"Two lady owners..." Car buying horror/positive stories?

[DraenorQueen]

I'm looking for a new car.
I've read threads on here which have suggested that buying a car as a woman isn't always plain sailing so to be honest I'm really not looking forward to the whole debacle. I've been on Autotrader 10 minutes and "two lady owners" on a car's positive attributes has made me smile! Has anyone experienced any particularly crap treatment or good treatment as a woman buying a car?? Also if there's anything to watch out for when buying, please advise me! I hate going in without expertise

[Grumpysfirstwife]

I wouldn't really take 'two lady owners' as a positive sign . My Mum and my sister both took their tests 5 times before passing. My Mum frequently puts the wrong fuel in the car and has on occasions put water for the washers in the oil. My sister has had 3 accidents where she was at fault and its a bloody miracle she is still alive.

I would go by the service history first. I always get a mechanic I trust to give the car a once over and always try the car at least twice. Once in daylight and once at night so you can check everything works.

Anyone who says they've had dozens of phone calls and if you don't buy it immediately you will lose the car you should walk away from.

If you need to be transporting children/pushchairs/dogs then try them in the car too. Make sure your car seats will fit in properly.

Always do a Higher Purchase check otherwise you are at risk from losing the vehicle if money is still outstanding. You can do these through the AA/RAC etc and the result is instant.

Regarding the 'lady drivers' I cant remember which comedienne it was but her sketch said something along the lines of she had driven for 30 minutes before she realised her handbrake was still on, I'm half convinced this really did happened.

[DraenorQueen]

I can't tell you how much I appreciate that advice - thanks!
Unfortunately, I also took five times to pass my test, although luckily have had a spotless record since then!
My mum is also a nightmare for pouring things in the wrong holes - she put engine sealant in the screen wash hole...
Good tip about the persistent phone calls - thanks.
I'm single and no kids so looking for something of a "luxury" car within my budges, as current car finance is nearly up - second hand Audi or similar? But can't bear the thought of being conned.

[Grumpysfirstwife]

We looked at Audis for weeks on end and eventually bought a Mazda, all singing, all dancing, leather interior, gadgets galore and it was a few thousand less than the Audi with loads less miles and it was 3 years newer. We have now managed to convert 2 others to the dark side Mazda from Audi because they were so impressed with what you got for your money.

I'm not saying don't buy an Audi, just read up on what it is you want first and consider everything. Good luck.

[DraenorQueen]

Again, thank you!!

[maamalady]

No issues here, I was pleasantly surprised! Bought our car last November, from a dealership, sales guy spoke to me and DH equally, and didn't raise a hair when it was all in my name. Particularly given the relatively high-performance nature of the car and my obvious pregnancy, that was nice.

I sold our old car through auto trader, no issues there either, although DH did do most of the talking about the car with the guys that bought it, they talked to us both.

I was anticipating much more misogyny during both buying and selling, so it was nice not to encounter any more than usual.

[DraenorQueen]

Evil, that's good to hear! I hope my experience is the same - I think I just had this idea that I'd automatically be sold a sawdust-filled duff due to my lack of experience (and ovaries.)

[ChocChocPorridge]

I've had mixed experiences with buying motorbikes regarding sexism, but for our last car we just gave in and went to a London car supermarket (Car Giant.. because we could try virtually anything and make a choice). No haggling, just pressure that we resisted over credit/some kind of coating, and no problems with the car in the 2 years since.

Life is short. Get it done in a day.. I look back at the weeks of roaming car dealers that I've done before (and months of auto trader) and kick myself

[Canklesofglitter]

I was looking for a specific model of car last year. i spotted one on a dealer forecourt and stopped to ask questions. I was asked if my husband was with me. When I said "sorry?" the sales guy repeated it. I advised him that I had obviously missed the memo about needing a penis to buy a car and I would take my offensive female pounds elsewhere.

My husband never chooses car. He hates cars and driving. I always choose, order, buy, register, pay for and collect our cars. Only once have I been handed an envelope with my name on it and not "Mr Cankles". Well done Vauxhall.

[booklooker]

In the old days, before it was considered disciminatory, female drivers would be considered safer drivers than males, and hence offered cheaper car insurance.

So, knowing that the previous owners were female, is significant.

[booklooker]

*discriminatory

[IcedCoffeeToGo]

Women are less likely to have accidents and more likely to look after their cars. Sexist but true. They will not have hunted the engine.