Advice for first time car buyer

[youngadult109]

We are looking to buy a 4-5doors car, probably a used one, as we are only lookin to spend a maximum of £4000.

We live in Manchester and wonder if anyone can recommend a trusted dealer. Is it usual for people to travel out of their city to purchase a car? When I search on Toyota's official website for used cars (DH is into Toyota), it asked if I'm wiling to travel up to 50miles etc. I thought it would be easier to get it in Manchester, no?

Also, what's the procedure of buying a car? We've always lived near town and taking public transport so would welcome any advice we can get on this.

Many thanks in advance!!

First of all, many people buy a car out of the area if they see a bargain elsewhere. It is however easier in the event of anything being wrong with it, to return to a garage that is near by.
Always bargain for a car. No dealer expects to get the asking price. They will ask you how much you want to pay. Don't fall for that one and don't tell them how much you can afford.
When asked how much I want to pay I have always said ' as little as possible.
Web sites usually have recommendations regarding the reliability of cars, that are worth looking at. Nissans are very reliable, and Skoda are German owned , they are relatives of Audi.
Don't take the Car dealers finance unless you have investigated other sources of loans first. It may be cheaper to get a loan from the bank or Zopa.
The dealers look in Glasse's guide, which gives the value of second hand cars. You can have a look so that you know how much the car that you fancy is worth.
Just before you sign anything, ask what will seal the deal, such as free tax, a full tank of petrol, car seat covers etc. just BEFORE you sign is the time to bargain.
Cars that have low milage cost more. Usually 10,000 a year is average. Diesal engines are supposed to be more robust than Petrol. Remember that Petrol is now cheaper than Diesal.
Always say that you will think about the deal and walk away. Car salesmen are very skilled At what they do. Remember that their MAIN concern is not you but their pay packets. !

Modern diesels are more likely to cause issues than petrels. Don't bother with a diesel unless you're doing 15k miles per year or more.

*petrols even!

Thanks hole and rich! I don't think we'll be taking any finance as we hope to pay by cash, hence the low budget.

The Glasse guide is a good tip, will look into that when we find a car that we are interested.

Is there a way to know if the dealer is reliable?

Also, came across the Auto Trader website. Any advice on buying a car from private seller?

We have only always bought our (now 4) cars from the original company dealership ie Honda dealer for Honda used car, Toyota dealer for Toyota used car etc. it's a bit more expensive but comes pre-checked & serviced and has a warranty. So far none of our used cars have ever had any problems as we've gone to the original dealer. Typically we decide the price & spec of car we want in the websites used section. Sometimes we find lathe right option out of town & if its a bargain it's worth the extra journey. But we look only within an hour's drive, never further than that!

If you go to a dealer for a second-hand or nearly new car they should just have a list of cars in their region (or even the whole of the UK?) and will just get the one that you want delivered to that dealership for you - you don't have to go driving all over the place to collect the car.