First time buyer

FunLover18

First time buyer just looking for some advice. I have my eye on my dream car, second-hand, nearly ten years old with a high mileage due to the previous owner's commute. It's a Simi dealer but because it'd be my first purchase of a car I'm a bit nervous of it actually costing me more down the line, basically I don't know how trusting to be. The car as a full service history and it's been serviced by the same garage throughout its lifetime but I'm wondering if I should get an independent mechanic to inspect it before going ahead with the deal. Wondering what people think/would recommend. The dealer is also only offering a three month warranty, which doesn't seem like a lot but maybe it's that normal given the age. Any advice or opinion much appreciated.

fonecrusher1

Looks good. Go for it.




PS: You might want to provide a link to where the car is being advertized or failing that tell us what the car actually is and what mileage.

FunLover18

fonecrusher1 wrote:

PS: You might want to provide a link to where the car is being advertized or failing that tell us what the car actually is and what mileage.

Oh yeh sure, sorry. It's an Audi, just over 200,000km. So, is a three month warranty normal for a second hand car?

fonecrusher1

FunLover18 wrote: »

Oh yeh sure, sorry. It's an Audi, just over 200,000km. So, is a three month warranty normal for a second hand car?

Petrol, diesel? Which model? How many owners, manual, automatic? Asking price?

3 months is better than nothing. Some second hand dealers don't bother with warranties at all on older stock ie; over 10 yrs. I got a 3 month engine / gearbox warranty on my 2009 petrol Mazda 6.

FunLover18

fonecrusher1 wrote:

Petrol, diesel? Which model? How many owners, manual, automatic? Asking price?

TT, pertrol, manual, one owner, 5k

fonecrusher1

You said its nearly 10 years old. So its a petrol 2008 Audi TT with 200,000 Km's on the clock for €5k?

With a full service history that seems like a bit of a bargain. Just looking at DD and Carzone they're coming in around the €8 - 9k. Varys on mileage.

A full / comprohensive inspection will cost you about €300 / €350 unless you know someone in the trade that will have a look for cheap.

Doddles88

Is it the 2.0 litre petrol? You are a first time buyer, do you have any no claims bonus or named driver experience built up? If not and its the 2.0 petrol you are going to get screwed by the insurance companies. That combined with fairly large road tax each year and a pretty thirsty engine I think maybe hold off on the dream car for a bit. Warranty as well wont cover everything, probably only the engine and gearbox. If anything happens to the electrics or suspension they wont do anything.

FunLover18

Doddles88 wrote:

Is it the 2.0 litre petrol? You are a first time buyer, do you have any no claims bonus or named driver experience built up? If not and its the 2.0 petrol you are going to get screwed by the insurance companies. That combined with fairly large road tax each year and a pretty thirsty engine I think maybe hold off on the dream car for a bit. Warranty as well wont cover everything, probably only the engine and gearbox. If anything happens to the electrics or suspension they wont do anything.

I'm lucky that I so of inherited a car when it's owner emigrate so I have at least 5 years no claim to name, I've already got a quote from my insurance company and while it will go up it's within my budget. Like you said the tax will be the biggest hit but I have taken all that into consideration.

FunLover18

fonecrusher1 wrote:

A full / comprohensive inspection will cost you about €300 / €350 unless you know someone in the trade that will have a look for cheap.

Woah, are they that much? I hadn't expected that. To be honest it was my dad who gave me the idea but I think it was only because he'd be more worried about me getting taken advantage of as a first timer, but they seem to be a fairly reputable garage.

Doddles88

FunLover18 wrote: »

Doddles88 wrote:

Is it the 2.0 litre petrol? You are a first time buyer, do you have any no claims bonus or named driver experience built up? If not and its the 2.0 petrol you are going to get screwed by the insurance companies. That combined with fairly large road tax each year and a pretty thirsty engine I think maybe hold off on the dream car for a bit. Warranty as well wont cover everything, probably only the engine and gearbox. If anything happens to the electrics or suspension they wont do anything.

I'm lucky that I so of inherited a car when it's owner emigrate so I have at least 5 years no claim to name, I've already got a quote from my insurance company and while it will go up it's within my budget. Like you said the tax will be the biggest hit but I have taken all that into consideration.

Good stuff! Look if you're happy with the deal and everything checks out with the car, go for it! Seem to be on the ball doing your homework so I am sure you would know a clear lemon if you saw it. Full service history is key.

FunLover18

Doddles88 wrote:

Good stuff! Look if you're happy with the deal and everything checks out with the car, go for it! Seem to be on the ball doing your homework so I am sure you would know a clear lemon if you saw it. Full service history is key.

Thanks, that's good to hear. I always like to think I do my research but at the same time I'm someone who's always doubting myself and wondering what I haven't thought of.

mgbgt1978

One small thing. Don't read anything into the fact that they are a SIMI Dealer.
SIMI only exist as a lobby Group for Car Dealers and are of little use to Car Buyers.
That's not to put you off this particular Car (or Dealer). Just to make you aware that the SIMI aspect shouldn't sway you one way or another.

fonecrusher1

FunLover18 wrote: »

Woah, are they that much? I hadn't expected that. To be honest it was my dad who gave me the idea but I think it was only because he'd be more worried about me getting taken advantage of as a first timer, but they seem to be a fairly reputable garage.

Yup I got qouted €340 for an assessment on a 2009 Mazda 6. Looney money in terms of the car value. I just inspected it myself! Bit of pre-knowledge on what to look out for on the 1.8 litre petrol unit which isn't a lot really. Good thorough test drive, check all electrics. I was happpy in the end it was a good car. Plus a bit of a warranty anyway for short term peace of mind.

You should chance your arm and ask for a 6 month warranty! They might oblige. Worth a try.

Edit: Get it reg checked before buying! It'll either give you more confidence in buying it or potentially help you steer clear of a car with a dodgey history!

bazz26

There isn't much value in buying a 10 year old 5k car from dealers. The dealer's profit doesn't allow him much to spend on fixing the car or offering warranty. 3 month warranty is all good and well until you see the exclusions.

PCeeeee

fonecrusher1 wrote: »

You said its nearly 10 years old. So its a petrol 2008 Audi TT with 200,000 Km's on the clock for €5k?

With a full service history that seems like a bit of a bargain. Just looking at DD and Carzone they're coming in around the €8 - 9k. Varys on mileage.

A full / comprohensive inspection will cost you about €300 / €350 unless you know someone in the trade that will have a look for cheap.

€5000 for a 2008 TT is cheap. I would certainly have your eyes wide open.