Buying a (2nd) Car Privately. Sorted

DorsetDude

DorsetDude

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Something Ive not done for a long time (bought a car privately)

anyone got any tips?

Stuff like

If I decide I like the car and want to get it HPi checked and get a mechanic to give it the once over, how can I try and make sure the seller doesnt then up and sell the car to someone else after Ive spent the money on the checks if they get a better offer?

If I put a deposit down and get car checked and the mechanic says to me "steer well clear", how can I get my deposit back? If Ive given it to them via BT presume I have to rely on their(sellers) good will?

Looked at one on saturday, (MX5 roadster) had all the service history receipts, young couple with a baby, needing to sell. My instincts telling me it a pretty straight, genuine car sale. Unfortunately judging by other prices on Autotrader its about £1000 too expensive(£6500 07 reg, 45k miles). I might go to £500 over the odds as its a convertible, hard top, summers arriving, its a straight car but not sure yet. It does come with the hairdryer and curlers set aswell luckily.

Also, anyone any advice on insuring 2 cars? Im thinking of putting this one on low mileage per annum, 3000 miles maybe and getting a few quotes. Maybe start with my current insurer.

Cheers all.
 
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As far as I remember the Mk3 MX5 doesn't have any major hidden pitfalls, other than the usual MX5 jammed up brakes issues. All MX5s are nice and responsive with plenty of feedback, a test drive will very quickly tell you if it has issues, never mind mechanics. There's also plenty of them about, so unless it ticks every box in the perfect category walk away.
 
Alan Clogwyn said:
As far as I remember the Mk3 MX5 doesn't have any major hidden pitfalls, other than the usual MX5 jammed up brakes issues. All MX5s are nice and responsive with plenty of feedback, a test drive will very quickly tell you if it has issues, never mind mechanics. There's also plenty of them about, so unless it ticks every box in the perfect category walk away.
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Ticks them all apart from price really. I think she's asking forecourt prices for a private sale basically. Also test driving a manual after a year of automatic driving was, ahem, a bit different shall we say :oops: :$ . Seemed fine though.

twist said:
Definitely worth making sure the mileage corresponds with previous MOTs.

https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history-vehicle
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Unfortunately that wouldnt work with just the reg plate. Grrr. Wanted V20 ref number or something. I dont know that. Could ring and ask for them though I guess.

Cheers!
 
With regards to getting it checked out - you can do the HPI on line and don't think it's too expensive and is quick. Having it checked by a mechanic - talk to the sellers, tell them you'd like to do this and either arrange for your mechanic to visit the car with you or for them to being the car to the garage - bear in mind you'll have to be flexible with them and be aware they may have commitments. If you're serious about the car, then have it HPI checked, get it looked over and make them an offer there and then (providing everything's fine) - that way they know your serious and hopefully won't sell it to someone else / have time to.

Personally, if you talk with them, explain you'd like it checking and they've no list of excuses why you can't, then it (hopefully) should be a sound car and you can get going with the negotiations.

Insurance wise, yes a limited mileage policy will reduce your premium, also if it's only for "weekend" fun, you can get policies that don't cover you for commuting to work, this decreasing your premium more.

Have a look at some of the kit car insurance dealers - Adrian Flux, Footman James etc as they may well offer great deals.

Hope it's of some help and enjoy your new toy if / when you get it :)
 
DorsetDude said:
Ticks them all apart from price really. I think she's asking forecourt prices for a private sale basically. Also test driving a manual after a year of automatic driving was, ahem, a bit different shall we say :oops: :$ . Seemed fine though.


Unfortunately that wouldnt work with just the reg plate. Grrr. Wanted V20 ref number or something. I dont know that. Could ring and ask for them though I guess.

Cheers!
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Make them an offer and explain your reasoning, youre the buyer and have plenty to choose from, no point in paying dealer prices, or just go to an approved dealer and get all the benefits.

If they want to sell the car then they will provide the number, after all, they have nothing to hide.
 
andyred said:
With regards to getting it checked out - you can do the HPI on line and don't think it's too expensive and is quick. Having it checked by a mechanic - talk to the sellers, tell them you'd like to do this and either arrange for your mechanic to visit the car with you or for them to being the car to the garage - bear in mind you'll have to be flexible with them and be aware they may have commitments. If you're serious about the car, then have it HPI checked, get it looked over and make them an offer there and then (providing everything's fine) - that way they know your serious and hopefully won't sell it to someone else / have time to.
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Cheers for that. I did mention getting a mechanic to look at it and they were fine about that. Trouble is the car is 30 odd miles away so best thing would be for me to find a garage local to them and ask them to drop it there I think. It would be going too far to expect them to drive it 30 miles to the garage I use I think. Esp with an 8 week old baby to look after. But how do I pick a garage/mechanic to use 30 miles from here?

Id be half tempted to say sod it and take a chance if the price was right, the service records seem all ok and it drives ok. Tricky

Thanks.
 
This seems decent

http://www.mazdausedcarlocator.co.uk/used-mazda/146138/mazda-mx-5-18i/

120 miles away but new reg, low mileage, approved used.

This includes..
  • Multi-point inspection
  • Independent vehicle history check
  • Independent vehicle mileage check
  • 12 month unlimited mileage warranty
  • 12 year anti-corrosion warranty
  • 12 month pan-European roadside assistance
  • Free Mazda Accident Aftercare
  • Mazda Finance options
  • 30 day exchange promise
 
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DorsetDude said:

Cheers for that. I did mention getting a mechanic to look at it and they were fine about that. Trouble is the car is 30 odd miles away so best thing would be for me to find a garage local to them and ask them to drop it there I think. It would be going too far to expect them to drive it 30 miles to the garage I use I think. Esp with an 8 week old baby to look after. But how do I pick a garage/mechanic to use 30 miles from here?

Id be half tempted to say sod it and take a chance if the price was right, the service records seem all ok and it drives ok. Tricky

Thanks.
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Yes that's a fair comment re the distance - where have they had it serviced ? Where was the last MOT done and where ?

Presumably this is fairly local to them - could be worth seeing if that garage will look at it for you ???
 
Are you a member of any of the breakdown services? I think you used to be able to pay a small fee & they would check it out.
 
twist said:
Is it? Are you a mechanic?

Very accurate with VAG cars IME.
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Yes, and a former MX5 owner and forum member. (not mk3 though I have worked on one) It's compiled from hearsay, urban myths and plain engineering fallacy. Some of it may be true (like the reclining seats having nowhere to go!), but there's so much tosh in there I'd disregard anything technical. For example...

"6-speed box of 2009 upgrade can transmit 'chattering' noises to the cabin due to a lighter flywheel having been fitted to make the car more responsive. There is a modification to new boxes which improves but does not cure the problem."

Pure bull. If a flywheel is making noise, then you have a very serious and expensive problem very close at hand!
 
Alan Clogwyn said:
Yes, and a former MX5 owner and forum member. (not mk3 though I have worked on one) It's compiled from hearsay, urban myths and plain engineering fallacy. Some of it may be true (like the reclining seats having nowhere to go!), but there's so much tosh in there I'd disregard anything technical. For example...

"6-speed box of 2009 upgrade can transmit 'chattering' noises to the cabin due to a lighter flywheel having been fitted to make the car more responsive. There is a modification to new boxes which improves but does not cure the problem."

Pure bull. If a flywheel is making noise, then you have a very serious and expensive problem very close at hand!
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But its also useful as it confirms what you said about the seizing brakes? Or is that also bullcrap? Some of it may be crap but some of it can be useful and obviously you do further research to see if the issue would be major or not or just a myth.
 
They seize through lack of use (being mostly summer cars), nothing to do with brake dust. The rears are a finnicky design as well which if not adjusted properly can lead to the handbrake not working and giving the impression of being seized.
 
DorsetDude said:

That seems a good price for a 2009 to be sure! My budget though is really £6000. But that price adds fuel to my argument that they are asking way too much for theirs. 2 years older, private sale, and only £500 less. Admittedly theirs is the hard top roadster so worth more but not sure how much more.
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If the car is overpriced nobody will buy it and they will reconsider. With an 8 week old its probably not the best time to be buying as you wont really get any use out of it?
 
twist said:
If the car is overpriced nobody will buy it and they will reconsider. With an 8 week old its probably not the best time to be buying as you wont really get any use out of it?
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Its them that have the bairn. :D I am young, free and single!
 
DizMatt said:
can you not have an AA check on the car. you don't have to be there, just get the report.
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Not a big fan of them to be honest. Charge a fortune and theres no guarantees from them if they get it wrong and the cars isnt as they say. Id rather use a reputable local garage/mechanic.

cheers
 
Re: Insurance - Have a chat with your current insurer and see what they can do.

I bought myself a second car for business use last year and my insurer transferred the two of them onto a multi-car policy for me.
Weirdly, the cost of the two on multi-car was LESS than the original policy for my main car alone (with no change to the amount of cover on that)

:thinking: No, it didn't make much logical sense to me either - but I'm not complaining and there's no harm in asking to see what they can do for you.
 
How long's the MoT on it? If it's fairly fresh, chances are that a car of that age will still be roadworthy at least! If it's only got a few (6 or fewer) months left, see if the seller will let you stick it through the test and get the garage who do the test to give it a once over while they're at it. As for the price, offer them what you feel it's worth - if it's not enough for them, go as high as you're prepared to. Personally, I would think (as you seem to) that they've got a genuine reason to be selling the car so I doubt you'll get screwed over BUT, as always, caveat emptor!
 
if its just going to be a summer play car, i might be tempted to spend a lot less and get an older mk2 - okay so it might have some issues, but they are pretty reliable and you can get a decent one for sub 2k - which leaves you with 4k in hand for any repairs or upgrades required ( a new roof it common, but they are generally a few hundred quid)
 
Nod said:
How long's the MoT on it?
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13 months nearly. May 2016. They put it in early and the new one kicks off for 12 months in May. :)

If it's fairly fresh, chances are that a car of that age will still be roadworthy at least! If it's only got a few (6 or fewer) months left, see if the seller will let you stick it through the test and get the garage who do the test to give it a once over while they're at it. As for the price, offer them what you feel it's worth - if it's not enough for them, go as high as you're prepared to. Personally, I would think (as you seem to) that they've got a genuine reason to be selling the car so I doubt you'll get screwed over BUT, as always, caveat emptor!
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(y)
 
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Alan Clogwyn said:
Yes, and a former MX5 owner and forum member. (not mk3 though I have worked on one) I
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I've owned a Mk1 Eunos for 9.5 years, currently have a 2010 plate 2.0 Sportstech which we've had since new. No point reading that article as it's written in 2005 and they've changed a lot since.

Honestly they don't go wrong, great cars. Not very fast but sprightly, but the handling is great. Roof down, good fun to scoot around in all day and a reasonable weekend sized boot (with camera bag) even with the roof down. Noisy on the motorway at speed, quite susceptible to which tyres you put on it.

Hardtop roadster is the one to have, 12-13 secs roof up/down time, solid, secure and cuts some road/wind noise over the fabric, but adds a little weight. Not sure on the secondhand market but it was an expensive option when new.

122398259.jpg
 
Oh never had any issues with brakes on either car, nor any issues to be honest. Just got in and driven it. The new one goes to the dealer for a service every year. Thats it.
 
How big is the boot when the top's down? And 12-13 seconds to drop the roof? We could do ours in about 5 (Mk2 1/2 soft top.)

Have to say that IMO the Mk 2 (1/2) is better looking than the Mk3 - the flared arches just look like an afterthought.

Would love another one but Mrs Nod's replacement for hers is undeniably a much better car, even if it is a bit thirstier!
 
LOL about 2 secs down with the soft top isn't it, catch catch push
Ups a little longer. Get out, lift roof up, get in, catch, catch.

On the hard top it's one centre catch then press the button. Handy at traffic lights.

The roof doesn't go into the boot but folds into a space behind the seats, same space as the soft top. Boots about the same size?Loads of room in it, weekend suitcase plus camera backpack, or a couple of guns, jackets, boots etc
 
Byker28i said:
Hardtop roadster is the one to have, 12-13 secs roof up/down time, solid, secure and cuts some road/wind noise over the fabric, but adds a little weight. Not sure on the secondhand market but it was an expensive option when new.
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Yes this is the one I viewed. Is the hardtop worth £500 extra on an 8 yo car is the question? If I could get them to £6k I think Id go for it. Still £500 over the odds compared to a soft top of similar vintage and spec I think , but with the hard top, low mileage, the good s/history and liking the colour and the condition, worth it I think.

Cheers
 
Byker28i said:
LOL about 2 secs down with the soft top isn't it, catch catch push
Ups a little longer. Get out, lift roof up, get in, catch, catch.
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Agree, 2-3 seconds does it. :cool:

You don't need to get out to put the rag-top up, do you? o_O
 
Hard tops worth it for the security and lower noise at speed with the roof up. Trade off is a little more weight but you don't notice it (or we didn't when we test drove both as new)
 
Oh and if the roadster, has it got the added extras? The sportstech is top of the range so it has 6 speed gearbox, Blaupunt audio (6 speaker) with bluetooth hands free (voice activated), heated seats

Don't expect too much though, no dab, plastic sunvisors.

Oh insurance - direct line £162. Use top cashback and you get £52 back, making it £110 for the insurance...
http://www.topcashback.co.uk/search/merchants/?s=direct+line

or other insureres are available, but thats what we did this year
 
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Byker28i said:
Oh and if the roadster, has it got the added extras? The sportstech is top of the range so it has 6 speed gearbox, Blaupunt audio (6 speaker) with bluetooth hands free (voice activated), heated seats

Don't expect too much though, no dab, plastic sunvisors.
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Ad doesnt say whether is SE or sport.

Its got leather seats, heated, "normal" cd/radio with iPod input lead in glove box. 5 speed box. I *believe* the 6 speed didnt come in until 2009?

Voice activated work well with the roof down does it? :O ;)
 
Oh and another thing, say I do eventually agree a price, how is payment made on these private deals? My last cars have all been from garage and Ive just bunged my debit card in a reader and all done.
 
Heated leather seats are good. Look at the left hand heater control - where it directs the air. The 12 o clock to5 ock ones are roof down mode. Directs the heat to floor and body :) Ipod lead must be added? Our has a 3.5mm jack plug next to the 12v lighter socket.

Voice activated actually works really well with the roof down, in fact the car is very comfy with wind noise etc upto about 80-85. After that it gets noisy (european roads obviously...)

Last time I bought a car not from a dealer I paid cash. I guess with rapid bank transfer you could do it that way.
 
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