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Used Approved
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Car Supermarket
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Independent
used dealer
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Private Sale
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Auction
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| Buying Experience |
Just like buying a new car but without the depreciation and teething troubles.
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Big stocks, all makes, low prices, minimal service
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Further down the food chain. Some are superb, others less so. No longer wears a sheepskin coat, but some are still villains
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Potentially the cheapest way to get the best cars, but some may owners overvalue their vehicle - sometimes just to negotiate .
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As risky as private sale but potentially cheaper and you see more cars at one go
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| For |
Choice, quality, peace of mind, nationwide stock lists
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Choice, price, easy
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Local, cheap, big choice including older cars
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Cheap, easy to haggle, seller should know car's history
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Very cheap, big choice
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| Against |
Expensive, predominantly one make per dealer
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No haggling, not always local, might not have the exact car
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Do you trust them?
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No comeback, can only see one at a time
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You'e competing with dealers, no comeback, risky
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Available
Cars |
Nearly new, very clean. Maybe an ex fleet or lease car. Thorough inspection and preparation, service history, breakdown cover, and all repair work carried out properly
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Nearly new or new (pre-registered), average mileage, very clean. Lots of choice.
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Huge range from 3-10 years old. Many will be ex-fleet cars; higher mileages, less likely to be genuine, more risk
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Could be anything from a £50 banger to a distress sale Porsche
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Anything from ex-fleet cars to ex-police cars to unwanted dealer part-exchanges
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| Price Range |
High but you can usually get a good deal if you're persistent
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Cheap but don't expect a further discount
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Mid price. Most operate in the £3000-£10,000 range, plenty specialise either side of that.
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Always too high to start with, but for the brave haggler there are bargains to be had
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Generally low, but popular stuff can go for over the odds
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| Part Exchange Options |
Most will take anything in part-ex, but don't expect top prices because they'll trade it on or sell at auction.
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Might not want your car or will offer a low price and then sell it through the trade
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Most will take anything in part-ex, and prices can be good (because they'll be selling it themselves)
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Not usually unless they are a back street dealer
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No
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| Warranty |
Manufacturer-backed approved 12 month warranty
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Balance of manufacturer warranty on nearly new, insurance-based used car warranty on others.
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You pay extra (or haggle for it) for anything over three months at most independents
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You can buy an aftermarket package
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A few hours if you're lucky
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| Test Drive |
Yes
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Not normally
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Usually yes
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Yes
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No
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| Finance Provision |
Should be a good choice at competitive rates
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Rates not usually competitive, but quick and convenient
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Limited choice, can be expensive
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No
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No
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| Support & Customer Service |
Most will swap the car if you aren't happy
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Pre-sale checks not always as thorough as manufacturer approved scheme
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You have legal rights, but might have to go to court to enforce them
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Difficult. You'll have to prove the seller knew there was a problem
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Not usually
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| Other points |
Check what you get as schemes vary with manufacturer
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Is it an import? Are they really in stock? Ring before you drive 100s of miles
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Most independents are as good as you'd hope, but there are some cowboys around. Keep your head and don't believe a single word of what they say. You aren't there to make friends, just buy the car for the least money and go.
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Potentially risky and always time consuming, but should be the cheapest way to a good car if you can be tough enough.
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Visit a few sales before you buy. Get to know the ropes and what to pay. Always take this Price Guide with you.
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