Online Car Searches

[skintsaint]

Long story short I will need a motor for when I land back in England next month so looking for cheap cars to start while we get on our feet.

Is Autotrader still the best place to look? 

[Weston Super Saint]

Depends what your budget is.

Cazoo and Cinch tend to specialise in the 2-3 year old market / ex lease cars with 'reasonable' mileage.  The process is pretty slick with delivery to your address an option and all cars come with a (limited time) warranty and 14 day money back 'peace of mind' guarantee.

Autotrader is still populated by 'local' car dealers who will predominantly have bought stock at the auction, given it a clean up and stuck a healthy margin on.  Private sellers also advertising on there, but buyer beware.

In general the second hand market prices are through the roof at the moment due to a lack of new cars during covid and beyond as a result of supply chain issues, so be prepared to spend more than you normally would....

[skintsaint]

On 08/01/2023 at 20:33, Weston Super Saint said:

Depends what your budget is.

Cazoo and Cinch tend to specialise in the 2-3 year old market / ex lease cars with 'reasonable' mileage.  The process is pretty slick with delivery to your address an option and all cars come with a (limited time) warranty and 14 day money back 'peace of mind' guarantee.

Autotrader is still populated by 'local' car dealers who will predominantly have bought stock at the auction, given it a clean up and stuck a healthy margin on.  Private sellers also advertising on there, but buyer beware.

In general the second hand market prices are through the roof at the moment due to a lack of new cars during covid and beyond as a result of supply chain issues, so be prepared to spend more than you normally would....

Cheers for the tips!

I'll check out Cazoo & Cinch. I will still carry out a pre-purchase inspection on anything I will look to buy to be honest which must also have fsh. 

[saint1977]

On 10/01/2023 at 05:59, skintsaint said:

Cheers for the tips!

I'll check out Cazoo & Cinch. I will still carry out a pre-purchase inspection on anything I will look to buy to be honest which must also have fsh. 

Motors.co.Uk had a better selection than Auto Trader I found. Had the same car for 11 years so bit out of practice in looking, when I bought mine Saab still made cars and no-one had heard of Tesla, or Cazoo. I’d still pay for a check if you use them or Cinch, was a bit on BBC about some lethal faults on delivery.

It’s very poor value for second hand out there if you want good quality and FSH. Mine’s gearbox is packing up but repair/reconditioned still looking the best bet. Madness.

Hopefully by this time next year the 2022 new purchases and part-exs ease supply and quality used prices drop to more sane levels so I can swoop. Miserly I know.

Edited 18 January, 2023 by saint1977

[skintsaint]

3 hours ago, saint1977 said:

It’s very poor value for second hand out there if you want good quality and FSH

I think that's a problem in most places to be honest, I just sold a 12 year old Jeep with 187k on the clock for $19.5k. 

Think we are leaning towards a low mileage V50 or A4 right now. As long as we get a few years out of it.

Edited 19 January, 2023 by skintsaint

[swannymere]

If you know what car you want then try owner forums, you can get a car which usually has been written about in the forum and usually has better specification and has been looked after. Pistonheads is also worth a try.