Hello
Guest

Sponsored Links


Topic: Buying a car  (Read 697 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

  • *
  • Posts: 258

  • Liked: 71
  • Joined: Apr 2015
  • Location: London, UK via New Jersey
Buying a car
« on: July 29, 2020, 10:58:48 AM »
I've been living in London for five years without a car, but due to family health concerns (along with public transport concerns), I am finally going to purchase a car. I have loads of experience with this from the States, but I've never done it here and I see there are many differences. I will be buying a used vehicle from a dealer, but I am hoping someone else who has been through this can provide advice. What should I watch out for? What questions should I ask? I've already been through the government's MOT checks, but I am sure there are more tools out there. Which used car site is best? Does anyone have history check recommendations?

Thanks in advance!
Met online: 12 Feb 1997
Met in person: 8 July 1997
Married in the US: 10 Aug 1999
Submitted online Spousal Visa application: 26 March 2015
Visa received: 22 April 2015
Left US on 7 July 2015; arrived in the UK: 8 July 2015
FLR(M) application approved: 13 Jan 2018
BRP received: 17 Jan 2018
ILR(M) application submitted online: 11 June 2020
ILR(M) approved: 12 Nov 2020
BRP received: 17 Nov 2020
Naturalisation submitted (Nov 21); confirmed (Nov 23)
Biometrics: 21 Dec 2020
UK Citizenship email: 29 March 2021
Citizenship ceremony: 14 June 2021


  • *
  • Posts: 6584

  • Liked: 1891
  • Joined: Sep 2015
Re: Buying a car
« Reply #1 on: July 29, 2020, 03:25:27 PM »
Be aware that cars can be written off and then still driven around by their owners. Then they can be sold and if you buy one it can be difficult to insure.  That’s pretty dodgy and unlikely to happen at a dealer.

I heard about a site that everyone is using where you specify the exact car you want and dealers who have it send you offers. Can’t remember the name but it’s supposed to be a game changer.


  • *
  • Posts: 6584

  • Liked: 1891
  • Joined: Sep 2015
Re: Buying a car
« Reply #2 on: July 29, 2020, 03:27:20 PM »
Auto trader is also a good site.  Don’t be afraid to travel to buy when you find the right car.


  • *
  • Posts: 17751

  • Liked: 6110
  • Joined: Sep 2010
Re: Buying a car
« Reply #3 on: July 29, 2020, 04:10:04 PM »
Don't be afraid to haggle.


  • *
  • Posts: 258

  • Liked: 71
  • Joined: Apr 2015
  • Location: London, UK via New Jersey
Re: Buying a car
« Reply #4 on: July 29, 2020, 05:30:03 PM »
Thanks everyone. I know there are various insurance categories that are problematic and have excluded them from my search. They don't seem too keen to haggle, even though I am offering to pay cash. It's probably better for them if I don't, but we'll see if I have to do it for a short time and then can pay it all off.
Met online: 12 Feb 1997
Met in person: 8 July 1997
Married in the US: 10 Aug 1999
Submitted online Spousal Visa application: 26 March 2015
Visa received: 22 April 2015
Left US on 7 July 2015; arrived in the UK: 8 July 2015
FLR(M) application approved: 13 Jan 2018
BRP received: 17 Jan 2018
ILR(M) application submitted online: 11 June 2020
ILR(M) approved: 12 Nov 2020
BRP received: 17 Nov 2020
Naturalisation submitted (Nov 21); confirmed (Nov 23)
Biometrics: 21 Dec 2020
UK Citizenship email: 29 March 2021
Citizenship ceremony: 14 June 2021


  • *
  • Posts: 6584

  • Liked: 1891
  • Joined: Sep 2015
Re: Buying a car
« Reply #5 on: July 29, 2020, 09:53:11 PM »
Go in on the last day of the month, offer a ridiculously low amount in cash and then start walking to the door.  Then they’ll haggle.  Be ready to leave without a car, there will always be another one. 


  • *
  • Posts: 258

  • Liked: 71
  • Joined: Apr 2015
  • Location: London, UK via New Jersey
Re: Buying a car
« Reply #6 on: July 30, 2020, 09:18:57 AM »
Go in on the last day of the month, offer a ridiculously low amount in cash and then start walking to the door.  Then they’ll haggle.  Be ready to leave without a car, there will always be another one. 
That's just like in the States!
Met online: 12 Feb 1997
Met in person: 8 July 1997
Married in the US: 10 Aug 1999
Submitted online Spousal Visa application: 26 March 2015
Visa received: 22 April 2015
Left US on 7 July 2015; arrived in the UK: 8 July 2015
FLR(M) application approved: 13 Jan 2018
BRP received: 17 Jan 2018
ILR(M) application submitted online: 11 June 2020
ILR(M) approved: 12 Nov 2020
BRP received: 17 Nov 2020
Naturalisation submitted (Nov 21); confirmed (Nov 23)
Biometrics: 21 Dec 2020
UK Citizenship email: 29 March 2021
Citizenship ceremony: 14 June 2021


Sponsored Links