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

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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