Talk to me about buying used cars please!

[Namechanger8]

DH and I are looking to buy a used car….its been 10+ years since I last owned a car (then I moved to London and didn’t need it anymore) and my DH never had one. Now we’re expecting a baby plus he needs it for work, so we’re looking into it. I want to avoid getting ripped off, what are the do’s and don’ts when buying a used car? Is it better to buy from private or a dealer? What would be the maximum age and mileage we should consider? DH thinks age isn’t that important and includes cars from 2010-2014 in his shortlist if he likes what he sees otherwise, but I’m not convinced? I fear that its false economy and reparation will cost more than we save by getting such an old car. Any advice welcome!

It depends on size, budget, basic or higher, petrol, hybrid, electric, safety rating, insurance costs, manual or automatic. To start with, I wouldn’t look at a car from 2010, but I’m sure others might.

In terms of older cars, check its ulez compliant if you want to drive it into London. I suspect other cities will go a similar way too (discouraging older diesel models that is). Although I think diesel cars could be cheaper for this reason

probably easier to go via a dealer but don’t discount private sellers on auto trader- IMO more open to negotiation

definitely as a first step I’d go to one of those big car supermarket places to get a feel for what size is right. Then do more research on the models you fancy

My car is from 2006 and it runs like a dream. My mum's is an 07 and same - it really depends on how well they've been looked after.

I'd avoid private sellers, especially on Facebook because the cars tend to be misrepresented a lot of the time.

I think the first question is - what's your budget? That will dictate some of your choices!

I'd go to a big mixed dealership and have a look/sit in anything that catches your eye. Some cars seem perfect on paper but aren't comfortable or practical for whatever reason.

Avoid diesel if you do low miles (it can be fine, but a blocked DPF can be expensive!)

Honda are really reliable. My 11yo has never had anything other than the usual brakes discs etc done. My Toyota's was the same.
My 3yo Renault was a nightmare.

Its all completely dependent on your budget.

DH wants to spend less than 10k (ideally 8k) but he also wants to go for a big car because he occasionally needs to transport larger items for work. That’s why he’s looking at rather old options with high mileage. We could stretch to 18k ish, but he doesn’t think it’s worth it. We wouldn’t drive every day, more like once per week.

We've never not bought second hand cars and have never had any problems.

Buying second hand is normal now, cars are much better built and more reliable and guarantees and warranties apply from good dealers.

i would have no problem buying a car of the age you mention, stick with the brands with a good reputation for build quality. my Mercedes is 2011 and will go on for as long as I want pretty much.

If you have the registration you can look online at gov.uk and see the previous MOT history and you can expand it to see what the car failed on which potentially could show recurring issues.