Buying a vehicle? Buying privately?

We look at different ways you can do it!

Classified adverts
Newspapers and magazines have large circulations, Autotrader is probably the best known of these offering a large choice of vehicles for sale. Newspapers and magazines give you the opportunity to compare price particularly the difference being asked by private sellers and that charged by dealers.

Your local dealer
You have a choice of buying from a main dealer or second hand car dealer. The main dealer has a reputation to consider and therefore they have to give you good service, they do not wish to lose their franchise. Second hand car dealers tend to undercut main dealers. Look carefully and buy wisely. Both can offer warranties and organise breakdown cover and advise on insurance.

Car databases
You will find many of these sites available online to register your individual requirements. Find a well respected one like Cardata and they will send you by email 10 vehicles a day that match your request. This is a good way to look for the car of your dreams as the computer sifts out the unsuitable vehicles and firstly sends you the ones closest to you. Advertise Now!

Auctions
A difficult place for the novice to buy a car privately, many second-hand car dealers buy their cars from an auction. Beware their are many pitfalls in buying privately, the scope for test drives is limited and warranties (if any) last hours rather than months.

Car supermarkets
Great choice, good prices and on-site finance deals. Car supermarkets have lots of plus points but beware of the company car fleets that have been purchased by them, not all company cars are well cared for. Best buys are pre-registered by car manufacturers to make their monthly figures look good.

Buying abroad
The prices of new cars in Europe tend to be cheaper. There are a few obstacles to look out for. Ensure the car you order is to full UK specification, or you could have problems selling the car later on. The back of any motoring magazine will have ad's for import brokers, so ring around for the best price and service.

Second hand imports
Japan is one of the world's few right hand drive car markets. Beware, a lot of imports arrive on worn-out tyres, scrappy service histories and may be modified with non-standard parts. Spares can be difficult to get hold of and insurance can sometimes be tricky.