What to look out for when buying a first car?

Couple of small things to look out for aswell. If buying from a private seller look out for the just-washed trick where the seller will douse the car with water to hide nasty's like faded or mis-matched paint from bodged repairs and another golden rule is never buy a car at night!
 
ElectroBlaster said:
Couple of small things to look out for aswell. If buying from a private seller look out for the just-washed trick where the seller will douse the car with water to hide nasty's like faded or mis-matched paint from bodged repairs and another golden rule is never buy a car at night!
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To add to this, if it's private, make sure you meet them at their house, not at somewhere half way or a pub or anything.
 
Do AA still do one of those car check thingy's?

Check the temp of the car as soon as you've started it. The car may have had a little warm up.
 
Another thing maybe to considor if your after a particular model try and test drive a few to compare them even if that means going and looking at 3 or 4 from sellers or traders. Thay way you can build up a picture/feeling of what a good example is supposed to be like on the road and build quality etc.
 
JonRohan said:
Do AA still do one of those car check thingy's?

Check the temp of the car as soon as you've started it. The car may have had a little warm up.
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I think the AA still do that test thingy... is it VOSA? I cant remember... I know it involves them going over everything with a fine tooth comb. Somebody I knew many years ago bought an escort rs2000 convertable and it turned out to be a cut-n-shut stolen jobby! Poor sod lost everything on that thing.
 
With your first car one of your main concerns should be insurance cost. Don't limit yourself to a specific car, do insurance quotes for a large range of vehicles keeping all other variables the same and see which ones return the cheapest quotes. Then pick the car you like the most out of the cheapest.
 
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I have been looking at a Corsa 1.0 and 1.2, they are around my budget and seem very nice first cars for the price.

They are usually in group, 1, 2, 3, I am looking to be in the group 1 and 2, as the group 3's are usually the sporty type and for a first car is probs not a wise idea.
 
Something which happened to me shortly after buying my car was a squeaky aux belt (aka fan belt) you'll only notice it when the engine is cold but it's a distinct (and loud) sound.

Would cost anywhere from £40 upwards to be replaced so while it's not the end of the world, keep an eye (or ear) out.
 
Don't underestimate having a look at the air filter; as this is a good indication of how well the engine has been looked after - as well as signs of clocking - like seat wear, steering wheel wear and gearknob wear.

Keep a good ear out for bangs and other strange noises.
 
nothing wrong with newer Corsas. Fabia isn't great at all.

All small cars are cheap and nasty built, yes some are cheaper and nastier than others but just about all are crap (Mini and Jazz are the only real exceptions imho)
 
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