Getting the right deal - used

07/01/09

Where to buy and what to watch for, across all prices and car types. Here's our guide to wise and easy buying

Franchised dealers

These can be anything from glass and chrome palaces to the more modest surroundings of long-established garages. Here you'll find dearer cars, many of which will be nearly new and if they don't have what you want, they can search the maker's database for just the right car.

What's for sale may be more expensive than elsewhere but prices will be negotiable and the cars should have undergone thorough pre-sale checking. And, like as not, they'll come with a manufacturer-backed used-car warranty lasting for at least a year. They'll provide everything you need to make the change from your current car . they'll buy it from you, prepare and tax your new one and sort out a loan (if you need it) to cover the difference. Many will also sell insurance and even pre-paid servicing at a discount.

Great for: warranties, aftersales care

Not so great for: older cars, low prices

Independent garages

Independent garages come in all types and sizes. Some specialize in a particular make, or type of car; others sell anything and everything. Prices tend to be lower than at franchised dealers and you'll often find that they have a bigger spread of older cars. As with main dealers, you may secure a discount if you ask for one. Most such dealers check their stock for mechanical faults before they sell and they'll usually provide some form of warranty, too. You may be asked to buy some form of insurance-based breakdown warranty to cover the car after the first three months that you own it. Like the franchised dealers, they'll buy your old car and arrange a loan if you need one.

The best independents have traded for decades, building a good reputation over time so that customers return time and again. Find one of these - they'll give a personal service you'll rarely see elsewhere.

Great for: personal service, value

Not so great for: warranties

Car supermarkets

The biggest group over 1500 cars of every make, shape and size on a single site. Most want to shift what they have quickly, so prices are low and profit-per-car is slim. Many fix their prices and while some will discount, don't expect to save more than a couple of hundreds of pounds.

The way they'll approach you varies. Some insist that their sales people guide you towards whatever you want while others leave you to free to wander until you are ready to buy. Test drives are usually available, but don't expect more than a 10-minute tootle locally. Most will take your current car in part-exchange and some even fix a price for it in advance that's good for whatever you buy. What you.re offered will probably be lower than a main dealer would bid, however.

Many of the cars will be nearly-new and you'll rarely see any over five years old. The choice is huge and most sites arrange cars by type. Because the cars sell quickly, don't assume the car you've seen on the supermarket's web site will still be there when you turn up a couple of days later. Some will allow you to reserve a car for a limited time (in return for a small deposit) for that reason. Most prepare cars for sale and check them to a good standard although they may not attend to every last scratch the way some dealers do. The warranties they offer are often thin, some lasting only a month from when you purchase. They'll gladly sell you additional insurance-based cover, though.

Great for: choice, low prices

Not so great for: warranties, aftersales care

Auctions

You could scoop a bargain at auction and there's no waiting: you'll drive home in your new car that afternoon. Try it only if you are content to buy a car you've yet to drive.

Go to a couple of auctions before you buy to get used to how they work. Get there early because there's usually a limited time to look inside the car and listen to the engine. You won't be allowed a test drive, however.

Listen intently to the auctioneer's pre-bidding spiel because he'll tell you the car's mileage, service records and other details. Watch bidding on cars you.d buy and see what they go for. Before you decide to bid, decide a price limit and, come what may, stick to it. Walk on to the floor of the bidding ring and stand where the auctioneer can see you. To bid, make eye contact with him and raise your hand.

If your bid wins the car, you usually have an hour to check it before the deal becomes final. You'll have to pay for the car on the spot and also arrange insurance before you drive off.

It's not for the timid but a little research and determination on the day should see most private buyers succeed.

Great for: rock-bottom prices

Not so great for: aftersales care

Buying privately

If you.re the type that relishes negotiating a deal, coming away feeling you've got the best for the least cash, you'll love buying privately. And meeting your car's previous owner can be informative and a pleasure. It's not for the faint-hearted, though. Remember that private transactions don't give as much legal protection as if you buy from a dealer or supermarket. Unless the car is unroadworthy, or the buyer has lied to you about its condition, there's little if any comeback.

The key thing is to ensure the seller is genuine, so always view the car at their home, ask how long they have owned and ask to see paperwork to back their claims. The registration document should list them as the owner, but it's also reassuring to see their name on garage receipts for servicing or repairs.

Great for: low prices, haggling

Not so great for: legal protection, aftersales care