The Car Buying Minefield!

DOBBER112

Just can't seem to find the right car for the right money.

Been looking for either of the below:

Volvo S40 either 1.6P or 1.6D (SE or even R-Design with leather interior and without astronomical mileage 05 onwards)
Mitsubishi Lancer 1.6P (07 or 08 current model with spoiler and body kit, Sat Nav would be a huge plus)
VW Passat 1.6P FSI Highline (black or silver 05 onwards)

Been on donedeal every day and the cars I've looked at have been rough or sellers have not been completely honest about their history etc...went to see a Volvo S40 and even though it was a stunning looking car it was being sold by a traveler who's name wasn't on the ownership documents and the service book with full service history in the photo on the advert had mysteriously disappeared!? Jog on lad...
Some folks are looking for too much money for their cars and being honest its only worth what a punter is willing to pay for it.
Its a minefield out there folks but I'm under no pressure and have time to look and will wait until I get what a want. Rant Over...thank you...that is all

dgt

I thinks you need to broaden your horizon. Ever consider Wilsons auctions? Look at adverts or carzone?

Cheap cars are out there and now is the time to buy

DOBBER112

dgt wrote: »

I thinks you need to broaden your horizon. Ever consider Wilsons auctions? Look at adverts or carzone?

Cheap cars are out there and now is the time to buy

I've used carzone, donedeal, cbg, local papers, merlin car auctions, wilsons car auctions and have traveled 200klms and back again to see a car but to no avail..as yet
Broaden my horizon means settle for an alternative of which at present I'm not willing to do. There's a 07 1.6P Passat Highline just came up on donedeal but the owner wants over 9 grand for it...nice car but not for me at that price.

MidlandsM

DOBBER112 wrote: »

Some folks are looking for too much money for their cars and being honest its only worth what a punter is willing to pay for it.

Hmmmmmmmmmm, I hear this erronious statement a lot.........and its not true when seeking out a good diesel car. Day in, day out I get daft and stupid offers on car I stock, and get told "ooohhhhhhhh, its too dear or you're seeking to much, or its only worth etc" - but yet soon I always nearly get my asking price. Why?

Well, because I only do nice metal, not scrap, and you'll traverse the country looking at shyte and being told lies for weeks if unlucky.

Good diesels, 2008 on are scarce, and prices are firm, and older good stuff can comment good dollars too, bacause there is SO much shyte and scrap out there.
Don't fool yourself about all this "its a buyers market stuff" - its not in good diesels - only in SHYTE DIESELS AND CARS NOBODY WANTS THESE DAY, (petrol big engined yokes etc etc)

dgt

DOBBER112 wrote: »

I've used carzone, donedeal, cbg, local papers, merlin car auctions, wilsons car auctions and have traveled 200klms and back again to see a car but to no avail..as yet
Broaden my horizon means settle for an alternative of which at present I'm not willing to do. There's a 07 1.6P Passat Highline just came up on donedeal but the owner wants over 9 grand for it...nice car but not for me at that price.

That car in that year is at very most worth 7k as most people prefer diesels. That chap is a dreamer, don't be surprised if you see that car for sale significantly reduced in a few weeks :pac:

run_Forrest_run

I agree with you DOBBER112!
OK, I've only started looking but last Saturday was a frustrating day.

Maybe ye can advise me on this one:

I asked to test drive one car in the yard (Mazda 6, 08) and the lad said the battery was flat. He started the car with the booster and then told me since the steering was electric (?) it was seizing due to the flat battery and he couldn't let me drive it in that condition even though the mechanic drove it down the yard to the front of the building and he was throwing it around, seemed to steer fine for him.

How plausible is that?
Do you think he was trying to avoid letting me drive it? It was 4:50pm, maybe he had plans to go drinking early or something:D

dgt

run_Forrest_run wrote: »

I agree with you DOBBER112!
OK, I've only started looking but last Saturday was a frustrating day.

Maybe ye can advise me on this one:

I asked to test drive one car in the yard (Mazda 6, 08) and the lad said the battery was flat. He started the car with the booster and then told me since the steering was electric (?) it was seizing due to the flat battery and he couldn't let me drive it in that condition even though the mechanic drove it down the yard to the front of the building and he was throwing it around, seemed to steer fine for him.

How plausible is that?
Do you think he was trying to avoid letting me drive it? It was 4:50pm, maybe he had plans to go drinking early or something:D

Electric steering does take a decent battery to operate properly.

I hate electric steering :mad:

Voodoomelon

Honestly, I never liked the idea of paying for a car privately. Sure, there can be scrap at the dealers, but you have no rights with a private purchase.

Unless I was after something special or if the seller was into his/her cars with a full history, i'd tend to stick with a garage.

DOBBER112

dgt wrote: »

That car in that year is at very most worth 7k as most people prefer diesels. That chap is a dreamer, don't be surprised if you see that car for sale significantly reduced in a few weeks :pac:

You hit the nail on the head fella I'd offer 7k and maybe there might be a sniff of interest as 9250 is as you stated "dreaming". Ah well the quiet child gets no sweets...mail sent.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3191962

DOBBER112

Voodoomelon wrote: »

Honestly, I never liked the idea of paying for a car privately. Sure, there can be scrap at the dealers, but you have no rights with a private purchase.

Unless I was after something special or if the seller was into his/her cars with a full history, i'd tend to stick with a garage.

I've bought two of my cars privately and managed to get real value for money and seriously reliable cars at that. Its a lot of hassle alright but patience and persistence does pay off. Always helps to have a mate who's a mechanic and a background check of the car is a must.

DOBBER112

After much persistence I managed to get the highline Passat, Happy Days!

2006 VW Passat Highline 1.6P FSI 94k klms, mint condition for 5.5k
Cartell and finance check completed, local mechanic had a hefty snoop...perfect!

Alanstrainor

DOBBER112 wrote: »

After much persistence I managed to get the highline Passat, Happy Days!

2006 VW Passat Highline 1.6P FSI 94k klms, mint condition for 5.5k
Cartell and finance check completed, local mechanic had a hefty snoop...perfect!

Well wear man, it's a great feeling to finally get a motor after a long search!

pred racer

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Well wear man, it's a great feeling to finally get a motor after a long search!

Or in your case a long long long search:D

Well wear op

Im seeing alot of threads like this, and tbh i find it a little strange.
I bought my last car in January, kept an eye on donedeal and carzone etc for most of December, singled out 2 that would be worth a look(08 black alfa 159 jtdm) went to see the first one, bodwork was ****e (as anybody who has seen my car will agree) but importantly the price reflected this, took it for a spin, did the deal, motorcheck showed outstanding finance, dealer assured me this would be taken care of shook hands and picked it up 2 days later.
I presume its because the car i was looking for is rare enough with a limited market, wheras there would be literally hundreds in the catagories you have specified

Bigus

pred racer wrote: »

Or in your case a long long long search:D

Well wear op

Im seeing alot of threads like this, and tbh i find it a little strange.
I bought my last car in January, kept an eye on donedeal and carzone etc for most of December, singled out 2 that would be worth a look(08 black alfa 159 jtdm) went to see the first one, bodwork was ****e (as anybody who has seen my car will agree) but importantly the price reflected this, took it for a spin, did the deal, motorcheck showed outstanding finance, dealer assured me this would be taken care of shook hands and picked it up 2 days later.
I presume its because the car i was looking for is rare enough with a limited market, wheras there would be literally hundreds in the catagories you have specified

I presume you've motor checked it since to make sure the finance is clear at this stage ?

pred racer

Bigus wrote: »

I presume you've motor checked it since to make sure the finance is clear at this stage ?

Guy had the paperwork from the finance company there on the day.
Told me its fairly normal when cars are ex lease/repo etc.

But yes I did;)

Alanstrainor

pred racer wrote: »

Or in your case a long long long search:D

Well wear op

Im seeing alot of threads like this, and tbh i find it a little strange.
I bought my last car in January, kept an eye on donedeal and carzone etc for most of December, singled out 2 that would be worth a look(08 black alfa 159 jtdm) went to see the first one, bodwork was ****e (as anybody who has seen my car will agree) but importantly the price reflected this, took it for a spin, did the deal, motorcheck showed outstanding finance, dealer assured me this would be taken care of shook hands and picked it up 2 days later.
I presume its because the car i was looking for is rare enough with a limited market, wheras there would be literally hundreds in the catagories you have specified

Ah sure sometimes it pays to be picky!

pred racer

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Ah sure sometimes it pays to be picky!

I havent seen the 'Silver Dream Machine' yet so i cant comment:D