to ask if anyone knows any insider stuff about the used car trade?

[PaulineWhatsername]

I want to buy a used car - have about £5k to spend and an old banger to trade in.

AIBU ro ask if anyone knows the best time of month/year to get a good deal or if there's tactics that can be used to get the best price.

Im also going to look at a used car today so marking my place!

Marking my place too, help greatly appreciated!!

Never ever ever pay a 'holding deposit'. If you change your mind it's highly likely that they'll refuse to give you it back. I keep telling my DM this and yet she keeps doing it, changing her bloody mind and losing £200 each time.

Oh and if you're spending £5k, and you buy from a one man band sort of garage, I'd pay the AA, or a local mechanic, to come and take a look at the car before you hand over the cash. Could save you an expensive headache in the future.

I would get the AA to check it over even if you are buying from a main dealership, to be honest. Also, never allow them to pressure you into making a decision by telling you that there is a price for 'today only'. Go away and think about things. If you still want the car a day or two later, they will give you that 'one time only' price whenever you return.
If they try to add admin charges, tell them to take them off the bill. They will complain, but will do it as soon as they think that you are willing to walk away over the issue. Never let them think that you are set on buying a particular make/model/car, or that you are in a rush to buy. Relaxed and happy to go elsewhere is the image you want to project.

From what is understand the best time depends on what type of car you are looking for so 4x4s are cheap in April.
Looking for personal recommendations in your area. I knows good person in WestBerks.

Don't forget if it breaks down within 6 months the seller is still liable for the repairs according to trading standards a car must be fit for purpose at point of sale.

Going against the grain, I'd sell the banger on autotrader privately iirc cars under £1000 are free to list then brace yourself for an auction. Sign up to BCA and you can check online what will be going through on certain dates. There are usually lots of ex motability cars so bear in mind you'll have to go and tax them soon as. Hold your nerve and go with an open mind and a fixed idea of price and you could bag yourself a bargain.

They may well try and sell you a warranty on a car in that price range - if you want a warranty then shop around although you may well be better off just starting a savings a account and putting a little away each month to cover repair costs. Also I would suggest an inspection by a local recommended independent marque specialist rather than AA/RAC.

Can recommend a great place Rochester if that helps at all op.

Hi I work in the motor trade and the best time to go is on the last day of the month in the afternoon because they are then trying desperately to hit their end of month target and will give you the best offers if you push!

I agree end of the month is the best time, especially if you can deal there and then.

mumofalittlegirl
Think that only applies to traders, not private sellers

Whether you get anywhere with that also depends upon other things such as age of car/seriousness of the fault etc

you have no recourse against a private seller if it breaks down it is caveat emptor ( buyer beware) it must be as described if not can use small claims court but you can't take it back if the brakes fail next week

buying from a car dealer does give you certain rights within 6 months against faults that would have been present at sale it almost certainly would not include clutch as with bad driving thy can be ruined in a few hours you can check list prices on line a car dealer will cost more than a private sale though

a high mileage car with good service history is OK as probably being driven up and down motorway and in fact is much better than 5 year old car that has only done 25,000 as it has been just pootling round town which is not as good for engine

The first thing that you need to do is decide on what car you want and why.

Thanks for your all your comments - will pay the dealer a visit tomorrow as its the last day of the month and try out my negotiating skills