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How To Guides - Unofficial Guide to the DVLA When & Where to Buy

When to Buy

Because new number plate registrations become available in March and September, lots of people part-exchange their car for a new one. This causes an over supply which drives used car prices down. Mid-March to early May and Mid-September to early November are regarded as the best times to buy used cars.

Where To Buy

Franchise Dealers

Positives:

• Approved used car scheme
• High quality cars
• Lots of legal ‘comeback’ if you have a problem. The new European directive means you now have six months to complain
• Will offer part exchange

Negatives:

• Expensive car prices and labour prices
• Better value warranties and finance can be arranged privately
• Limited range of makes
• Service not necessarily better than independents

Independent Dealers

Positives:

• Reasonable prices
• More inclined to give a discount
• Legal ‘comeback’ if you have a problem
• Will offer part exchange
• Specialists really know their stuff and care about their reputation, so they offer a good service
• Find a good independent or independent specialist and you will have the best experience

Negatives:

• Quality varies significantly. You must judge them on a case-by-case basis.
• Better value warranties can be arranged privately, so do not let the dealer use it as a negotiation tool to keep the car price up

Car Supermarkets

Positives:

• Lots of stock, you can drive away with a car
• Pretty good prices
• Lots of legal ‘comeback’ if you have a problem

Negatives:

• Check all the prices carefully; some will not be as much of a saving as the much talked about offers
• Better value warranties and finance can be arranged privately
• Limited movement on price
• Not as interested in part exchange like dealers Customer care can vary
• Cars sold as ‘new’ because they are low mileage, but actually may already have one owner in the log book
• Cars can be imports
• You can sometimes be charged a standard ‘pre-sale’ inspection fee. This is you paying for a valet and administration costs. Check the small print.

Private Sales

Positives:

• The best prices (if you do it right) Endless choice
• If you know what to do, you can have the same peace of mind as from any other option
• This is the most satisfying way to buy a car. And should be the cheapest too.

Negatives:

• No legal comeback (but you can get other protection such as a private warranty)
• You need to spend slightly more time to ensure you get a great deal and a great car
• No part exchange

Auctions

Positives:

• Amazing bargains can be found
• Fun way to buy a car

Negatives:

• A lot of stock arrives at auctions because it would not sell elsewhere
• You have limited opportunities to check the car
• No part exchange
• Intimidating environment where it is easy to over-bid because you are forced to think quickly
• Limited legal comeback (you must read the auction house's terms and conditions before bidding to find out what comeback you have)

Direct Internet Buying

Positives:

• Bargains can be found on new, nearly new and used cars
• Highly convenient.

Negatives:

• Legal comeback depends on who is selling the car
• You may have to buy ‘unseen’
• Not the same customer care or contact point as buying from a showroom or individuals
• Organising payment can present problems