Looking for sub 5k used car, private or dealer?

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
View Threaded
Sun 19 Jun 2022 13:39
Looking for sub 5k used car, private or dealer? - Graham Findlay

I am looking to buy an economical small car for under 5k, not that technical when it comes to cars but know the basics, looked at suzuki swift and they look like a shout? Just cannot decide if I should go private which is cheaper or to a dealer which is going to cost more?

I am in Cumnock, east ayrshire, seen this at local dealer.... tinyurl.com/gramfin

is it too expensive for its age and mileage? Is it worth going private and getting an inspection done by AA?

Descisions.... desicisons lol stressing me out.
oh and first post so hi to everybody ??

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 19 Jun 2022 13:56
Looking for sub 5k used car, private or dealer? - Adampr

There's not a lot of benefit going to an independent dealer unless you know them by reputation. That one appears to be a Ford franchise, so probably a better bet than most. Have you dealt with them in the past or know someone that has?

If they have a Ford that they supplied new and have serviced ever since, that would be a good bet.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 19 Jun 2022 15:06
Looking for sub 5k used car, private or dealer? - SLO76
£4495 for a 2011 Suzuki Swift, I sourced a last of the previous gen 2011 11 plate example with 59,000 miles for £880 less than a year ago. Turned out it wasn’t a good car but the buyer has recently sold it for £2300, recouping more than what he spent on it. Prices have gone absolutely mad.

I’m in your neck of the woods. I’ll look for a few nearby options I’d recommend looking at. I’m a bit put off the Swift at the moment due to the hassle I had with the last one. Gearbox issues and suspension problems in particular.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 19 Jun 2022 18:37
Looking for sub 5k used car, private or dealer? - SLO76

Funnily enough, that wee Swift I paid less than £900 for is still advertised despite being sold. He’s probably forgotten to delete the advert.

https://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/susuki-swift/1434140014?utm_campaign=socialbuttons&utm_campaign=socialbuttons&utm_content=app_ios&utm_medium=social&utm_source=ios_social

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 19 Jun 2022 18:33
Looking for sub 5k used car, private or dealer? - SLO76

Spotted this in a private sale nearby. These are generally very robust and at £2,000 less it’s much better value and that’s before negotiation.

https://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/toyota-auris-hatchback-2010-manual-1329-cc-3-doors/1435226015?utm_campaign=socialbuttons&utm_campaign=socialbuttons&utm_content=app_ios&utm_medium=social&utm_source=ios_social

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 19 Jun 2022 18:42
Looking for sub 5k used car, private or dealer? - SLO76

Bit rich for a private sale, and looks dealer prepped so beware of it being a fly trader. These are great budget runabouts with little to go wrong. Needs to be less than £3k.

https://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/toyota-auris/1434571270?utm_campaign=socialbuttons&utm_campaign=socialbuttons&utm_content=app_ios&utm_medium=social&utm_source=ios_social

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 19 Jun 2022 18:46
Looking for sub 5k used car, private or dealer? - SLO76

I’m not a huge fan of this gen of Micra, it’s built in India and designed for the third world. That said, there’s not a lot to go wrong if it’s looked after. Advert is poor with only two badly taken pictures and no detail so you’d need to call and ask for more. But it certainly won’t be a trader and it’s just round the corner from you. If it’s on,y done 30,000 miles and has proof of regular servicing it may be worthy.

https://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/nissan-micra-hatchback-2012-manual-1198-cc-5-doors/1433799981?utm_campaign=socialbuttons&utm_campaign=socialbuttons&utm_content=app_ios&utm_medium=social&utm_source=ios_social

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 19 Jun 2022 18:50
Looking for sub 5k used car, private or dealer? - SLO76

Very low mileage 16 plate Panda? I rather like these and reliability is fine on the simple 1.2 petrol until 70k mileages or so. Decent value, an offer of £4K might grab it.

https://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/fiat-panda-13-low-mileage/1433544067?utm_campaign=socialbuttons&utm_campaign=socialbuttons&utm_content=app_ios&utm_medium=social&utm_source=ios_social

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 19 Jun 2022 19:01
Looking for sub 5k used car, private or dealer? - Adampr

Good call on the Panda. Strangely likeable.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 19 Jun 2022 19:07
Looking for sub 5k used car, private or dealer? - SLO76

Good call on the Panda. Strangely likeable.

When I’m on holiday and a Panda is an option at the hire car desk I always opt for it. They’re simple, practical and fun.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 20 Jun 2022 10:15
Looking for sub 5k used car, private or dealer? - Alby Back
Apropos of nothing really, a guy I know lives in central Rome. He’s super-rich, owns a multi-million turnover fashion business.
His daily transport is a Harley Davidson, but he keeps an old Panda for when it’s raining. He’s had many a “posh” car but he lost patience with them being stolen or damaged in the city. Says no one touches his little Fiat which suits him fine.
I like Pandas too by the way. Always have.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link