Advice On Where To Buy A carwatch Used Car

There are no hard and fast rules regarding the best source of carwatch used cars. You will need to weigh up the carwatch protection of buying from a reputable dealer against the potential bargains of the private market; or perhaps you're thinking of buying from someone you know? carwatch Used Car Buying Advice offers Used Car Buying tips, and there is also a Used Car Buying Guide to ensure you make the right choice in buying a carwatch used car.
If you have never carried out a vehicle history check, you might wonder why it's an essential step before buying a used car. To confirm the car isn't stolen? To ensure value for money? To help make sure it's safe to drive? In fact, it's for all these reasons – and many more. Just as you wouldn't buy a house without a survey, the same principle applies to running a check before you buy a car. Do you want to risk your money on the seller's assurance that the vehicle is fine? Even the seller might not know the full truth. Whichever route you choose, it's vital to check the hidden history of the vehicle before you go ahead with the carwatch purchase. You wouldn't buy a house without a survey, even if you trusted the seller, so exercise the same caution when choosing a car. Even the seller might not be aware of the carwatch vehicle's true history: it's just not worth leaving it to chance.
offers an affordable Car Data Check , Vehicle History Report, Car Finance Check and advice on buying a used car to potential buyers of used cars, motorcycles and many other types of vehicles. Check before you buy: don't wait until you've handed over your money or it could be too late! A vehicle history check costs, on average, less than 1% of your overall spend on a used car. At the very least, it provides you with peace of mind. But it could be saving you the loss of the car, your money – and even your safety on the roads. Do you really want to take that gamble?

Advice On Buying From A Franchised Car Dealer

A new car dealership has a reputation to protect, so it can be one of the safest places to buy a carwatch used vehicle. There is also a greater level of consumer protection when you buy from a dealer, rather than privately. A dealer, for example, is legally responsible for ensuring that any outstanding hire purchase carwatch is settled with the finance company. They might even know the history of the car from new.
Vehicle is Recorded as a Category Loss or Total Loss - The vehicle has at some point been damaged, perhaps in a major accident, and the insurer has subsequently decided to write the vehicle off. Although it is sometimes possible to repair a write-off to a roadworthy standard, its history will de-value the vehicle and you might not be able to get insurance cover. Your insurer could even refuse to pay out on a claim, if the insurance company wasn't made aware of the write-off history when you took out your policy. In the worst scenario, the car could be unsafe to drive. If you know which make and model you want, the relevant franchised dealer should be able to offer you a wide choice of carwatch used and nearly-new vehicles and perhaps a trade-in on your old car. Shop around in your area for the best carwatch deal and, if you are trading-in, focus upon the final, net cost. If in doubt, print off Carwatch UK’s Used Car Buying Advice and Used Car Buying Guide as a point of reference for making enquiries.

Advice On Buying From A Used Car Dealer

Used car dealers vary widely but many are long established with a good reputation. Some specialise in newer cars or vehicles of a particular type. A reputable used car dealer will have checked the vehicles for sale beforehand to ensure there is no carwatch “history” or outstanding finance. (Again, they will be responsible for settling outstanding hire purchase agreements.) However, don’t leave this to chance: Carwatch UK offer an affordable Car Data Check, Vehicle History Report and Car Finance Check. If in doubt, follow our Used Car Buying Advice and Used Car Buying Guide to avoid any potential disasters whilst buying a carwatch used car.

Advice On Buying A carwatch Used Car Privately

Although the private market can sometimes offer potential bargains, it is perhaps the riskiest way to buy a used car - particularly if you don't know the seller. The carwatch car, for example, might not belong to the seller. Or it could be a badly repaired write-off. Be especially careful checking all the documentation and insist on meeting at the seller's house or place of work. Print off our carwatch Used Car Buying Guide (see menu on left of page) and take it with you when you view the car. Be sure to adhere to advice on buying a used car, using carwatch Used Car Buying Advice and Used Car Buying Guide as a point of reference. Also, be sure to make the most of affordable Car Data Check, comprehensive Vehicle History Report and Car Finance Check service before you hand over your money.

carwatch Used Car Buying Advice

1. Ask the seller if the vehicle belongs to him or her
Vehicle is Recorded as a Category Loss or Total Loss - The vehicle has at some point been damaged, perhaps in a major accident, and the insurer has subsequently decided to write the vehicle off. Although it is sometimes possible to repair a write-off to a roadworthy standard, its history will de-value the vehicle and you might not be able to get insurance cover. Your insurer could even refuse to pay out on a claim, if the insurance company wasn't made aware of the write-off history when you took out your policy. In the worst scenario, the car could be unsafe to drive. 2. Ask if there is outstanding finance to be settled
3. Ask if the vehicle has ever been involved in a major accident
4. Undertake a Car Data Check and Vehicle History Report from Carwatch UK to make sure.
5. Get a signed receipt for your payment Vehicle is Recorded as Stolen - Self-explanatory really: the vehicle belongs to the original owner and you could lose the car – and your money.

What Car? News What Car? Magazine Online is the UK's best source of expert, impartial advice on all aspects of buying, owning and selling cars. Chevrolet unveils Aveo supermini Chevrolet has revealed the production version of its new five-door Aveo supermini. On sale in the UK next autumn, it follows two sporty RS concept versions that were shown earlier in the year at the Detroit and Geneva motor shows. At first glance the Aveo might look like a three-door car because the handles for the rear doors are hidden in the C-pillars. Two petrol and two diesel engines will be available from launch. The 1.2-litre petrol develops 85bhp while the 1.4-litre has 99bhp and will be available with a six-speed automatic transmission for the first time. The 1.3-litre diesel delivers either 74bhp or 95bhp and will have engine stop-start technology to improve economy. Chevrolet promises lively handling for the car, which, it says, has been fine-tuned to cater for European tastes. Get interactive with whatcar.com... How to deal with car salesmen - part 1 What Car? Target Price mystery shoppers experience the full range of tactics that sales staff use to get the most cash out of car buyers. One recent experience at a Peugeot dealer uncovered two typical tactics that we're going to reveal here. Learn how to spot these tactics and you'll know how to deal with them when they're used against you, whichever brand of car you're shopping for. Tactic one – 'Sorry, we can't discount that car.' This is, almost certainly, complete rubbish. The majority of cars on sale are available with a discount. The exceptions are models available in limited numbers, such as a Ferrari 458, where demand will always outstrip supply. Recently launched cars where demand is buoyant will also miss out on the biggest discounts. So, you're unlikely get a discount on a new Ferrari, but how about a Peugeot RCZ? We were told by one Peugeot dealer that: 'Unfortunately Peugeot have said that anyone who discounts the RCZ will have the rights of selling the car taken away from them.' Peugeot denies they have threatened dealers with any such action, admitting it's just a case of 'salesmanship' in action. However, a spokesman for Peugeot said: 'There has been so much demand that the RCZ doesn't attract the same kind of incentives that other Peugeot products enjoy. 'There would be no point in discounting the car and we have communicated that to dealers.' Competition laws exist to ensure that Peugeot, or any other importer, can't dictate to franchised dealers the price at which cars are sold. That's why when you look in a pricelist it says 'recommended retail price,' not compulsory retail price. If you're told by a dealer they can't discount, for any reason, be suspicious. Consult our Target Prices to see the most you should pay for any new car and don't take no for an answer. You should be able to find a dealer or broker that will discount more than our Target Price, but get in touch with us if you can't and we'll put you in touch with one that will. As far as discounts on an RCZ goes, take a look at the hundreds that Drivethedeal.com is offering off prices. Don't expect a big discount on newly lauched cars such as the Peugeot RCZ Tactic two – 'You have to buy now to get this price.' This can be true, but more often than not it is just used to seal the deal by panicking buyers into signing on the dotted line. Take time to satisfy yourself you're happy with the deal and don't be pressurised. Go for a breath of fresh air away from the pressure-cooker atmosphere of the dealership, so you can look over the details with a cool head. The same Peugeot dealer that told us they couldn't discount the RCZ told us we needed to order now to avoid the increase in next January's VAT increase. This simply isn't true. Even if a car you order now isn't delivered or paid for in full until next year, a dealership can raise a tax 'point of sale' this year, when you place a deposit, which means VAT will be applied at the current rate, not the increased level of 20%. Come back tomorrow for part two. Get interactive with whatcar.com... Vauxhall reveals GTC Paris Concept This is the Vauxhall GTC Paris Concept, which will make its debut at the Paris motor show later this month. Hints at new Astra Sport Hatch Vauxhall describes the GTC Paris Concept as 'the strongest hint yet to the Astra Sport Hatch's successor.' The car maker has suggested that a production version 'will not stray far' from the concept car and that it will retain the GTC name for the production car. The concept car is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a start-stop system and is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. More photos of the GTC Paris Concept > GTC Paris C/cept: click to enlarge > GTC Paris C/cept: click to enlarge > GTC Paris C/cept: click to enlarge > GTC Paris C/cept: click to enlarge > GTC Paris C/cept: click to enlarge > GTC Paris C/cept: click to enlarge It's fitted with a limited slip differential and an updated version of Vauxhall's Flexride adaptive shock absorber system. Despite looking production-ready, the three-door Astra is at least a year away from going on sale. Get interactive with whatcar.com... Petrol Kia Sportage goes on sale Kia's all-new Sportage crossover is now available with a 161bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine from £19,495 The petrol-powered Kia Sportage First Edition does an average of 35.8mpg and emits 188g/km of CO2. It has a top speed of 113mph and a 0-60mph time of 10.3 seconds. As with the recently launched 2.0 CRDI Kia Sportage, the four-wheel-drive petrol version is available in just one well-equipped trim that includes: • leather upholstery • dual-zone climate control • 18-inch alloy wheels • LED daytime running lights • Bluetooth • cruise control • rain-sensing wipers • a colour rear parking camera system integrated into the rear-view mirror Initially, 850 diesel Sportage First Editions were made for the UK, however Kia says these have all now been sold. The full line-up, with two- and four-wheel-drive versions and lower-powered engines, will be available later this year, but Kia says it made the petrol First Editions available now to meet customer demand. The petrol First Edition costs £1282 less than the diesel and is available to order now, with deliveries starting in October. Get interactive with whatcar.com... Mini Cooper D driven As part of the ongoing changes to the Mini range, there’s now a new diesel engine in Cooper versions of the hatchback, Clubman and convertible. Derived from the unit in parent company BMW’s 1 Series, the turbocharged direct-injection 1.6-litre engine has more power and torque than the unit replaces, but is also more economical and has lower emissions. At low speeds, there’s no hiding the tell-tale sounds of a diesel engine, but once you pick up the pace, things quieten down nicely. The unit combines well with the standard stop-start system, too, although again there’s no disguising the engine’s cough and splutter as it kicks back into life. Petrol vs diesel Generally, performance is strong, and the strong pull in the mid-range (much more than in the old engine) means you don’t need to rev the unit as hard as you do with the petrol alternative. That means the two engines have very different characters. The petrol model is the more exciting and sporty because it needs to be worked hard, whereas you can be a little lazier with the diesel, relying on its mid-range pull to haul you along at a perfectly acceptable rate. The only problem comes if you let the revs drop much below 1750rpm. Amble round a tight turn in town in second gear, for example, and there’s a distinct lull in proceedings until the turbocharger kicks the engine into life. More photos of the Mini Cooper > Mini Cooper 1: click to enlarge > Mini Cooper 2: click to enlarge > Mini Cooper 3: click to enlarge > Mini Cooper 4: click to enlarge > Mini Cooper 5: click to enlarge > Mini Cooper 6: click to enlarge Minor face-lift Coinciding with the introduction of this engine is what can only be described as a very minor facelift: revised bumpers at both ends, as well as a new black cross-piece below the front number plate and new-look rear lights. That may sound like a lot, but even with the new and old cars side-by-side, you’ll be hard-pressed to spot the differences. There are also new wheels and paint colours to choose from, revised trims inside, and some new options. These include adaptive headlights and Mini Connected, an in-car infotainment system that is controlled by Mini’s version of BMW’s iDrive. It also works through an iPhone to give web radio, Facebook and Twitter updates, and a variety of other features. The trouble is that these minor changes add up to a surprisingly major price rise. At £15,730, the new Cooper D hatchback, for example, is more than £500 dearer than the model it replaces – and there are similar rises in the Clubman and Convertible ranges. Perhaps more significantly, it’s also over £1000 more expensive than the petrol-engined Cooper, which has more character, is quicker to 60mph and still does over 50mpg. Unless you do an awful lot of miles, you’ll struggle to make up that kind of price difference in lower fuel bills. Andy.Pringle @whatcar.com What Car? says Better than the old car, but we prefer the petrol model Lighter and more powerful Bentley GT The Bentley Continental GT coupe has been given an overhaul with more power, less weight and tweaks to its exterior and interior. See more photos of the Bentley GT in our Facebook gallery. Performance and efficiency The 6.0-litre W12 engine gets a 15bhp power boost from 552bhp to 567bhp which – combined with the car's 65kg weight loss – results in a 0-60mph time that's cut from 4.6 seconds to 4.4. Top speed remains 198mph. Average fuel consumption improves slightly by 0.1mpg to 17.1mpg, while CO2 emissions drop from 396g/km to 384g/km. The front and rear track of the car are also increased, by 41mm and 48mm respectively, and the six-speed Quickshift automatic transmission has been modified. Shift times are halved to 200 milliseconds, while 60% of the engine's power is now sent to the rear wheels compared with 50% previously. Bentley says the new arrangement allows for greater cornering control on the throttle. Styling New headlights, squarer exterior styling and a refreshed interior with new seats and a 30GB in-car control system mark the revised car out. New engine A more efficient 4.0-litre V8 option will be added to the range late next year. Power output hasn't been confirmed yet, but Bentley says it will have class-leading emissions-to-power ratio. Both of the engines in the GT will be able to run on E85 bioethanol fuel, which Bentley estimates will reduce your well-to-wheel CO2 emissions by 70%. However, E85 is sold in only 21 petrol stations in the UK. Get interactive with whatcar.com... What Car? Q&A replay The What Car? lunchtime question and answer session is has now ended. Don't worry if you missed the live action, though, you can scroll down and replay all of the questions and answers - or logon between 1pm-2pm next Tuesday for another live Q&A session. Next session The next live What Car? Q&A session will take place from 1pm-2pm, Tuesday, September 14. Our team will be on hand to cover all subjects, whether it's a new car, used car or a problem with your current car. However, some questions might be too involved to sort out in a single lunchtime. We'll let you know what to do if so. Answering your questions: The What Car? team today were: • Iain Reid: whatcar.com producer • Peter Lawton: whatcar.com deputy editor • Matt Sanger: What Car? used car editor • Leo Wilkinson: What Car? deputy road test editor Live Q&A replay The What Car? Q&A session is now closed. Iain Reid: whatcar.com producer Peter Lawton: whatcar.com deputy editor Matt Sanger: What Car? used car editor Leo Wilkinson: What Car? deputy road test editor Previous Q&A sessions Replay our previous live Q&A sessions by clicking below. Tuesday, Aug 31 session Tuesday, Aug 24 session Tuesday, Aug 17 session Tuesday, Aug 10 session Tuesday, Aug 3 session Tuesday, July 27 session Tuesday, July 20 session Tuesday, July 13 session Tuesday, July 6 session Tuesday, June 15 session Tuesday, June 8 session Tuesday, June 1 session Tuesday, May 25 session Get interactive with whatcar.com... Kia issues Soul and Sorento recall Kia is recalling more than 500 of its Sorento and Soul models because of a potential problem with the wiring in their doors. In models that have 'mood-lighting', Kia says there is a small danger of the wiring overheating, which could cause a fire. Kia is recalling 73 Souls and 476 Sorentos, and it says the work to fix the problem should take no more than an hour. Hamish McCowan, after-sales and logistics director at Kia Motors (UK) Ltd, said: 'We are not aware of any vehicles in the UK suffering from this problem, but we believe it is better to be safe, and that is why we are taking this recall action. 'The risk of a fire is small and would only occur under extreme circumstances, but we want to make sure none of our customers are anxious about the safety of their vehicles'. The recall affects vehicles built between September 2009 and June this year. Get interactive with whatcar.com...

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