Advice on buying

Big_G

Just posting up because I need some help. I went to look at a car this evening, did my cartell check, followed the advice on the sticky here about buying second hand, everything seems legit. Few small points though -
1. Glovebox was locked so didn't get a look at the books, guy says he's been servicing it himself for the last few services.
2. Guy is cagey about having my mechanic look at the car. Says "I don't want to leave it with someone but I don't mind letting someone have a quick look".

The car is well priced and I drove it and it feels good. Its due a timing belt change which he volunteered and maybe two new back tires, few wear and tear dents and that, nothing extreme. Its just I've been burned in the recent past with not getting a car checked out by someone who knows what they are looking at.

My gut says walk away, but I might call him tomorrow and just say I'll buy the car on condition that my mechanic looks at it.

What say ye?

Yawlboy

Why didn't the key open the glove box?????

Brabus

Big_G wrote: »

Just posting up because I need some help. I went to look at a car this evening, did my cartell check, followed the advice on the sticky here about buying second hand, everything seems legit. Few small points though -
1. Glovebox was locked so didn't get a look at the books, guy says he's been servicing it himself for the last few services.

Ask the owner "would you mind opening the glovebox" in a nice manner. You only want to have a quick look at the manual & service book.

Go through each page to see what's being done workwise over the years.


2. Guy is cagey about having my mechanic look at the car. Says "I don't want to leave it with someone but I don't mind letting someone have a quick look".

Ask him what repair work if any has been carried out on the car. Your mechanic will confirm this when he examines the car.

He can stay there and watch both of ye check the car, let him know that you don't mind him being there.
Remember its still his property.

The car is well priced and I drove it and it feels good. Its due a timing belt change which he volunteered and maybe two new back tires, few wear and tear dents and that, nothing extreme. Its just I've been burned in the recent past with not getting a car checked out by someone who knows what they are looking at.

Ask him to get those repairs done and then you can talk business with him. Even see if he'll throw in the tyres as well into the deal. No harm in asking.

My gut says walk away, but I might call him tomorrow and just say I'll buy the car on condition that my mechanic looks at it.

What say ye?

Go with what your mechanic says. If he thinks its ok & your happy with it, then go for it.
If not, then walk away. Simple.

Atlantic Dawn

There's so many other cars on sale just move on, too many dodgy cars out there.

Big_G

Thanks for the advice. I'll call him tomorrow and do what you have advised.