Anyone near Middlesex who could/would go check out a used car for us?

[Chrishazle]

Just a suggestion @Darrell and @HappytalkAgain hope you've exchanged mobile phone numbers via PM (conversation)!!

 

[Darrell]

Just a suggestion @Darrell and @HappytalkAgain hope you've exchanged mobile phone numbers via PM (conversation)!!

I don’t do phone conversations.

 

[HappytalkAgain]

I don’t do phone conversations.

You’re not mute as well as colourblind are ya?

 

[Darrell]

You’re not mute as well as colourblind are ya?

I’ll talk on the phone re work but it’ll be short and sweet. Anything other communication with friends, relatives and anyone else is done by text.

 

[HappytalkAgain]

I’ll talk on the phone re work but it’ll be short and sweet. Anything other communication with friends, relatives and anyone else is done by text.

I think you’ve got my number should you need it.

 

[Skd884]

I’ll talk on the phone re work but it’ll be short and sweet. Anything other communication with friends, relatives and anyone else is done by text.

Unusual why?

 

[Darrell]

Unusual why?

I don’t really know.

Maybe I feel I can write what I think or feel better than I can say it.

Also I like to have proof.

 

[HappytalkAgain]

About midday.

Darrell,

I’m getting bad vibes from this lot. Not very good at communicating either. Don’t want to put you out unless you’re looking forward to the trip.

 

[Darrell]

Darrell,

I’m getting bad vibes from this lot. Not very good at communicating either. Don’t want to put you out unless you’re looking forward to the trip.

It’s your decision fella.

 

[HappytalkAgain]

It’s your decision fella.

Ok. I’ll phone them on Saturday to make sure it’s still available (as they won’t let me pay a deposit to reserve the car). If it is I guess they maybe better face to face.

 

[Dippo]

Their reviews on google aren't that good- apart from a couple of 5 star ones.

 

[HappytalkAgain]

Their reviews on google aren't that good- apart from a couple of 5 star ones.

yeah. I read them.

I’m drawn to the car because of the low mileage.

 

[fabes]

Early new minis (or was it just the Cooper's) weren't the best for reliability.
Ride can be a bit crashy also....

 

[HappytalkAgain]

It’s your decision fella.

I think it’s time to pull the plug on this Darrell. Just had a email from our old mate Tim. He’s given me enough details about the garage and the car to abandon the viewing.

Thanks so much for offering to help out. It means the world.

 

[Darrell]

I think it’s time to pull the plug on this Darrell. Just had a email from our old mate Tim. He’s given me enough details about the garage and the car to abandon the viewing.

Thanks so much for offering to help out. It means the world.

That’s a shame.

For the benefit of us dads going through the same experience as you, can you tell us what Tim uncovered.

 

[HappytalkAgain]

That’s a shame.

For the benefit of us dads going through the same experience as you, can you tell us what Tim uncovered.

He appears to know the area well giving a rather grim description of the garage.

Also various MOT advisories being ignored year on year.

However, should curiosity get the better of you and you’re doing nowt else then a visit could be a benefit either way.

 

[HappytalkAgain]

the search continues.

Advice please. What’s more important:

Newer car with high mileage?

Older car with low mileage?

Both above similar price.

 

[Will]

Condition every time on cars of this sort of value.

Whilst age and mileage are good indicators for what to expect, cars vary so much as to how they’ve been used and looked after.

Someone I know just bought an old (‘52 plate) Fiat Punto for £1200. I wasn’t optimistic but it’s really clean and tidy, has only two owners from new and 55k miles with a decent MOT history. No signs of any rust, engine runs sweet and it drives perfect.

Nothing fancy but it had 11 months MOT and was ULEZ compliant, I’ve seen much worse 5-10 year old cars.

You have to look at lots of cars to find a good one, worth the effort though if you are able to

 

[HappytalkAgain]

Condition every time on cars of this sort of value.

Whilst age and mileage are good indicators for what to expect, cars vary so much as to how they’ve been used and looked after.

Someone I know just bought an old (‘52 plate) Fiat Punto for £1200. I wasn’t optimistic but it’s really clean and tidy, has only two owners from new and 55k miles with a decent MOT history. No signs of any rust, engine runs sweet and it drives perfect.

Nothing fancy but it had 11 months MOT and was ULEZ compliant, I’ve seen much worse 5-10 year old cars.

You have to look at lots of cars to find a good one, worth the effort though if you are able to

Thank you Will.

It’s a minefield. When I was young I bought cars for myself in the blink of an eye.

But when it’s for your 17 year old daughter who’s moving away from home it’s a different story. The thought of her braking down or having an issue when I can’t instantly run and help is horrifying.

 

[Will]

Totally understand.

To me I’d ideally buy something cheap and cheerful (like my example above) as it’s a first car, but I know that wouldn’t suit everyone - especially if she’s going to be away from home

The other option is have you considered something new? You can lease a brand new small hatchback for about £2.5k a year or so. Yes it’s a lot of money but you could spend £3-4k on an older car like that mini and get a grand or two of bills if you’re unlucky.

No MOT for three years, under warranty, cheaper to run and usually better equipped, new tyres, new brakes, no service for a year or longer etc.

Just a thought