Where to get a car from?

[Alexx..]

I've checked autotrader but nobody is selling the car I want on that site. So where else could I have a look?

Thanks

[Robbie]

pistonheads
gumtree
motors
loot (lolololol)
local classifieds in papers etc

[danzooo]

what's the car your after? you really need to broaden your search sometimes, try searching for just the make + model upto X amount of miles away, it may just be listed wrong in the ads.

But apart from that, gumtree, pistonheads, auto trader magazine, local classifieds, even just have a gander round your local used car forecourts.

[Conservative,]

Look around local 2nd hand places and maybe auction houses? and the sites said above too ;) and you may have to compromise tbh.

[Alexx..]

what's the car your after? you really need to broaden your search sometimes, try searching for just the make + model upto X amount of miles away, it may just be listed wrong in the ads.

But apart from that, gumtree, pistonheads, auto trader magazine, local classifieds, even just have a gander round your local used car forecourts.

I'm after a clio.

Thanks everyone :)

[Ajthedragon]

I'd suggest a used car dealership, simply because you're bound to get something reliable and well-maintained (and clean carpets ;)). You also might be motivated to look after it better.

Failing that, a family member or friend. Or classified ads. A lot of ebay cars you spend more in petrol getting the damn thing than just buying one locally.

[tdi]

Private > trade. If it's something specialist don't be afraid to travel. Make sure that the seller seems genuine enough, check the service history to make sure it's genuine and not been filled in with fake stamps, check for overspray in door checks etc to make sure it hasn't been damaged and if you're almost certain it's the right car get an HPI check, proper ones are about £15 but are worth it to make sure it hasn't got a dodgy past.

[Alexx..]

Does anyone wanna take me to newcastle to pick up this car? http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/uvl/popup.jsp?currentaction=searchresults&e2w=357&sort=5&did=357&partner=TMG&postcode=ne258ug&make=RENAULT&max_records=200&dropdowntype=uvl&configfile=http://dealerservices.autotrader.co.uk/dealers/357/357_config.xml&searchsrc=msl&miles=1&modelexact=1&lid=search_used__full&model=CLIO&source=2&csslocation=http://dealerservices.autotrader.co.uk/dealers/357/357&id=201052376121178&distance=0

[danzooo]

looks clean, but you're better looking for a "dynamique" model - alloys, cd, auto lights + wipers, spoiler etc, like my old one

[Metric1]

I've bought my Hondas from dealers as certified used vehicles (not that it matters, just inspected and guaranteed by Honda). My 03' Accord had a perfect Carfax report, my 2nd one didn't. It had been in a side collision and both passenger doors had been replaced along with the curtain airbag and seat because of the side airbag. The damage had been repaired flawlessly, no body filler used at all (I took a magnet to the whole side and it stuck, which is a good way to check because it won't stick to areas that have been repaired with body filler).

When looking at a vehicle:
- get a vehicle history report
- look at it during the day and night and in different lights to make sure the paint matches perfectly, metallic and pearl paints are very hard to match and don't blend well
- check the maintenance schedule, you don't want to buy something a few thousand miles away from a major maintenance item such as a timing belt or major engine service
- take a magnet to the body panels (not the bumpers because they're plastic and the magnet obviously won't stick to plastic)
- check the tires, make sure they match and have good tread (unless you're planning to replace them)
- ask for maintenance records, they will have the mileage on them, this will ensure the car has been serviced and the odometer hasn't been rolled back
- in the USA our vehicles have the VIN number stamped on all the body panels, make sure all the body panels match the vin on the lower corner of the windshield, you don't want to buy half of one vehicle and half of another.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z76hMSfYUd0

you can see how bad something can look before and how good it can look in the end!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQo--h8J298

[jesus]

I've checked autotrader but nobody is selling the car I want on that site. So where else could I have a look?

Thanksthe same place but in a week's time

wait to find the right car, not just one you like at the time