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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

How do I buy a car?

30 replies

Georock · 17/12/2025 20:44

Please no nasty comments, I have never bought a car and I am completely lost. DH has always been the one to buy cars etc. and never taken me with him so I have literally never in my life even been to a dealership, my self esteem is rock bottom so I don’t trust myself to do this alone. Can someone please guide me?

the only dealership I know is car giant, any opinions on this? I don’t feel comfortable going to peoples houses to look at cars and would prefer from a dealership. Please help me. I’m so useless I don’t know where to start from, we have a car currently that we both drive that is on its last legs and I drive kids around in it and I feel it’s not safe, it’s about 14 years old

OP posts:
Georock · 17/12/2025 20:59

Do you think car giant is a good place to lease/buy from?

OP posts:
BrentfordForever · 17/12/2025 20:57

@Georock don’t buy…. Lease!!!

I ve bought and leased cars and the latter has always come cheaper (mainly cause they’re new so no issues for 3 years )

Google car lease offers , there are some great EV offers around

good luck x

Statsquestion1 · 17/12/2025 20:54
  1. decide on your budget/type of finance
  2. decide on what you want from a car
  3. go to a dealership etc
  4. see if you can trade in your old car
  5. Make a deal
  6. buy the car
Bundleflower · 17/12/2025 20:50

If it passes an MOT and hasn’t been in a bump, then I’d be surprised if a 2011 car isn’t safe.
Other than that, you literally just arrive, discuss your wants, look around, go for a few test drives and if you like it then you pay. It’s really quite simple and sales people are trained to make it straightforward so that you part with your money!

FieldInWhichFucksAreGrownIsBarren · 17/12/2025 20:46

Go to a car supermarket and look round/test drive some. Decide what you like then whack it in auto trader and choose dealers only.

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