| Buying Options & Tips | |||||
| Used Approved | Car supermarket | Independent used dealer | Private sale | Auction | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buying Experience | Just like buying a new car but without the depreciation and teething troubles. | Big stocks, all makes, low prices, minimal service | Further down the food chain. Some are superb, others less so. No longer wears a sheepskin coat, but some are still villains | Potentially the cheapest way to get the best cars, but some may owners overvalue their vehicle – sometimes just to negotiate . | As risky as private sale but potentially cheaper and you see more cars at one go |
| For | Choice, quality, peace of mind, nationwide stock lists | Choice, price, easy | Local, cheap, big choice including older cars | Cheap, easy to haggle, seller should know car’s history | Very cheap, big choice |
| Against | Expensive, predominantly one make per dealer | No haggling, not always local, might not have the exact car | Do you trust them? | No comeback, can only see one at a time | You’e competing with dealers, no comeback, risky |
| Available Cars | Nearly new, very clean. Maybe an ex fleet or lease car. Thorough inspection and preparation, service history, breakdown cover, and all repair work carried out properly | Nearly new or new (pre-registered), average mileage, very clean. Lots of choice. | Huge range from 3-10 years old. Many will be ex-fleet cars; higher mileages, less likely to be genuine, more risk | Could be anything from a £50 banger to a distress sale Porsche | Anything from ex-fleet cars to ex-police cars to unwanted dealer part-exchanges |
| Price Range | High but you can usually get a good deal if you’re persistent | Cheap but don’t expect a further discount | Mid price. Most operate in the £3000-£10,000 range, plenty specialise either side of that. | Always too high to start with, but for the brave haggler there are bargains to be had | Generally low, but popular stuff can go for over the odds |
| Part Exchange Options | Most will take anything in part-ex, but don’t expect top prices because they’ll trade it on or sell at auction. | Might not want your car or will offer a low price and then sell it through the trade | Most will take anything in part-ex, and prices can be good (because they’ll be selling it themselves) | Not usually unless they are a back street dealer | No |
| Warranty | Manufacturer-backed approved 12 month warranty | Balance of manufacturer warranty on nearly new, insurance-based used car warranty on others. | You pay extra (or haggle for it) for anything over three months at most independents | You can buy an aftermarket package | A few hours if you’re lucky |
| Test Drive | Yes | Not normally | Usually yes | Yes | No |
| Finance Provision | Should be a good choice at competitive rates | Rates not usually competitive, but quick and convenient | Limited choice, can be expensive | No | No |
| Support & Customer Service | Most will swap the car if you aren’t happy | Pre-sale checks not always as thorough as manufacturer approved scheme | You have legal rights, but might have to go to court to enforce them | Difficult. You’ll have to prove the seller knew there was a problem | Not usually |
| Other points | Check what you get as schemes vary with manufacturer | Is it an import? Are they really in stock? Ring before you drive 100s of miles | Most independents are as good as you’d hope, but there are some cowboys around. Keep your head and don’t believe a single word of what they say. You aren’t there to make friends, just buy the car for the least money and go. | Potentially risky and always time consuming, but should be the cheapest way to a good car if you can be tough enough. | Visit a few sales before you buy. Get to know the ropes and what to pay. Always take this Price Guide with you. |