[AlanQS]

If you have a requirement to buy an oldish car with a budget of £2,000, would it be safer buying from a private seller rather than a used car lot?

And what might you look out for as markers?

[mowflow]

If I was buying at that price I would buy private simply because I think I could get more for the money with a private purchase. I'd also feel more comfortable buying a car from someone that had owned it a number of years than from a garage that knows nothing about the car.

[sheps]

Originally Posted by mowflow

If I was buying at that price I would buy private simply because I think I could get more for the money with a private purchase. I'd also feel more comfortable buying a car from someone that had owned it a number of years than from a garage that knows nothing about the car.

Totally agree.
Additionally, a traders car wont have any warranty on it at that money (if it does it wont be worth the paper its written on) so other than basic trading standards laws you're no better covered.

I find it's easier to haggle with members of the public than it is with traders, mostly because they get embarrassed so don't want to argue.

[chrisbin]

Really rather depends on the car.....in principle I would agree with the above and go private.

However, if its more of an enthusiast's car, then it could be worth finding a "specialist" in the marque who is likely to offer a bit of a half way house in terms of pricing, while hopefully only dealing in decent examples, so taking away some of the risks of buying a lemon....

[zltm089]

Originally Posted by sheps

Totally agree.
Additionally, a traders car wont have any warranty on it at that money (if it does it wont be worth the paper its written on) so other than basic trading standards laws you're no better covered.

I find it's easier to haggle with members of the public than it is with traders, mostly because they get embarrassed so don't want to argue.

plus one

[dxb335d]

Private all freakin' day long!