Buying a car

Ok guys this is a mine field its not so bad buying a car now than in my day oh I remember all the cut and shuts and cloned cars but that was a few years ago now, still it is worth sticking to a few points to make your purchase as safe as possible. Let search2drive assist in making you understand what to buy and if it is in good condition and more importantly get a good price for your new car.

Which Car?

Do your research, buy a few different publications and read on road tests also google your cars of interest and read what owners have to say about them this is the best way to choose a car. Start looking at classified ads and make a note of prices as ammunition when buying the car you want.

There is a lot to consider when looking at cars to buy its not just the price of the car and the cost of the insurance! If you are buying a nearly new or older car you may consider buying a small new car it might be cheaper for you in the long run, use search2drives comparison sheet to see whats best for you new or old you may be suprised.

Please look at options to consider below-

Check the history of model of car you are thinking of buying - are there any common faults?
Consider the costs
Financing options
Insurance group and costs
Running costs
Servicing, maintenance and MoT costs

New car tax to consider!

Cost of vehicle tax for cars
We have tried to make this simple for you but this has been set by the government and just so you know it all changes next year! Oh th joy!

Below are the tables for petrol and alternative fuels.

The rates shown apply to tax discs taken out from 1 May 2009.

Cars registered before 1st March 2001 (based on engine size)

Engine size (cc)    12 months        6 months
Not over 1549       £ 125.00           £ 68.75
Over 1549            £ 190.00           £ 104.50

Cars registered on or after march 2001 (based on co2 emmisions and fuel type)

Heres wher it can confuse you !! The rates shown only apply to cars that have been type approved in category M1 and registered on the basis of CO2 emissions measured in grams per kilometre (g/km) driven. These details are shown on the Registration Certificate.

From 1 May 2009, Vehicle tax rates for cars registered on or after 1 March 2001 are split into 13 bands depending on CO2 emissions. The amount you will pay depends on which band your car is in. The lower a car's emissions, the lower the vehicle tax payable on it.

These bands and rates apply to all tax discs bought from 1 May 2009 onwards.

Petrol car (TC48) and diesel car (TC49)

Band       CO2 emission     12 months           6 months
                  (g/km)
A             Up to 100     Not applicable      Not applicable
B             101-110           £35.00            Not applicable
C             111-120           £35.00            Not applicable
D             121-130           £120.00              £66.00
E             131-140           £120.00              £66.00
F             141-150           £125.00              £68.75
G             151-165           £150.00              £82.50
H             166-175           £175.00              £96.25
I              176-185           £175.00              £96.25
J              186-200           £215.00              £118.25
K*            201-225           £215.00              £118.25
L              226-255           £405.00              £222.75
M            Over 255           £405.00              £222.75

* Band K includes cars that have a CO2 figure over 225g/km but were registered before 23 March 2006

Alternative fuel car (TC59)

Band      CO2 emission        12 months         6 months
             (g/km)rate
A          Up to 100            Not applicable    Not applicable
B          101-110                £15.00            Not applicable
C          111-120                £15.00            Not applicable
D          121-130                £100.00          £55.00
E          131-140                £100.00          £55.00
F          141-150                £105.00          £57.75
G          151-165                £130.00          £71.50
H          166-175                £155              £85.25
I           176-185                £155              £85.25
J           186-200                £200              £110.00
K*         201-225                £200              £110.00
L           226-255                £390              £214.50
M          Over 255               £390              £214.50

How to tax your car!

 Where to buy?



This may seem straight forward enough but please think a little! Did you know that car prices differ around the country and in cities to countryside! Look into it you may be surprised!



Here's a few other things to look at-

Franchised dealer
 
  Better quality but higher prices.
  Would possibly take a part exchange but low price given on them 
  After-sales back-up and advice and assistance. 

Independent dealer

  Wide variety and cheaper prices.
  Variable quality and after-sales care.
  Would possibly take a part exchange but low price given on them 

Car supermarket

  Few specialist cars but low prices. 
  Range of quality, some after-sales back-up.
  Most will take your old banger if you have one!

Privately (eg- from a classified ad)
 
  Lots of choice and lowest prices.
  Watch out for dodgy motors see below.
  No after-sales service.

Auction 

  Possibly good prices just dont get into a bidding war.
  Inconsistent quality - some rogue cars.
  Usually no chance for a test drive and limited comeback.


If you have made the choice of the make and model of vehicle and you know who you want to buy it from, before you make that next step of buying the vehicle it is worth checking out a few more things. It could be the difference between a bargain and a costly experience.

Find the common faults and which items to avoid on the specific make and model of car you want. Information can be gained from mechanics and other websites. Research shows these guides can save you up to £400 in hidden repair bills, you can visit used car experts via the internet

If you have found your ideal car there is additional checks that you can make to have peace of mind and secure in the knowledge you have bought a good car, such Vehicle History Checks can be done by several companies, they will provide information such as

• Is Recorded as Stolen
• We can check data from the Police National Computer for vehicles that have been taken without their owners consent.
• Recorded as having a Mileage Discrepancy
• We can highlight a potential odometer discrepancy.
• Has been Written-off
• We can uncover vehicles that have been subject to an insurance company total loss claim ie. vehicles that should never be put back on the road.
• Subject to Outstanding Finance
• We'll show if a vehicle still has outstanding finance against it. If there is finance, the company showing the finance will hold title to the car and the agreement needs to be settled before you purchase such a vehicle.
• Subject to a Previous Plate Transfer
• We can tell you if a vehicle has had its registration plate changed legitimately through the DVLA or DVLNI.
• Incorrectly described

The cost of such a search can be as little as £25 and is well worth it.

Here is another checklist for you to print off and use when looking at a car, it doesnt guarentee the car is perfect but it will help you get a bargin and hopefully not ripped off!



Print form

Once you are happy buy the car but do me a favour never ever pay the asking price !!!
I bought my golf R32 and got 8 grand off, you just play the game start way low and then meet in the middle, if you are buying from a garage or showroom they will make out that the boss will have to be asked and yes he may but dont let this put you off stand your guns.