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Hello
My mechanic has just told me that I have cracked head casket on a 1989 Daihatsu Charade and that the cost to investigate everything that's wrong would be more than the car is worth. The rego expires 23/2/2013. I am studying full time this year but will also be working part time and can only afford something up to $3 or $4k. What models of cars and features should I look at to get something that will last the next 3 or 4 years to get around Auckland city? It doesn't have to be pretty or trendy?
You should consider a Mazda Demio 1.3L, Nissan Pulsar 1.5L, a Mazda 323/Familia 1.5L or a Toyota Corolla. But the problem is in this price range you are likely to find a car with high mileage. I suggest you get a Pre-Purchase Inspection carried out to ensure you are not buying a lemon although in this price range you can expect to have to carry out some repairs.
Thank you so much for that, I've been able to find several from each group that look promising with my favourite to view today. If someone sells several vehicles on Trademe, says they are a registered car dealer but do not have a caryard, landline, or premises, should I be worried?
I have nothing against Trademe as I bought my last vehicle off Trademe for $2000 and it lasted 11 years and it has been a reliable, economical car.
I will be getting an AA pre purchase check but what can I do to check this out more e.g. if he says he has done a cambelt check, how do I know that. What can I do that the pre purchase check won't uncover?
If you are bidding on Trade Me auction for a vehicle, from a licensed motor vehicle trader, you will not be covered by the Consumer Guarantees Act. If you buy on a classified ad from a LMVT then you will be covered (for pvt use).
There are some serious traders selling cars on Trade Me but unfortunately there will always be the few who are not so good. If you buy the vehicle off trade me, from a dealer that doesn't have a fixed address or telephone number, you might battle to get hold of them if something goes wrong with the vehicle. But, having no premises should result in a saving on overheads and this should reduce the price tag.
Most buyers would prefer to buy from a dealership they can see as it's easier to get hold of the seller if need be.
You can confirm if the seller is a licensed trader by having a look at the Motor Vehicle Traders Register
A full service history will confirm what's historically been replaced. If there's no proof of cambelt replacement then it's best to get it replaced. Some vehicles have timing chains in which case you won't have to worry about a cambelt.