My step son has fallen in love with his first car. And there is no convincing him otherwise. It’s based in Middlesex (we are on the Essex/Suffolk border at the moment) and it’s £2000. The dealer on auto trader offers home delivery, which we know we will pay for. Me and my partner work long hours so a day out to view it, really isn’t feasible at the moment.

We are probably going to get it delivered, how best to pay for it, do we get extra protection if it’s bought on a credit card? Or part of it? And do we pay the full price, then await delivery? I’m obviously questioning that part just in case it doesn’t arrive. The dealer (not a main dealer, it’s a 2007 car) does have a website, and reviews.

any advice greatly appreciated. And no, we’ve already tried to put him off and buy a car from the same town or a different car.

Asking as a bit out of touch these days, last car I bought was the FF and that was 13 years ago!

You point out that when it goes horribly wrong and the dealer does not want to help he will have no car and no money.
He will still buy it, it will go horribly wrong and you can then say I told you so.
Some lessons have to be learnt the hard way. letters not necessarily in the right order

I'd go and see it at least mate. Not because of the car but so you can get a general feel of the dealership and make your own mind up is it a good one or is it a back street garage.

I'd pay on credit car simply for the added protection compared too doing bank transfer etc.

If you can't get down there, ask around and see if anyone will go downthere on your behalf or if they even know the garage.

Regarding delivery it's normally pay the full amount then its given too a third party company to deliver by enquire on this as well as there's plenty of cowboys that claim to be legite. Friend of mine bought a 4.4tdv8 and got it delivered well into the local dvsa check point. Guy stuck it on the back if a regular 3.5t beavertail so that whole motor weighed just under 5 ton. Needless to say he didn't get the car until he called me to go n get it for him

some dealers will not accept credit cards because of the charges they will incur..


i would certainly go and see it [as recommended above..] ... - .- -.




Y. O. L. O.
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You do not say what the car is. That will most certainly help others to advise on the purchase or otherwise.... .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999

Cheers all, sorry should of said it’s Hyundai coupe (I know, I know…..) he’s fallen in love with how it looks

Hiya Bean - it’s in Kilburn, and I (possibly wrongly) made an assumption already that it wouldn’t be the greatest area, would take me close to 2 hours to get there by train and tube (bit reluctant to drive into London or anywhere inside the M25, I’m used to country lanes only) and won’t be on a shiny dealers forecourt.

Especially if it’s a 2 grand, 2007 car.

Hope you get what I’m trying to say…..

Basically I imagine it’ll be the complete opposite of buying a RR from a main dealer in Cheshire or Chelsea

another option is to search AT or ebay for that type of vehicle nearer to your address. ... - .- -.




Y. O. L. O.
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Young driver, first car, coupe - have you had an insurance quote yet ?

Personally, if you can't see it then it's a big no, no.

You may disappoint your stepson but that's nothing to the disappointment when it goes belly up.

Hi Stan, yes searched AT and eBay, next nearest in his range is in the midlands

SamThomas - yes, he’s 25 just passed his test, quote of £990 fully comp. He lives in a tiny village in Suffolk so am guessing that’s why his quote come in relatively cheap (considering it’s a 2 litre coupe)

He’s adamant though ffs


I was the same when I was 19 to be fair, earning £7k a year and spent £6k on my first of many sapphire cosworths (£1200 insurance too, third party only, way back in 1996!) good ol’ bank of mum and dad

 .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999

Nothing wrong with the area but I'd still want someone too go and view it at least mate as you don't know what your buying otherwise. Could always take your stepson with you to Kilburn, go and view the car and if its all good, get the insurance and tax sorted there n then n drive it back home

I would definitely go see it, or have plenty of money left over to sort some essentials. 14 years old, wouldn’t surprise me if the shocks need replacing, as do the brakes, other coolant hoses may need some attention, as does the power steering. If you are handy it shouldn’t be a big deal but if you are not an buying unseen the bills could add up quickly. Cars in that price bracket are sold for a reason

Also daft point from me, check it’s ok with E10 unleaded as it’s 2007 and some older cars aren’t compatible which would mean super unleaded or more wear and tear on rubber components

I would consider an AA or similar inspection. Also search distance selling regulations.