I'm due for a change in car and I like to buy private and no more that 3 years old to have some warranty left.
Looking at a small hatch. Kia Rio seems the mark for those years. Also don't mind the Renault Clio Expression but it's a bit more pricey.
What tips do people have when going down this path?
We will do revs check and get a full mechanical check to make sure it's ok and not been in any accidents.
I've always used Redbook as a price guide but am finding people are well above at the moment. I've noticed a couple on the mark but they get snapped up real quick.
Tips for Buying Private Second Hand Car 2012-2014
dan76n on 15/11/2015 - 11:16
Comments
I agree with the above poster, I would personally stay away with French cars. In Europ they are cheap and kinda make sense. Have a look at the i30, Rio, madza3 etc. they are all very good and there are some great deals.
Wouldn't you be better to wait until 2016 for the end of year sales?
The Rio is as big as we really want to go. We have a Mondeo Titanium which is the family car so the corollas,i30s and Mazda 3s are a little bigger than needed.
In saying that I'm not too keen on the yaris as it looks too small.
I think the issue with rebook and the years I'm looking is that although that's the market value, owners find it really hard to drop that much on a car they purchased brand new. And from what I'm seeing there are alot that aren't selling that are priced above redbooks price.
Being private to I don't want to offend and offer redbook pricing.
Offer to pay what you think the car is worth. There will be a better car for less the next day so don't get hooked thinking it is the car of your dreams.
Some private sellers think they are entitled to car yard prices… and they are not.10k-15k with 15k needing to be an absolute bargain. Closer to 10k is better.
Depending on budget you could consider an ex-rental car. Usually seem to be turned over around the 2yr/60,000km mark from what I understand.
Usually kinda polarising as people either love the idea or hate it. Although from experience and reading forums/reviews it seems to be mostly positive for the types of cars you are looking at.
Where are they advertised? I expect a higher Km car to be valued inline with the average year it would match.ie 2014 model with 50k would be priced like a 2013 model.
Personally, I work opposite a car rental service center so I just spoke to them about it. Although rental companies have websites, for example:
http://www.hertzcarsales.com.au/
http://www.budget.com.au/car-truck-sales/I remember the guy saying they tend not to bother advertising for private sales (although they will do them) because it's quicker and easier for them to sell to dealers who then on-sell to the public (with mark-up).
Grabbed a 2013 Nissan Pulsar ST Hatch with 59,000 kms for $11,000 (it's actually $10,000 + $1,000 GST which is great as I can claim the GST back) and car drives perfectly. Checked with them that the car had never been in any major accidents and they service the vehicles very regularly as the vehicles only make money when they're on the road.
Only downside was that I had to replace the car mats (which stank horribly) and the windows aren't tinted - so I'll probably end up doing that at some point in the future. Also a little bit of scratching/scuffing inside the car (example inside the boot) but this doesn't bother me at all as I use it to transport flat-packed furniture around for work.
Also, it still carries the 3yr/100,000km warranty for the next year (or next 41,000kms) but hopefully I don't have to use it :)
When did you purchase it and how did the price compare to Redbook?
Personally I’d avoid ex-rentals like a plague. They are the worst treated cars out there. They might get serviced on time (probably the only good thing I can say about them), but workmanship depends on who does it.
I once had the misfortune of buying one; bought from a dealer without knowing it was an ex rental. Externally it looked good, but under the hood it was all a mess. Worked fine for a year or so, but then everything started breaking down, probably due to all the dodgy repairs it had.
Ended up going for a new Kia Rio 3 door Manual with Cruise Control and Window Tint.
Paid 10k changeover with my old Ford BF Fairmont Ghia.
I've never been a fan of New cars due to depreciation but at 10k with 7 years warranty I figured I haven't got much to lose.One thing I've noticed is that the feedback for the Rio is to spend the extra and get the 1.6ltr over the 1.4ltr.
The 3 door is a 1.4ltr and from someone who has come from 20 years of driving 6 cylinder fords ( I've had 2 fairmont Ghias and and XR6) I'm really comfortable with the 1.4ltr. Mind you I've not had more than 2 people in the car.
I'm actually really happy with the car. Cruise control has no issues at 110kmph up the slight hill near Nerang (Goldcoast M1)
The headrest took a day or two to get used to as it tilts forward quite a bit compared to my last car.
I did look at a Hyundai Accent but they don't have a Cruise control option and I tried driving home in the Ford without using it a few times and it sucks.
Ohh and I struck it lucky with Insurance as NRMA had $100 off so it cost me $200 for 12 month comprehensive with Windscreen cover included.
New Car insurance Tip; go for Market price for the first 2 years as NRMA replaces the Car with a new one if Written off. Market Value is always cheaper than Agreed Value.
I'm looking in a similar sort of year/price range as you. Redbook is a handy guide but becomes a lot more relevant the older the car is…
There are a few other options that spring to mind, you could get a TSI/TDI current shape polo budget, but the odd VW horror story was enough for me to disregard.
Interesting car is the Yaris ZR, some 2012-14 models can be had around the 11k mark.
Also worth suggesting the next size up - 12k puts you in a 2012/13 Mazda 3, Corolla, i30, Civic etc.
I looked at the Rio myself and found myself always coming back to it. 12k finds you a very tidy 2012 model with 4 years remaining warranty - that 12k also gets you into an SLS/SLI with leather climate trip controlled push buttoned automatic wipers. It really did tick all the boxes with the decent 1.6 NA engine to boot. Ended up taking one for a drive and remember walking away super impressed with the overall package and ownership proposition.
The bit I'm finding difficult to justify is the price - all told you'd be spending 12-13k and you can get a new Mazda 2/Yaris/Jazz/Swift with a few options ticked for 15. You even see the odd demo Clio expression around 16. And damn picking up our own new car is satisfying.