Going to buy a car by myself

[ToKnowAnything]

My car was sadly written off by a hit and run and due to a family emergency I really can't be without a car.

I don't have anyone to view a car with as I don't know anyone who's into cars apart from a distant family friend who's busy for the next few weeks. I'm in a long distance relationship and had to move away from my usual friendship group due to this family emergency so don't have anyone who could come view this car with me. I'm on the train now to see a car that has a low mileage, has a year MOT and good service history. My partner thinks I'm stupid and because I'm a young female I'm going to be taken for a ride and ripped off (it's a private seller). I've googled what to look for in a car and I've had this car before so I should know how it sounds/drives etc. I'm now nervous thinking I'm more than likely going to be ripped off and it's a bad idea but I feel like I don't have much choice. Any top tips what I should be looking for (I've checked it's not stolen etc/going to take it for a test drive).. I've also not looked at a car before as my previous cars I always bought them off family.

I’ll be doing the same in a couple of weeks
I’m 43 but still I’m sure a lot of people would say I shouldn’t go alone

I started a thread about buying a car in case it’s any help

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/cars/3649677-Car-purchase-for-dummies

Sorry, just realised that’s not much help!

In terms of a used car from a private seller, I’d be looking carefully at the body of the car.

See if you can take a friend with you, if anything so you get a different perspective on what you’re getting. Ideally one that has brought a car before, though doesn’t have to be. Just for the added support can help. Also recommend an HPI check. Some dealers might offer to run one for you, but you can do it yourself. I think there’s a fee but it’s worth doing. For me personally I would avoid buying one from a private seller as they can’t provide even a second hand warranty, and you have to take them at their word everything is fine with the car, and I think it can be difficult to return it if there’s a problem.

I meant to post this link from the RAC www.rac.co.uk/buying-a-car/rac-car-data-check/what-is-a-hpi-check#reveal

Look carefully at the car and paperwork.
If you buy it keep a copy of the advert and any messages - preferably ask for full details in writing if anything is not mentioned in the advert. Then if the car is a dud and is not as described you have a chance of getting your money back.

@Grace212 unfortunately I've just given up my job due to this family emergency so unable to get any finance (I probably could but I want to make sure I'm in a permanent job beforehand - this car will probably be handed to my little bro once I get back on my feet in a few month/year).

From the listing the body work looks good and so does the interia - I've heard to look at the steering wheel as evidence of 'clocking'.

Keep your eyes open as per the advice in line and as described and you can make just as good a decision as anyone else. If you want a free check for insurance categorisation (has it ever been a write off) log on to auto trader and go through the process of listing the car. It will yell you if it's categorised (C,D,S,N). HAve to use the desk top site though.

Check mot history online. Google DVLA mot history and you can see everything that's been done.

Can I add to check all the windows,fans, lights work etc and look at exhaust to see if it’s blackened from any oil probs. Good luck tho.

Another vote for checking the Mot history online, it will give you every test result it's had, including what it failed on and any advisories.

look down the sides of the car to make sure that the panels line up.
look under the hood/bonnet to check for any different coloured parts, headlamps, paint etc. (no point in looking for oil as they will probably cleaned it up.

Check the boot, underneath the mats/carpet for rust or odd coloured paint.

look at the gear shift gaiter for wear, same for the pedals.

What are the advisories on the MOT?

Buying private is always going to involve some luck.

Check MoT history online.... also how old is the car? If less than 5 years are there any warranties still current....
Check the oil regardless of age....
Look at service history if available.... ask about any upcoming maintenance if much older....
If car is over 3vyears ir may be worth paying someone from a garage or AA to check it over...
Ensure no outstanding finance... check tyres
If MoT is older than a month or two ask if they will MoT it....
What is the car? Age, makevand model and we might be able to give more specific help

hpicheck.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjwm4rqBRBUEiwAwaWjjL7mW9NlFU16oToIS7GXxxJFyD5w3XT6YHFIzE_ez6so-vpgu6wHRBoCw4EQAvD_BwE

It's worth the £10 to get a hpi check done.

On the test drive check to see that the steering wheel lines up with the wheel being straight, and how responsive the car is when turning checking for play in the bushes etc.
also if you can see if the car will stay in a straight line when your hands are off the steering wheel if it doesn't it could be a bushes, bearings or tracking.

Turn the car on full lock both ways to see if there is any noise from the bearings.

Honestly, pay the AA or RAC (or someone) to come and do a vehicle inspection.

Aa will do a check for a fee

Some tips:

1. Join the owners group on facebook for the car your looking to buy, and ask for common faults to be aware of.

1. Check the MOT history (www.gov.uk/check-mot-history)

Things to look for are mainly repeated advisories for the same items, tyres worn close to the limit, bulbs not working and brakes not working efficiently. These items will suggest poor maintenance of the vehicle.

1. Physically check the tyres for correct pressure and even wear. Also check what brand has been used. A budget ditch finder suggests that the owner puts cost above safety and the vehicle could be lacking in other areas.

1. Check the service history. Personally, I find that a car taken to a specialist is normally better than a main dealer, however, make a note of who did the last couple of services and give them a call.

1. Check that mileages are consistant on the mot history and are consistant for its age.

May be cheaper to buy your car back and have it repaired. Insurance never give full value, argue with them

1. Do a (proper) HPI check

I know it’s a bit late now but you can pay the AA or similar to come out with you and check the car over before handing any money over, it would put any potential scammer off if they know a professional will see it with you. I hope the car is ok and they didn’t rip you off

Check oil and water levels, so basic but you'd be surprised how many times I've viewed cars where these have been very low or empty!
Get the seller to start the engine while you check the back end for smoke.
MOT checker online
Service history and receipts for work done.
Cam belt change if car is of a certain age or mileage.

Good luck op, dp is looking to get a new car so we will be going through this soon!

Try a search of the seller's name, address and phone number to see if they're selling any more. Many dodgy traders try to pose as private sellers to avoid much comeback if the car turns out to be a dud

Even if you know, pretend you can't find some little-used controls; if the car's his he'll know where they are, but if he hasn't a clue ...