Am I being too picky? Second hand cars.

CityBro · 2024-07-22T19:03:27+00:00

My car has died and a need a new one. Budget is £7500. Looking at Mitsubishi Outlanders and Toyota Rav4s. But open to others. I like a high up car with boot space. I've looked at a few. The first one the dealer lied about it having a full service history, the second one the dealer said it had service history but had no evidence, and stated the warranty was with his garage so if the car needed work under warranty in the next 12 months I'd have to drive it 50 miles to him. One had double the mileage of the autotrader ad (mistake apparently). I really need a car I just can't find one! Living rurally doesn't help. Has anyone else found buying a second hand car really difficult? Summer hols and going to struggle until I find one!

MissUltraViolet · 22/07/2024 20:09

It's stressful. Done it a few times and every single time the car ended up being a total piece of shit.

Have you considered other car body types? I also like a big car but quickly realised that you can get much more for your money (newer, lower milage etc) if you come away from the 4x4 styles. Are you near any car supermarket type dealerships where you can go sit in a few and see if anything else might work for you?

stickygotstuck · 22/07/2024 20:12

I second the car supermarket for inspiration. You may find something that suits that you never thought about before.

However, I am in the same situation as you, and I am hoping to avoid actually buying from one of them. I'd rather find one at an actual dealer. A bit more expensive, but the aftercare and the warranty are important to me.

Original poster

CityBro · 22/07/2024 20:12

MissUltraViolet · 22/07/2024 20:09

It's stressful. Done it a few times and every single time the car ended up being a total piece of shit.

Have you considered other car body types? I also like a big car but quickly realised that you can get much more for your money (newer, lower milage etc) if you come away from the 4x4 styles. Are you near any car supermarket type dealerships where you can go sit in a few and see if anything else might work for you?

I'm looking at estates too. I like being able to shove bikes/tents etc in the car and I also sleep in the car with my 5yo a lot (stick a mattress in the back).

OP posts:

Original poster

CityBro · 22/07/2024 20:13

stickygotstuck · 22/07/2024 20:12

I second the car supermarket for inspiration. You may find something that suits that you never thought about before.

However, I am in the same situation as you, and I am hoping to avoid actually buying from one of them. I'd rather find one at an actual dealer. A bit more expensive, but the aftercare and the warranty are important to me.

What do you mean by actual dealer?

OP posts:

stickygotstuck · 22/07/2024 20:22

@CityBro - a main dealer outlet with an good garage attached. The kind of place you take your (new) car back for service while it's still in warranty.

So in your case, it could be a Toyota or Mistubishi dealership, but also Seat, Peugeot, Mazda, whatever. These tend to offer the longer warranties and their cars are more likely to have been checked thoroughly in their own garage. The car supermarkets tend to rely on volume and some are more thorough than others.

But that's just me. I know that loads of people are perfectly happy with cars they bought at car supermarkets!

mustardrarebit · 22/07/2024 21:01

Yep, looked for one for ages before importing our own Toyota Alphard from Japan. They retail for ~ £80k new (same as Lexus LM), we got a 2013 for £11k on the road. 7 very comfortable seats, all the bells and whistles. Despite being a spacious car it's only as wide as a Qashqai, so easy to park. You could easily pick up a 2008 or later model for your budget, although you'd get even more for your money if you imported one.

nats2010 · 22/07/2024 21:25

Hey OP?
Have you thought of Volvo xc60 or volvo estate?
I have an xc90 (probably a bit too big for you) but it's an older one and have an s40 (also mid 00s). Previously had v50 estate. Also had an audi q5. Live in rural NI with really crap roads, and have done district nursing and towed cattle trailer/horse box with all vehicles. Would rate them all. Current s40 I kid you not I drive the absolute crap out of it and I bought it 5 years ago for less than 1k.
None of the vehicles I have mentioned have given me any bother above a service or wear and tear.
I wish you luck with your search and hope you find something that suits. It's crap trying to find a good car at a decent price nowadays without a prick dealer (most not all of them) trying to rip you off.

Original poster

CityBro · 22/07/2024 21:40

mustardrarebit · 22/07/2024 21:01

Yep, looked for one for ages before importing our own Toyota Alphard from Japan. They retail for ~ £80k new (same as Lexus LM), we got a 2013 for £11k on the road. 7 very comfortable seats, all the bells and whistles. Despite being a spacious car it's only as wide as a Qashqai, so easy to park. You could easily pick up a 2008 or later model for your budget, although you'd get even more for your money if you imported one.

Just had a look. It'd definitely not my kind of car but does look spacious!

OP posts:

lazzapazza · 22/07/2024 22:13

SUVs still cost more because they are more popular. How about an estate and a booster seat? You will get much more for your money.

TizerorFizz · 22/07/2024 22:54

A decent SUV is 4 wheel drive which of course makes them more money. Higher build quality from some manufacturers also accounts for higher prices.

A Toyota Rav 4 isn’t that big though. What Car think the Kia Sportage is a great buy for families and a more elevated driving position. Plenty for under £8000. Nissan Qashqai might suit too. Check seat configuration for sleeping though! Personally I think Premier Inn is a better bet! Gives far more flexibly regarding a cheap car. Also get a bike rack.