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Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

I'm a lone shy woman and I don't have anyone with car knowledge to go with me to buy a car. My 17 yo Citroen C1 Cool is on its last legs and I need another! I know the car I'd like (Toyota X), but it's so daunting to buy one. I just don't think the sales guys take me serious when I go.

My budget is max £13k which I have saved for these past 17 years. Any advice please/or car make suggestions? ??. I just want a good reliable car of course, as I've had to pay £500 on my current one for one thing or another and I don't think it's right to keep paying so much on an old jalopy!

Salesmen scare me. I got my current Citroen from a mechanic up my road for £4,000 back in the day, but he's retired now and moved away.

Thank you in advance!

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Sulphur Man

Have you tried ringing your local Toyota dealership. They should be very approachable.

State your budget and what you require - the Aygo X (good car) and they should be able to help.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

Thank you.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Andrew-T

When you say your car is 'on its last legs' do you mean that it passes the MoT with difficulty, or are you just starting to feel it is getting old (which it is) and should be replaced on principle ? Don't forget that newer cars are dearer to buy and quite likely dearer to repair if needed. If an old car is not being threatened by rust, it may be a good idea to keep it running.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

The windows are difficult to wind down especially when I take my mum with me as she has arthritis in her shoulders, the exhaust keeps sc***ing over bumps in the road (I just paid £300 for a new one with Kwik Fit) and when I took it back to them to tell them this, they said it's fine and they can't lift the exhaust any higher, the A/C is hit and miss, plus it's just too small for my needs now. I must say, touch wood, it starts every time (as it has a Toyota engine), plus I think it's time I had the modern features in a newer model now. I like either the little Aygo or the Aygo X because I've read Toyota are so good.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Heidfirst

Don't know where you are so used a Birmingham postcode as roughly central.

tinyurl.com/2p9nkbkv

DYou could try the likes of We Buy Any Car to see what your present car is worth (not a lot I ssuspect)

Remember that if you can afford to get it serviced at a Toyota dealer to Toyota schedule Toyota will warranty your "new" car to 10 years/100,000 miles (whichever comes first).

[link shortened - Mod]

Edited by Xileno on 20/05/2024 at 13:34

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

Thank you.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Heidfirst

Sorry, the Toyota approved used link didn't carry over to this forum well but I am sure that you can work it out & narrow downwhat is available within the dealer network local to you.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

Thank you.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - artill

Being scared of a salesman is quite normal. Its best under the circumstances look for a great deal that is already advertised.

If you would be happy with a base version of the Aygo X you can get them registered, but unused for under £14,000. So if you have a car to get rid of and about £13,000 you should be able to get one.

Here is one www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404188807549?s...a

You can probably do a deal over the phone. Turn down any extras they offer, if you arent certain you want them. There are others, so if this one is too far away, keep looking on places like Autotrader until you find a local one.

Best of luck

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Adampr

If you really can't bear salesmen, Cinch will happily sell you an Aygo X entirely online.

However, you'd probably be wise to drive one first, and Ideally the one you plan to buy. Find one you like the look of locally online at a franchised dealer, make an appointment and go and have a drive. Toyota dealers are not normally as bad as some others because they have a decent product to sell and aren't depending on making it seem exciting to convince you to buy it.

Just remember you almost certainly don't need gap insurance, alloy wheel insurance or lifeshine.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Falkirk Bairn

Motorpoint - Aygo X

www.motorpoint.co.uk/used-cars/toyota/aygo-x

Lots of choice

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - badbusdriver

Also worth bearing in mind that you can buy a used Aygo X online from Toyota themselves. I've just had a look on the website and there are 87 available nationwide within your budget.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - catsdad

As others have said, approach your local Toyota dealer. They might charge high-ish prices but in return you will avoid the more stressful aspects of the buying experience, such as haggling. Main dealers tend to have their used prices set by a central team and there will be little scope for haggling locally anyway.
But do check any car you are considering on the pricing tool on the HJ home page of this site just to make sure you are not overpaying a lot.
As for the 107, it’s probably worth at best £1200-£1500 selling privately looking at what sellers on Autotrader are asking. However I sense car selling is not in your comfort zone so selling privately is not an option. It can be a lot of hassle with people turning up and making poor offers.
We Buy Any Car (WBAC) has been suggested. Expect a very low (three figure) price for a 17 year old car. And you may have to haggle if they reduce the offer when they see the car. But it’s free to get a quote. As long as the Toyota trade in offer is around the same amount as WBAC you might find it’s most convenient to trade it in with the Toyota dealer.
Car salesmen get a bad press, including on here, but if you stick to main dealers of reliable makes and do some basic price checks you will reduce the risk. Any car can give problems after you’ve bought it but again you’re reducing the risk by buying a Toyota. It does help to buy locally so you don’t have to travel far if it needs any post sale work. Toyota after sales is well regarded. You won’t get a fantastically cheap bargain but you will take most of the scary stuff out of the equation.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - RJ414i

If Your not a "natural" car buyer then a Toyota dealer every time. Like stated they will treat you as a customer who will hopefully return for servicing and maybe a car upgrade in years to come.

When my wife went to look for a newer car a couple of years back we test drove an Aygo from a Toyota dealer. We never bought from them but there was no pushyness. Ended up buying a Yaris locally privately.

My wife and parents (75+) both use different dealership's for servicing (10 year warranty) and have never needed to grumble.

used.toyota.co.uk/approved-used/toyota-aygo-hatchb...U

Edited by RJ414i on 20/05/2024 at 21:35

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - gordonbennet

I wish you lot would stop telling everyone how good Toyotas are, now even the dealers are nice! i give up no wonder you can't find a bargain Toyota any more.

In keeping with that i saw dealerships of all makes from the other side during my 20 year stint driving car transporters, Toyota by far the nicest people to deal with though no doubt there's the odd exception, there that's put things in perspective...-:)

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Rerepo

As others have said, go to a Toyota dealer.

The Aygo X (pronounced 'cross') is actually the successor to your C1. The engine and underpinnings have much in common with your old C1 - although with lots of modifications and improvements of course. In fact the engine and (manual) gearbox and much of the chassis is identical to that used on the 2018-2021 C1 (the EU6.2 1.0 litre 6-injector engine and C551 gearbox). You could save money by looking for a low mileage 20/21 Aygo/C1/108 - not a lot goes wrong with these cars so they are a generally very safe purchase.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - badbusdriver

The engine and underpinnings have much in common with your old C1 - although with lots of modifications and improvements of course. In fact the engine and (manual) gearbox and much of the chassis is identical to that used on the 2018-2021 C1

The engine and (manual) gearbox may be as per the OP's car, but otherwise the underpinnings of the Aygo X are not the same the C1.

The Aygo X sits on a shortened version of the platform used by the current Yaris, Yaris Cross and Lexus LBX. Citroen and Peugeot badged versions were initially planned (which would have used the same platform) but they were cancelled.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

I would just like to take this opportunity to thank you all so much. I have learnt a lot and will take a deep breath and go along!

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - JonestHon

I wish you lot would stop telling everyone how good Toyotas are, now even the dealers are nice! i give up no wonder you can't find a bargain Toyota any more.

In keeping with that i saw dealerships of all makes from the other side during my 20 year stint driving car transporters, Toyota by far the nicest people to deal with though no doubt there's the odd exception, there that's put things in perspective...-:)

Lexus are a marginally nicer as the courtesy car is like-to-like without having to choose whatever is in.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

Wow. Thank you.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

Thank you.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

Thank you.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Chris M

Out of curiosity I had a look at the Motorpoint Aygo X's mentioned upthread. They all show the balance of the 3 year Manufacturers warranty. The 10 year warranty is conditional on the vehicle having been serviced by a main dealer. Worth checking the service history for timely servicing as these cars were quite possibly courtesy cars and may have missed out.

From the Toyota website:

"Every new Toyota comes with a 3 year manufacturer warranty followed by a 12 months / 10,000 miles additional warranty, with every qualifying service*. Up to 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, letting you relax in the knowledge that you and your vehicle are in safe hands."

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

Thank you very much.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

Just an update. I went to one showroom at the weekend and I had hardly pulled up when a car salesman approached my car. I was tapping on my phone; clearly not ready to get out and already he was asking me what I wanted (I barely got there!). Way too pushy. I then went to view a few cars for sale and I preferred the look of one car to the other. He also kept looking at me through the windows and this made me feel uneasy.

He came back out again and I told him I just wanted to be left to look around and I said one of their cars was more tinny than my own and he argued, "But it's the same as the one you have just a different name". He didn't respect what I was saying ??. I'll try somewhere else. Not a good start.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - FP

Unfortunately you have encountered one of the less attractive examples of the pushy car salesman. And statements claiming two different models are the same suggests either ignorance or willingness to mislead - both of which, I'm afraid, are characteristic of people you do not want to deal with.

Don't be disheartened. They're not all like that. Go elsewhere.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - daveyjp

Whilst in the looking stage if you are visiting local main dealers with cars on the forecourt go when they are closed. Easy this time of year as its light until late into the evening,

You can take your time, have the car details on the phone and judge which appeal.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - mcb100
I’m assuming that if someone came out to talk to you then that was a car supermarket and not a new car dealership?
From lots of observed experience, it’s always been a battle by a sales manager to get a sales exec to leave the warmth of the showroom…
Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - SLO76
I was a car salesman for many years, yet I also absolutely hate the process of buying a car from a dealer so I do it as infrequently as I can.
Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

Thank you so much for your replies. They've helped me a lot.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - bathtub tom

My best experience was at Motorpoint. I knew what I wanted and had looked online at my nearest place. When I turned up, I explained which three cars I was interested in, was handed the keys, told roughly where they were (in the massive compound) and left to my own devices. I spent around an hour or more looking them over - they were all very well prepared and clean - found a salesman and asked for a test drive in the one I fancied most. That was immediately arranged (after checking my licence). I was happy, but explained I wanted to go home and 'sleep on it'. No problem. Next day I give them a bell and say I want to buy it. Arrange to go in that afternoon, complete the paperwork and drive it home.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - FP

I had an excellent experience when I bought my Mazda CX-5. By the time I turned up to the outfit in question, I had already driven two examples, had done my homework and knew what to expect.

The salesman I dealt with answered my questions (truthfully) and proposed a test drive. He sat in the back, with SWMBO in the front. I knew the area and chose a route that included motorway as well as minor roads. As I was about to complete what would have been a circular route, we realised the road was closed due to a carnival and had to retrace our steps, so the test drive was about 30 miles - almost double what was intended.

The car was lovely. I got a bit knocked off the asking price by rejecting the paintwork coating, interior anti-stain treatment and extra guarantee (probably worthless anyway). When I picked the car up a few days later, it needed fuel and the salesman went with me to the neighbouring filling station to ensure all went smoothly.

Eight years later, still a satisfied customer.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

Aww.....that's lovely. Hope I'll get the same treatment eventually. So far, it's been negative and I'm in no way negative, but I don't think they take women (well, me), seriously.

I went to a car supermarket at the weekend and I saw one or two there, but the sales person struggled with knowing if the car had any warranty left on it from the manufacturer and gave me a price list of what to pay per 3 months for their own warranty.

I'll keep trying.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - catsdad

I have bought from car supermarkets twice in twenty years. And looked without buying at one other. Given what you have said about your nervousness in buying I don’t think they are best for you. They are totally about selling and unless you know your stuff you could end up with a car that’s not suitable.

Of course main dealers are about selling too but they tend to have salesmen who know something about the models that they stock. In my experience they tend to stay a bit longer in the job and may even be interested in having you as a repeat customer. You may pay a little more but your chances of getting a good car are higher.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - gordonbennet

Mich52, have you been to the Toyota dealership yet, you want an AygoX, seems probably the best place to go and unless you are very unlucky won't find some sharp suited shark waiting to pounce.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Matt Arnold

Mich52, don't let car buying scare you! Here's a quick guide:

  • Toyota Xs are reliable choices! Look at used Aygo Xs in your budget.
  • Do your research online: Features, prices, reliability ratings for Toyota Xs.
  • Bring a friend for support, even if they don't know cars. Moral support!
  • Walk away from pushy salespeople. There are other dealerships.
  • Consider used car garages instead: Might feel less intimidating.

Don't forget to think about practicality beyond just the vehicle itself. Accessories like single coat hooks can make a big difference in daily use.

Good luck finding your perfect car! Here are some resources to help:

  • [WhichCar? Toyota Reviews](link to WhichCar? Toyota Reviews)
  • [Honest John Used Car Reviews](link to Honest John Used Car Reviews)

Edited by Matt Arnold on 03/06/2024 at 11:24

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

Wow - thank you very much everyone. I'll let you know how I get on. I'm not rushing mind :-)

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - alan1302

Don't forget to think about practicality beyond just the vehicle itself. Accessories like single coat hooks can make a big difference in daily use.

That's always top of the list for when looking for a new car! :-)

Edited by leaseman on 03/06/2024 at 15:11

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

;-)

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Heidfirst

If you know that it's a Toyota AygoX that you want then the next 2 weeks may be a good time to buy - Toyota has an extra £1000 offer 8-16 June

www.toyota.co.uk/new-cars/power-of-choice?

Just make sure that it isn't funded by offering you less for your trade-in etc. Also, remember that a car registered now will drop rapidly in value when the plate changes in September, not really an issue if you are planning to keep it a long time though.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

Thank you so much :-)

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank each and everyone of you. It's definitely the Toyota I'd like, but I can't decide on the 'little' Aygo or the Cross. They're both the same sized engine, both cost the same to insure and tax, but the Cross' tyres look huge. Would they be pricey to replace if I have to in the future? I think that's the only stumbling block.

Thank you in advance.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Heidfirst

The X has an extra 9cm of wheelbase over the "old" Aygo which should translate to increased interior room (usually rear leg or boot). Overall it's ~23cm longer.

If you stick to an X trim level with 17" wheels premium brand tyres are currently £100 plus or minus £20 depending upon exactly what (& no doubt where) you buy.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

Thank you :-)

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - gordonbennet

If you were a high mileage driver then the price of tyres would be a major consideration, but if you only need new tyres every say 5 years and there's a £100/150 price difference between the two sizes then that would hardly be a world shattering difference to pay for having the car you prefer.

Tyres are a subject all of their own, i'll just add a little anecdote here.

Some 18 months ago a set of new Goodyears was fitted to a family Golf, as bad luck would have it 6 months later the car hit a kerb and destroyed one of the front tyres, which was replaced by some Chinese make due to emergency purchase, i saw the car last week and as i always do (for the fair maidens in my family) had a check around the car, the replacement tyre is wearing faster than the Goodyear opposite, the message being buy half decent tyres and so long as they don't get damaged they tend to last longer.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

Aww....thank you so much. You've helped a lot. Very good advice ;-)

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

May I ask please about insurance? As learnt by Martin Lewis, it is best to get insurance 3 weeks before the date of renewal/purchase. Does that mean I buy a car, then have to wait 3 weeks to drive it, to wait for a good deal on insurance?

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - catsdad

Is your existing insurance due for renewal? If not then you would face costs in changing insurer mid policy. Three weeks is not applicable when putting a new car on an existing policy, it’s only for renewal quote purposes.

Edited by catsdad on 12/06/2024 at 08:44

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

Thank you, catsdad. I renewed my insurance with the AA in May with my current Citroen C1 cool, but now as I'd like another car, the AA have quoted £900 for a newer car, but I have seen cheaper deals with other insurers; £474 for example.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - catsdad

Are you sure AA recognised you as an existing customer simply changing their car? Although you don’t say what you paid in May another £900 seems excessive. I wonder if wires are crossed somewhere. For example did you provide details of a real car to generate the quotes. If not maybe they quote a high price to cover the uncertainty of a partly unknown car.

If you really have valid “like for like” quotes and do go to another reputable company you will not get a full refund for the remaining part of your existing policy. They will refund less than the pro-rata remaining months of cover.

I have no experience of changing an insurer mid-term but no doubt it can be done albeit cancellation costs of the existing policy will eat into any saving. I would first check with the AA that the price you have is correct and what refund you will get if you cancel.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - badbusdriver

The X has an extra 9cm of wheelbase over the "old" Aygo which should translate to increased interior room (usually rear leg or boot). Overall it's ~23cm longer.

The extra wheelbase and overall length has been given over more or less entirely to the boot which is now 231 litres (not far off 100 more than the OP's C1) and front seat occupants. Potential rear seat passengers have been ignored completely as it is very tight back there, the rear door apertures are small and the doors themselves don't open very wide. Yes it is a very small car so one shouldn't expect palatial accommodation in the back, but Suzuki have provided massively more rear seat space in the Ignis than the Aygo X, and have done so with an identical wheelbase and overall length. The Ignis also has a bigger boot, and all bar the bottom of the range trim level has sliding rear seats to give more flexibility on how best to divvy up rear seat/boot space.

I don't dislike the Aygo X, it's a funky looking little thing and I have no doubt nothing will go wrong with it. Which is all well and good assuming you don't need to fit adults in the back on occasion (they won't thank you!). If you do, the Ignis is hands down a better choice (and is what I'd go for).

the AA have quoted £900 for a newer car

Yikes!

Assuming that is for the Aygo X, it's a crazy price for a little thing like that with a n/a 1.0 engine!

Edited by badbusdriver on 12/06/2024 at 19:37

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - mcb100
‘ Assuming that is for the Aygo X, it's a crazy price for a little thing like that with a n/a 1.0 engine!’

Off topic, but a conversation with a 19 year old service advisor from a dealership this week - he’d had a basic Fiesta, and subsequently paid a large amount for insurance. So he sold it and bought a series 2 MX-5. Reduced his premium by half. The MX-5 is presumably viewed as lower risk than a Fiesta for a young driver.
Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - De Sisti

but Suzuki have provided massively more rear seat space in the Ignis than the Aygo X, and have done so with an identical wheelbase and overall length. The Ignis also has a bigger boot, and all bar the bottom of the range trim level has sliding rear seats to give more flexibility on how best to divvy up rear seat/boot space

. If you do, the Ignis is hands down a better choice (and is what I'd go for).

One thing I don't like about the Ignis is all of the white interior plastic (otherwise, it would be a car I would consider when my E46 320d Touring finally gives up).

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Adampr

but Suzuki have provided massively more rear seat space in the Ignis than the Aygo X, and have done so with an identical wheelbase and overall length. The Ignis also has a bigger boot, and all bar the bottom of the range trim level has sliding rear seats to give more flexibility on how best to divvy up rear seat/boot space

. If you do, the Ignis is hands down a better choice (and is what I'd go for).

One thing I don't like about the Ignis is all of the white interior plastic (otherwise, it would be a car I would consider when my E46 320d Touring finally gives up).

I'm pretty sure they've not all got white bits

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - badbusdriver

but Suzuki have provided massively more rear seat space in the Ignis than the Aygo X, and have done so with an identical wheelbase and overall length. The Ignis also has a bigger boot, and all bar the bottom of the range trim level has sliding rear seats to give more flexibility on how best to divvy up rear seat/boot space

. If you do, the Ignis is hands down a better choice (and is what I'd go for).

One thing I don't like about the Ignis is all of the white interior plastic (otherwise, it would be a car I would consider when my E46 320d Touring finally gives up).

I'm pretty sure they've not all got white bits

Actually none have an all white interior (which sounds awful), so not sure what Di Sisti is on about?

Pre-facelift (like we had) cars have the lower part of the dashboard and door trims in white, but that is all. Horse for course and all that, but IMO that is better than the all black of the facelifted cars because it lightens the interior.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - De Sisti

Actually none have an all white interior (which sounds awful), so not sure what Di Sisti is on about?

Pre-facelift (like we had) cars have the lower part of the dashboard and door trims in white, but that is all. Horse for course and all that, but IMO that is better than the all black of the facelifted cars because it lightens the interior.

I said 'all of the white' (refering to the white parts of the interior, on the models I have looked at on-line), not 'all-white' interior. Hope that makes things clearer.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - badbusdriver

Actually none have an all white interior (which sounds awful), so not sure what Di Sisti is on about?

Pre-facelift (like we had) cars have the lower part of the dashboard and door trims in white, but that is all. Horse for course and all that, but IMO that is better than the all black of the facelifted cars because it lightens the interior.

I said 'all of the white' (refering to the white parts of the interior, on the models I have looked at on-line), not 'all-white' interior. Hope that makes things clearer.

Aah, apologies.

But as I mentioned, facelifted cars (mid 2020 on) don't have the white trim.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

Good morning everyone.

I just wanted to update you. I have put down a deposit for an Aygo Cross! I did it! My mum came with me (bless her) and it was at a proper Toyota dealer/showroom. The salesman let us test drive it on our own without him being present - phew! My CitroenC1 is deteriorating rapidly so it had to happen.

What I would like to know please is the payment side. It seems I can only pay for it either by bank transfer or debit card. It says you can only pay a maximum amount on your credit card, but I want to pay it all on my credit card as I have more protection/rights and I always learned to pay by credit card for this reason for any big purchase, especially. I'd like to know your thoughts please?

Thank you in advance ??

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Brit_in_Germany

For the section 75 protection, you do not have to use the card for the full purchase price, just use it for a part of the total.

www.moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/section75-protec.../

Edited by Brit_in_Germany on 11/08/2024 at 10:27

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - catsdad

It’s very common, if not universal, that main dealers will have a limit on credit card purchases. They have to pay higher fees to the bank on these compared to other payment methods. As Brit says it doesn’t affect your protection if you part pay.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Heidfirst

For the section 75 protection, you do not have to use the card for the full purchase price, just use it for a part of the total.

www.moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/section75-protec.../

Hopefully, the op paid the deposit using a credit card in which case they will already be covered.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

Thank you everyone. I have learnt so much. Thank you for taking the time and trouble to answer ??

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - badbusdriver

Thank you everyone. I have learnt so much. Thank you for taking the time and trouble to answer ??

I'd be interested to learn what you think of the car once you've had it a few weeks, maybe you could let us know?

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

Of course I will! Do I need to take out insurance on the day of collection or will they provide a day's insurance for me to drive it home and will I need to take out road tax on the day of collection? I will ask these questions when the car is ready, but it would be handy to know beforehand. Thank you!

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - skidpan

Of course I will! Do I need to take out insurance on the day of collection or will they provide a day's insurance for me to drive it home and will I need to take out road tax on the day of collection? I will ask these questions when the car is ready, but it would be handy to know beforehand. Thank you!

They cannot tax the car without insurance. It needs sorting.

After all this worry you don't want 6 points and a fine on your way home for no insurance or worse still have an accident and have to foot the repair bill yourself (worse still if its a write off).

Its easy enough, simply transfer your insurance onto the new car, all insurers I have dealt with allow overlap.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

Thank you. Sorry I'm new to this. I've always got old bangers in the past and the mechanic then just did it all for me (except the insurance of course). I can't even remember how it works - so long ago.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Heidfirst

Of course I will! Do I need to take out insurance on the day of collection or will they provide a day's insurance for me to drive it home and will I need to take out road tax on the day of collection? I will ask these questions when the car is ready, but it would be handy to know beforehand. Thank you!

It depends. some can provide short term insurance but they should talk you through all this. Once you have a registration no. for the car (which they should know in advance) you can arrange your own insurance.

Generally, as a new car they should include the first year VED in the quoted price, but again get them to confirm.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

Hi! Thank you. The car is two years old. I paid the deposit on Friday and just waiting to be contacted for collection. I'm part excited, part scared to death!

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Falkirk Bairn

The car must be taxed before you can drive off.

Paying for Road Tax involves a check on the Insurance - NO insurance = NO Road tax and the car sits on the forecourt

Get your insurance organised before going to the garage.

The garage will do the Road Tax on-line while you wait, all you need is your Bank Card / Credit card to pay the cost.

Good luck

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - paul 1963

Firstly congratulations on finally finding a car, hope it serves you well, secondly before you pay the balance have a good look round it, check under the bonnet etc and make sure your completely happy, if they agreed to service it make sure its been done.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

Thank you both. Deep breath........

Edited by Mich52 on 13/08/2024 at 09:07

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

I've had it two days now. I'm besotted with it and at the same time overwhelmed by it. I'm still learning. I can't believe the modernity of it compared to my 17 yo Citroen.

So far, the only bug bear is when I placed the deposit down, and after I'd asked if they gave any discount and said no, he did say he could throw in a full tank of fuel, which he didn't. It wasn't until I drove off I realised it was half full. I did email them stating this, but nothing back so far.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - badbusdriver

Glad to hear you are happy with the car and yes, it will take a bit of acclimatisation!

As annoying as the missing fuel is, it is a very efficient car, so I wouldn't be too bothered about it.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Oli rag

That’s a good choice of car and I hope you have many good years with it.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - RJ414i

Have the annual (10k) service done by a Toyota dealer and you've got another 8 years warranty too. ??

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

Thank you for your good wishes and others on here too.

They wanted me to take out this monthly service plan or other, but I prefer to pay in one lump sum when the time comes.

On the day of collection, I got my receipt (cash payment). I’m waiting for the logbook to come, paid my insurance, year's road tax. I need to go back to them to work out the app side of things this weekend.

I was wondering though (and something I didn't check with the handover) how much is left on the warranty and how much time I have for free breakdown recovery? Does anyone know who to ask, as I didn't get any paperwork related to this?

Thank you again in advance and to all those who have helped me on here. I appreciate it more than you could know.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Andrew-T

I was wondering though (and something I didn't check with the handover) how much is left on the warranty and how much time I have for free breakdown recovery? Does anyone know who to ask, as I didn't get any paperwork related to this?

Well done for reaching the end of your assault course ! Surely it would (should) be safest to direct these questions to the selling dealer, preferably the salesman who closed your deal, or his boss. There is probably quite a lot of small print too.

If you are interested in the future resale value of the car (you may not be, as you keep them for decades) you should remember the theoretical value of keeping with Toyota servicing. But if your dealer is not conveniently near, it may make sense (after a few years) to get that work done by a reliable independent nearer home.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Heidfirst

I was wondering though (and something I didn't check with the handover) how much is left on the warranty and how much time I have for free breakdown recovery? Does anyone know who to ask, as I didn't get any paperwork related to this?

If it was originally delivered after 1st of June 2021 it will have come with a 3 year factory warranty. However, it can be kept in Toyota warranty up to 10 years & 11 months by dealer servicing at appropriate intervals, subject to a 100k mile limit.

Afaik, if it is a Toyota Approved car it should come with 1 year roadside assistance.

However, absolutely check this with your dealer or, if they are not forthcoming, Toyota GB customer service.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

Thank you. I just want it in writing. I'm surprised I didn't get any written docs.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Andrew-T

I'm surprised I didn't get any written docs.

So am I. Make sure you get all of them, especially bill of sale. You need the small print so you can check it.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

!!!!!!

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - paul 1963

!!!!!!

Trouble?

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

I meant my thoughts entirely :-)

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

I've had a whole host of problems since purchasing my car; so much so I wish I'd never bought it now! First, I took out insurance for it starting from the day of collection of the car, then the next day I was driving along the motorway (just 3 miles in), when a stone flipped up and cracked the entire windscreen. I thought, "That's OK, my insurance will cover that", but no it didn't because I only took out bronze cover and I had to pay £1500 yesterday for a new windscreen. Now, when I drive it it's rattly and noisy, which wasn't like it when I drove off from the forecourt. The dealer I bought it from is quite a way away, so I'll have to take it to another dealer for inspection, closer to home. Wish I hadn't bothered now buying one. Everything's gone wrong since I bought it ????‍??. If this keeps up I'll have to get a refund for it as it's only two weeks in and I've two weeks left if I want to return it ??

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Oli rag

£1500 for a windscreen… good grief! If the rattles started after the windscreen broke, it could be that there are still broken bits of glass rattling around the car.

I thought most car insurance ( not your warranty) included windscreen cover these days for a cost of around £100?

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

No in my case sadly. I've learnt the hard way.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Andrew-T

I thought most car insurance ( not your warranty) included windscreen cover these days for a cost of around £100?

My cover (LV=) includes windscreen with an excess of £95, IIRC. I suppose it may be an option, but I think that's unusual.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - FiestaOwner

I've had a whole host of problems since purchasing my car; so much so I wish I'd never bought it now! First, I took out insurance for it starting from the day of collection of the car, then the next day I was driving along the motorway (just 3 miles in), when a stone flipped up and cracked the entire windscreen. I thought, "That's OK, my insurance will cover that", but no it didn't because I only took out bronze cover and I had to pay £1500 yesterday for a new windscreen. Now, when I drive it it's rattly and noisy, which wasn't like it when I drove off from the forecourt. The dealer I bought it from is quite a way away, so I'll have to take it to another dealer for inspection, closer to home. Wish I hadn't bothered now buying one. Everything's gone wrong since I bought it ????‍??. If this keeps up I'll have to get a refund for it as it's only two weeks in and I've two weeks left if I want to return it ??

Sorry to hear of this.

You say that everything's gone wrong since you bought it, but only mention the insurance, broken windscreen and the rattles caused by either the broken windscreen or the fitting of the replacement.

None of these issues are the fault of the dealer (i'm assuming the dealer didn't replace the screen. Or did they?)

If the dealer didn't replace the screen, then why should they take the car back?

Also, the car is now in worse condition (with its rattles) than when you picked it up. Why should the dealer take it back after it has been damaged while in your possession.

Afraid this is the pitfalls of car ownership. However, hopefully the dealer can figure out the cause of the rattles.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Andrew-T

I've had a whole host of problems since purchasing my car; so much so I wish I'd never bought it now!

An example of the dictum that it may be a cheaper option to maintain the car you know - even if it is middle-aged or older - than to swap it for something newer but unknown ... :-(

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

I know. Wish I'd kept with my old one now. But then again, I do have warranty on it so they are obliged to fix it.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - mcb100
Yes, for a manufacturing defect.
If the new noises are as a result of the windscreen breakage/replacement, then you need to get back to whoever did that.
Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

The noise is coming from underneath.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - badbusdriver

Sorry to hear of your problems, but I cant help thinking that none of these is directly because you have bought a bad car, so there is no reason to consider rejection.

The windscreen getting hit by a stone is simply bad luck. Had you been in your old car, the screen would still have needed replacing, albeit for (probably) less cost to you. But that leads on to what (IMO) was the only actual "problem", your insurance, which didn't cover, or at least contribute to, the replacement windscreen cost. So I'd suggest updating/changing insurance to something which does.

The rattle?, well if it only started after the replacement windscreen was fitted, it most surely be related. My suggestion for a possible cause (without having heard the rattle) is that during the removal process, some small bits of broken glass fell down through the engine compartment and is now rattling about on a plastic undertray of some kind.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - gordonbennet

Mich, regarding the windscreen you should have posted before being stung for that cost, too late now but for windscreen purchases not involving insurance every area has a windscreen fitter or two that generally do all the fitments for the car trade and often truck screens too, nothing at all to do with the big names in screens, i've had several screens fitted by the local people here over the years, some screens are so cheap its simply not worth getting the insurance screen claim registered against you.

Anyway, the screen getting hit is hardly the fault of the new car or the dealer who sold it to you, indeed its quite possible the dealer who sold you the car would have put you in touch with the fitters who do their fittings and repairs seeing as you chose the wrong insurance cover.

Edited by gordonbennet on 28/08/2024 at 16:32

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - skidpan

some small bits of broken glass fell down through the engine compartment and is now rattling about on a plastic undertray of some kind.

Or some bits fell through the heater vents and are rattling somewhere within the dash.

Either way its not the sellers problem to sort. Its between you and the screen fitter.

PS Non genuine Toyota screens seem to be about £280 inc VAT + fitting. They really saw you coming.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

Thanks, everyone. I should've said the noise is when I accelerate only. Sorry.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - skidpan

From the Toyota Forum.

When I had the windscreen replaced they forgot to put back the bonnet prop....had to get the AA out.

Don't you just love it when the OP does not have the decency to post when the issue has been solved.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - badbusdriver

From the Toyota Forum.

When I had the windscreen replaced they forgot to put back the bonnet prop....had to get the AA out.

Don't you just love it when the OP does not have the decency to post when the issue has been solved.

Maybe not that surprising given your (ahem) "tactful" response to the windscreen debacle:

Non genuine Toyota screens seem to be about £280 inc VAT + fitting. They really saw you coming.

Just to clarify, In addition the thread title, the OP says in first post, "I am a lone shy woman and I don't have anyone with car knowledge to go with me to buy a car"

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - catsdad

No wonder the AA is so expensive if it attends for rattles rather than breakdowns. I wonder if it means the owner hadn’t actually looked under the bonnet to see if broken glass was to blame for the noises. She would presumably have found the loose prop if she had.

Anyway it takes all sorts and hopefully she will now relax and enjoy many years of untroubled Toyota ownership.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Xileno

Most on here are going to be fairly technical, it's the audience that a forum like this will typically attract. If your car is making a strange noise then I think it's reasonable to call for assistance if you have no clue about cars. I don't think my brother would be any different in the situation the OP faced - I doubt he would even know whether his car was FWD or RWD.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

Thank you - here's hoping. I'm in love with my car, but it's been pricey thus far! Thank you to all who have helped me on here xx

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - badbusdriver

Thank you - here's hoping. I'm in love with my car, but it's been pricey thus far! Thank you to all who have helped me on here xx

Stick with it, it will be a good and reliable wee car, just make sure and update your insurance to include windscreen cover (though of course it will probably never happen again).

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

Yes, I have. I feel the fool. It's only an extra £15 per year as well. I've certainly learnt the very hard way. Yes, the AA said Toyota cars are "pretty good cars". I have printed off my insurance policy and it states now I'm covered! Thanks again :-)

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Steveieb

On the subject of Toyota cars. It’s taken me 60 years of motoring to finally own a Toyota . I’ve never liked the styling . But my RAV 4 is my second car and over 21 years old and I now realise why they are so popular I all over the world . They are so well made , even the cable connectors are pot cored in resin to stop a heavy handed mechanic pulling the cable adrift.

I now realise what a problem free motoring life I would have had if I had chosen Toyota over the years instead of a string of VW , Audi and Ford cars! But at my time of life reliability takes priority especially when getting a car fixed involves big bills and long waits for parts and service availability.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Mich52

So interesting reading - though I don't understand car terminology :-O . I'm glad I seemed to have chosen such a reputable car.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Andrew-T

I now realise what a problem-free motoring life I would have had if I had chosen Toyota over the years instead of a string of VW, Audi and Ford cars! .

An interesting comment. I could say the same after more than 30 years owning Peugeots, despite the occasional gainsayers on here. :-) Even during the 20 years before that, owning BL/BMC products, I can't recall any serious failures. I must just have been lucky .... tho I have to admit that I never depended on a car for work or commuting.

Toyota X - Scared to buy a car - Falkirk Bairn

Over 40 new / nearly new cars in 57 years of driving.

1995 - complete change from the usual Ford/Vauxhall/Peugeot - our 1st Japanese car (made in USA) sold 2003 93K and really no repairs and "never left at the roadside"

Succession of Hondas, 1 Nissan Mk1 Xtrail, and a gem of a Mazda Xedos .............

The Xedos was under £1000 repairs in 15 years - mostly rubber perishing+ 3x callipers - no "real repairs"

The last CRV (Swindon) was a front spring (pothole) and perished bushes- total under £100 in 11 years (No warranty repairs other than recall on airbag).