Is there an easier/fairer way to buy a car?

[rumred]

Hello all
I hate buying and selling cars. Usually feel robbed and hoodwinked - with good reason a few times.

Is there a best way to do it rather than turn up at showrooms and being patronised/robbed? I've been advised to take a man next time. Feels really crap to have to play games

Dealerships offer protection because the Consumer Rights Act 2015 gives you the right to ask for a full refund in the first 30 days after buying if your car (new or used) proves to be faulty. And few reputable dealerships (check their reviews) want the hassle of a dissatisfied customer, so it’s not in their interests to deliberately sell you a lemon.

Do you have a local Adult Education College? Many offer basic “Intro to car mechanics” type courses - you don’t have to be a man to learn things about cars! Aside from anything else, being able to change a tyre, change your own oil etc is always useful.

We have literally just bought a car from motorpoint, it was a throughly pleasant experience and we didn't feel robbed or patronised at all.

I bought my car from a dealer (ordered it from new) and didn't feel patronised/robbed at all.

Do your research into what car you want, so when you go in there you know what you want and you're armed with info.

Thanks for the comments.
I know I don't need a man, I'm generally competent and know a fair bit about cars. I change my tyres, and neighbours' too. It feels though that women are sometimes treated as idiots in car showrooms. Not all, obviously.

Last one I bought had 4 previous owners not 1 as I was verbally told. I had just had a cancer diagnosis and needed something reliable. The company I dealt with - available car were thoroughly difficult and dishonest and I couldn't get my money back. It's a long story but they were underhand. Fortunately the car has been great but I need something else now. I'm just very wary now.
I'll have a look at motor point, thanks

I bought my last one from Arnold Clark. Unlike before I went in with a general spec I wanted and was very "straight" with them. In return I didn't find them pushy at all. They done all I asked, gave me a very decent trade in value for my old car and took some more money off the new car, which was already on sale, without me even haggling. In the end I got the age and spec of car I wanted for about 3.5k less than I budgeted for.