Buying a second hand car....

HaX · 11 Feb 2006 at 21:57

Hi there,

After looking on Autotrader I've found a car I really like the look of - a 1996 Mazda Xedos V6 going for £2000. Externally the car seems to be absolutely mint and all the electrics seem to work fine - electric windows, mirrors air con etc.

The car is at a small time Frank Butcher type car dealer in my town, and is not currently MOT'd. The dealer says that the price will include a service, MOT and 6 months Tax.

I would really like the car, howver I have a few concerns - eg that it may require expensive work doing etc.

Is there anything I can do to find this out before parting with my hard earned cash. I want this car, but only if it is going to be reliable. Any ideas how to get around this?

Cheers

HaX

HaX · 11 Feb 2006 at 22:15

No,

Currently running a Megane 1.4 e. After something a little quicker and more comfortable.

I've been very lucky with the Megane, no problems with it at all other than the Mrs side swiping a wheely bin.

HaX · 13 Feb 2006 at 00:14

I eneded up getting one of my m8s who is a mechanic to go with me. He talked me out of getting the Xedos due to expensive replacent parts. I ended up getting a 2000 reg 1.8 Modeo LX - in absolutely mint condition.

Picking it up Tues - will put pics up.. but then again... what is another Mondeo.

HaX · 17 Feb 2006 at 17:21

[TW]Fox said:
Congratulations on the new car - the Mondeo will serve you well.

Is it a Mk2 or a Mk3? Shame you went for the LX though - you miss out on a lot of the bits of kit which are basically free these days given the higher spec models are worth no more cash. Still - you get the essentials, Aircon, electric windows, etc.

If its a Mk2 the 1.8 litre engine is sufficient whilst not rapid

Thanks,

I think its a MK2 (Not the very newest shape). I can't believe how quick off the mark it is compared to the Megane. I can soon get up to road speed in it!

The model I've got has got ... electric windows and mirrors, aircon, heated front and rear wind screens, cd/radio, electrically adjustable driver seat, zetec engine, traction control and ABS. The bloke who sold it to me said that the electric seat isn't normally standard, however my car was in the last batch of MKII LXs or something to that effect.