not a heap of sh1te.

What 'storys' have you heard about private sellers?

i think i might be listening to lieline too much. i've heard of cars still being owed finance on and other dodgey stuff.if it was acouple of grand i'd be less worried but with 6 odd grand the jitters have set in

_Conrad_

avfc1874 wrote: »

i've a 95 escort that was a great runner but needs retiring.

You can "retire" that over here to me
Have a great affection for those as they've provided me with cheap simple transport ay times