would I be mad to buy a used car without getting it checked?

[corona]

I am completely broke after a couple of years of not being able to work but as I get better I would love a car so I can drive and get out a bit more.

I have seen car advertised on our local forum (not facebook). It is a legit family who live locally, i've checked their posting history. The car has very high mileage, but is only £1400. It's a 2006 VW Golf 1.6 FSI.

It has an MOT until August 2024, I've searched their MOT history and there are advisories on the brake pads but that's it. I've chatted to my local garage who unfortunately don't do checks but said it would be about £300 to replace pads and discs.

My main worry was the timing/cam belt going, but the garage says this model of car has a chain, which is far safer and doesn't come with a recommended period after which it needs to be changed.

Which magazine say it is still a decent buy.

Is there any point in getting the AA to come out and have a look? Would they pick up things that hadn't been spotted in the MOT?

Grateful for any advice

I always use Click Mechanic - I'd never take the risk of buying without getting it checked by someone who knows more about it than me - even if the seller is genuine they themselves may not be aware of something that needs attention. I've had a Polo and a Good in the past (preferred the Polo tbh) - VW are very basic IMHO - I've ordered all the Japanese cars I've had for reliability - 2x Micra, Primera and best of the lot the Honda Civic.

How long do you need to keep it for?

If you just need a runaround for a few months, go for it. Bit if you actually need a car then give it a bit more thought.

100% get it checked. Cheap car that doesn't work= throwing your money away

Thanks for the sense check, I will definitely get it checked!

Yes you'd be mad. I only did it once and I was left with a car where the radiator fell out and I had to scrap it.

I only buy from garages now, trade sellers have a legal duty to rectify any issues for longer than a Tough It's Now Yours private seller.