Vroom Vroom ... Help Me Buy A Car

OK, I have never bought a car before but have decided that I need to start driving (I have my licence, just never driven since the day I passed my test 7 years ago).

Anyhoo, I duckshoved the car-buying task to DP but he has done nada.

I have narrowed down my choice to a RAV4 or a Honda CR-V (I think that's what they're called).

Will be 2nd hand, automatic.

So, tell me, what are the pros and cons of going to a 2nd hand car dealer versus buying privately?

Presumably with a dealer you can get finance whereas with private you pay cash?

What else do I need to know?

We won't be trading in.

Oooh sounds exciting!

Consider also that Honda's can be more expensive to replace parts on, and being a second hand car this is a real possibility. How old a car are you considering?

Car Dealerships usually give you a warranty with the car. But it often involves taking it back to the dealerships for the service which can be very exxxy, whereas if you buy privately you can go to any qualified mechanic, even if it is still under manufacturers warranty (this is something dealerships don't like to let on!!)

If you need finance you can go to your bank, but dealerships can sometimes give you better rates. If you can pay cash you have buying power at a dealership.

The only reason I prefer to buy from a dealer is because you can negotiate a used car warranty, which is not an option when buying privately. Read as many reviews as you can to get an idea of any potential problems with the car you want to purchase and make sure that these are covered in you warranty. You can still get finance for private sales also. It is also a good idea to have someone independant assess the car before you purchase either from car dealer of private sale. I know RACV off this service.

Yeah, I meant to say get someone independant and qualified to look over the car too. If you have a regular mechanic (I know you haven't had a car before but maybe DP has?) they may be nice enough to do it for you for minimal cost if you get the car to them. RACV does offer the service too. My DH is a mechanic and I'm sure he could look at it for you if you can get it to Greensborough on a weekday. Also whoever you do get to look it over make sure you listen objectively to what they are saying. DH has had so many people bring a car to him to check over and he basically tells them in a nice way that the car is going to be trouble and then they still go and buy it anyway. He doesn't mind, because he is the one that fixes it and makes money from all those repairs, but it is frustrating when he is trying to help them!!

Also if you buy privately ring up VicRoads and get the rego, VIN# and engine # checked. This will alert you if this car was stolen, or is made up of different cars illegally.

How exciting! I have an 08 Rav 4 and absolutely love it!
Buying from either dealer or private, you can still shop around for best finance. Just with a dealer they have finance brokers on site to help you through their preferred finance company (GE, Ford, Toyota etc).
Going through a dealer you can get the warranty. What year model are you thinking of getting? Buying privately is cheaper. Dealers need to make their money, so you're paying the price of the car and their cut as well.
Happy shopping :D

Have you checked out the crash rating for these cars if you make the move to Woodend? Kangaroos, and ice (not necessarily together) make an awful mess.

My Man is a mechanic also, and ex-car salesman (laugh all you want), but has the best eye from what I've been told for cars and all things mechanical, body work, etc. I may be able to get him to have a looky if you need. And is the best haggler! (Ahh, I love him so...)

With dealers who provide finance, the interest rate can be astronomically high. RACV do auto finance as well, but if you got a personal loan from a bank, the interest rate would be even cheaper (*I think*). Some warranties and insurances offered through the car yard as an extra don't actually cover your vehicle. This happened to me with a classic car I bought. It was meant to be covered by insurance, but when I had an accident, the insurance company told me that my vehicle was not covered because it was too old, even though they offered it through the yard (that ONLY sold old cars) :wall::wall:.

Make sure you do the vehicle check through VicRoads as MT said.