Looking to buy a car with a budget of up to 7k, Melbourne based. I've been looking at deals across Carsales, Facebook and Gumtree. I have noticed a few things which I was hoping the community here could answer. Also, any links to Australian based car forums for my research on specific models will be appreciated.
Two of my biggest filters are year and mileage (brand also, I would lean towards Japanese, but would not say no to Ford/ Hyundai/Kia). It must be at least 2011 or later and hoping to get something under 200k. Now this is where one of my observations come in, most of the adverts I see from private sellers are good deals, but I see they have been listed for weeks and sometimes months, is this a normal trend? If I feel it’s a good deal and the car has been inspected a few times, then surely there must be a deal breaker that hasn't been disclosed in the ad description OR is that me overthinking?
Next is when it comes to dealer listing, most of the dealer listing within my budget are cars with more than 200k+ on the clock and I do not know if it is worth buying those cars. Also, cars that fit my filters are usually priced at $8-$10k and I was wondering how much bargaining power do we have with these dealers if we pay cash and all upfront? I have heard almost all mix reviews when it comes to buying from dealers, some friends have had some luck, but online community thinks and advice to stay away from dealers.
Lastly, I have been reading stories where dealers have cars on lots that are not listen online and that you could only find if you visited them in person. How true is this and in that case which are car lots in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne that are worth paying a visit to look at such cars. (a colleague suggested Car City in Ringwood).
Looking to have some helpful conversations.
VY commy