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Any car people on here ? 18:01 - Apr 17 with 2857 viewsRadioOrwell

I'm not really up on cars but I need one.
I'm looking at a BMW 218i ( 2016 : 70k miles : at just under £10k )
I drove one today and it's very nice. Just what I want.

1. But I ran a check and it appears to have finance on it
2. It's had 4 owners in 8.5 years
3. It had a plate change after 3 years ( it's not a private plate - just a boring regular one )

All the MOTs looked OK
The app basically gave it a red flag.

I think I'm going to swerve past this one. Whaddya think ??
[Post edited 17 Apr 18:02]
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Any car people on here ? on 18:14 - Apr 17 with 2784 viewsITFC_Forever

I’m no expert on cars, far from it.

But if there’s red flags on the app and your instinct is to give it a miss, then do exactly that.

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Any car people on here ? on 18:24 - Apr 17 with 2752 viewsbluelagos

PM Newky - he knows his sh1t

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Any car people on here ? on 18:37 - Apr 17 with 2733 viewsNewcyBlue

If it’s got outstanding finance on it then don’t even think about it.

A few pointers for looking at used cars

-Open the bonnet when you get there. Have a feel of the radiator hose. If it is hot they may have run the car up to cover up cold start problems, engine noises, etc
-Look for any oil on the engine block, pull the dipstick out and check the colour of the oil. Open the oil filler cap and see if there is any sludge / mayonnaise looking stuff. The mayonnaise stuff may just be condensation, or it may be something more sinister.
-When starting the car look for excessive exhaust fumes, different coloured smoke means different things.
-Bodywork, is it all the same colour. Does any of the paint look like orange peel? The orange peel effect is from a poor paintjob, and could be a sign of a previous accident.
-Are there any differing gaps between any of the panels? Does it look the same on both sides?
-Are the door and window seals in tact?
-Check to see all warning lights come on when turning the ignition on, ensure they extinguish upon starting the engine.
-Does the clutch feel ok? Is there any noise at any point of depressing the clutch pedal?
-When driving is there any excessive play in the steering? Do the brakes work adequately? Are there any unusual noises? Does the steering wobble at speed or under heavy braking? When braking does the car pull to one side?
-Check all equipment is working, lights, wipers, washers, ventilation, windows, mirrors, central locking.
-Check the wheels and tyres. Are locking wheel nuts fitted? If so is the locking wheel nut key with the car?. Check the tread on the tyres. Check the sidewall for bulges
-Paperwork, check service history. Anything 60k plus and you want to be checking if the cambelt has been changed. Some of the new eco engines like the 1.2 pure tech have a wet belt system, this pretty expensive to change and really does need more frequent replacement.
-Check the V5C for spelling mistakes, does the address match the one of the seller. Is the seller the registered keeper? If not, why?
-Does the state of the interior match the displayed mileage?

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Any car people on here ? on 18:47 - Apr 17 with 2647 viewsblueasfook

You were right to run a HPI check. Loads of dishonest sellers.out there. Definitely walk away if the car has outstanding finance. They may well not pay it off. Legally the car still belongs to the finance company, they can repossess it and you'll lose your motor and your money.

Go to a reputable dealer. You'll pay a bit more than buying privately but you'll have peace of mind you're not buying a dodgy car. BMW do an Approved Used Car scheme where only a mint car will get through the checks.

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Any car people on here ? on 18:50 - Apr 17 with 2633 viewsRadioOrwell

Any car people on here ? on 18:37 - Apr 17 by NewcyBlue

If it’s got outstanding finance on it then don’t even think about it.

A few pointers for looking at used cars

-Open the bonnet when you get there. Have a feel of the radiator hose. If it is hot they may have run the car up to cover up cold start problems, engine noises, etc
-Look for any oil on the engine block, pull the dipstick out and check the colour of the oil. Open the oil filler cap and see if there is any sludge / mayonnaise looking stuff. The mayonnaise stuff may just be condensation, or it may be something more sinister.
-When starting the car look for excessive exhaust fumes, different coloured smoke means different things.
-Bodywork, is it all the same colour. Does any of the paint look like orange peel? The orange peel effect is from a poor paintjob, and could be a sign of a previous accident.
-Are there any differing gaps between any of the panels? Does it look the same on both sides?
-Are the door and window seals in tact?
-Check to see all warning lights come on when turning the ignition on, ensure they extinguish upon starting the engine.
-Does the clutch feel ok? Is there any noise at any point of depressing the clutch pedal?
-When driving is there any excessive play in the steering? Do the brakes work adequately? Are there any unusual noises? Does the steering wobble at speed or under heavy braking? When braking does the car pull to one side?
-Check all equipment is working, lights, wipers, washers, ventilation, windows, mirrors, central locking.
-Check the wheels and tyres. Are locking wheel nuts fitted? If so is the locking wheel nut key with the car?. Check the tread on the tyres. Check the sidewall for bulges
-Paperwork, check service history. Anything 60k plus and you want to be checking if the cambelt has been changed. Some of the new eco engines like the 1.2 pure tech have a wet belt system, this pretty expensive to change and really does need more frequent replacement.
-Check the V5C for spelling mistakes, does the address match the one of the seller. Is the seller the registered keeper? If not, why?
-Does the state of the interior match the displayed mileage?


wow that's fantastic.
I sort of figured out some of that for myself but there's a heap of very useful stuff there.
Gracias !

Some car people my wife knows said:
:4 owners in 8.5 years isn't so weird

:finance is probably the garage that own it

:number plate thing is where someone randomly get a normal number plate that just happens to be their initials.
Wife knows someone who bought a car they didn't want just because of the plate and then immediately sold the car.

I will proceed with caution.
[Post edited 17 Apr 19:00]
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Any car people on here ? on 19:01 - Apr 17 with 2581 viewsRadioOrwell

not that it's much use, but here it is ...


https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202504151352627?sort=distance&searc
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Any car people on here ? on 19:48 - Apr 17 with 2452 viewsNewcyBlue

Any car people on here ? on 18:50 - Apr 17 by RadioOrwell

wow that's fantastic.
I sort of figured out some of that for myself but there's a heap of very useful stuff there.
Gracias !

Some car people my wife knows said:
:4 owners in 8.5 years isn't so weird

:finance is probably the garage that own it

:number plate thing is where someone randomly get a normal number plate that just happens to be their initials.
Wife knows someone who bought a car they didn't want just because of the plate and then immediately sold the car.

I will proceed with caution.
[Post edited 17 Apr 19:00]


The problem with outstanding finance is that you don’t really know if the sale has paid the balance off, you could end up buying a car and the finance company will still own it.

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Any car people on here ? on 19:55 - Apr 17 with 2428 viewsEdwardStone

Any car people on here ? on 19:48 - Apr 17 by NewcyBlue

The problem with outstanding finance is that you don’t really know if the sale has paid the balance off, you could end up buying a car and the finance company will still own it.


Don' t worry about the finance issue

By all the tv documentaries I've watched, the Repo guys always seem calm and reasonable, happy to see your point of view in a non-confrontational manner
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Any car people on here ? on 20:11 - Apr 17 with 2378 viewsSwansea_Blue

Any car people on here ? on 19:01 - Apr 17 by RadioOrwell

not that it's much use, but here it is ...


https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202504151352627?sort=distance&searc


I can see why you’d be interested as it looks tidy. As Newcy says, the finance is a worry - it’s potentially a big worry. Be up front with garage about that - ask them about it and ask for paperwork to prove it’s been paid off.

It’d be worth doing a bit of research about outstanding finance. A Google search throws up the below info, but I don’t know if it’s good advice (it sounds sensible).

What to Do if You Discover Outstanding Finance

-Verify with the Finance Company:
Contact the finance company directly to confirm the outstanding balance and ensure it's settled before proceeding.

-Ask for Proof of Settlement:
Require the seller (private or dealer) to provide you with written confirmation that the finance is settled.

-Negotiate the Price:
If the seller is unwilling to settle the finance, you can negotiate a lower price to account for the outstanding debt.

-Consider Walking Away:
If you're uncomfortable with the situation or the seller isn't cooperative, it's best to walk away from the deal.

-Legal Advice:
If you encounter any issues or feel unsure about your rights, seek legal advice from a qualified professional.

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Any car people on here ? on 20:16 - Apr 17 with 2366 viewsNewcyBlue

Any car people on here ? on 19:01 - Apr 17 by RadioOrwell

not that it's much use, but here it is ...


https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202504151352627?sort=distance&searc


Electronic thermostat and water pump are known to fail on them.

Also you want oil changes more frequently on those ones, and they are known for timing chain issues.

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Any car people on here ? on 22:56 - Apr 17 with 2162 viewsTheBlueGnu

I bought an old beige-coloured Renault Fuego from Malcolm Hebden recently - a lovely 1982 hatchback with only 26,000 miles on the clock. It runs a treat - beautiful little beast, I took it for a spin down to Rishangles yesterday and got 43 mpg out of it.

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Any car people on here ? on 11:11 - Apr 18 with 1797 viewsRadioOrwell

Any car people on here ? on 20:16 - Apr 17 by NewcyBlue

Electronic thermostat and water pump are known to fail on them.

Also you want oil changes more frequently on those ones, and they are known for timing chain issues.


With the timing chain, my understanding is that it's not so much the chain ( which is robust ) but the guides and other parts connected that fail.

Is that about right ?
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Any car people on here ? on 11:22 - Apr 18 with 1765 viewsChondzoresk

Any car people on here ? on 18:37 - Apr 17 by NewcyBlue

If it’s got outstanding finance on it then don’t even think about it.

A few pointers for looking at used cars

-Open the bonnet when you get there. Have a feel of the radiator hose. If it is hot they may have run the car up to cover up cold start problems, engine noises, etc
-Look for any oil on the engine block, pull the dipstick out and check the colour of the oil. Open the oil filler cap and see if there is any sludge / mayonnaise looking stuff. The mayonnaise stuff may just be condensation, or it may be something more sinister.
-When starting the car look for excessive exhaust fumes, different coloured smoke means different things.
-Bodywork, is it all the same colour. Does any of the paint look like orange peel? The orange peel effect is from a poor paintjob, and could be a sign of a previous accident.
-Are there any differing gaps between any of the panels? Does it look the same on both sides?
-Are the door and window seals in tact?
-Check to see all warning lights come on when turning the ignition on, ensure they extinguish upon starting the engine.
-Does the clutch feel ok? Is there any noise at any point of depressing the clutch pedal?
-When driving is there any excessive play in the steering? Do the brakes work adequately? Are there any unusual noises? Does the steering wobble at speed or under heavy braking? When braking does the car pull to one side?
-Check all equipment is working, lights, wipers, washers, ventilation, windows, mirrors, central locking.
-Check the wheels and tyres. Are locking wheel nuts fitted? If so is the locking wheel nut key with the car?. Check the tread on the tyres. Check the sidewall for bulges
-Paperwork, check service history. Anything 60k plus and you want to be checking if the cambelt has been changed. Some of the new eco engines like the 1.2 pure tech have a wet belt system, this pretty expensive to change and really does need more frequent replacement.
-Check the V5C for spelling mistakes, does the address match the one of the seller. Is the seller the registered keeper? If not, why?
-Does the state of the interior match the displayed mileage?


Spot on, but if it’s a manual pull away in 4th or 5th gear….it should still pull away, if it immediately stalls give it a wide berth. As this has finance then it’s dodgy. Use car vertical to get its life history and any accidents it’s been in. 20% discount if you tap in the code ‘high peak’.

Steer clear is my bottom line on the beemer.
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Any car people on here ? on 11:39 - Apr 18 with 1733 viewsNewcyBlue

Any car people on here ? on 11:11 - Apr 18 by RadioOrwell

With the timing chain, my understanding is that it's not so much the chain ( which is robust ) but the guides and other parts connected that fail.

Is that about right ?


That’s right. Normally tensioners and guides. There are normally upgraded ones available.

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Any car people on here ? on 12:29 - Apr 18 with 1674 viewsbobbyramsey

Any car people on here ? on 22:56 - Apr 17 by TheBlueGnu

I bought an old beige-coloured Renault Fuego from Malcolm Hebden recently - a lovely 1982 hatchback with only 26,000 miles on the clock. It runs a treat - beautiful little beast, I took it for a spin down to Rishangles yesterday and got 43 mpg out of it.


Used to have black one sexy AF.

Loved my Fuego......
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Any car people on here ? on 22:37 - Apr 18 with 1471 viewsTheBlueGnu

Any car people on here ? on 12:29 - Apr 18 by bobbyramsey

Used to have black one sexy AF.

Loved my Fuego......


Nice. Did you purchase it from Lionel Stander by any chance?

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Any car people on here ? on 03:19 - Apr 19 with 1347 viewsbobbyramsey

Any car people on here ? on 22:37 - Apr 18 by TheBlueGnu

Nice. Did you purchase it from Lionel Stander by any chance?


No, bought it from a garage in Witham.
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Any car people on here ? on 04:22 - Apr 19 with 1328 viewsTheBlueGnu

Any car people on here ? on 03:19 - Apr 19 by bobbyramsey

No, bought it from a garage in Witham.


Ah, yes. The Noele Gordon Motor Company (King's Oak) Ltd - branches in Witham, Dunwich, Capel St Mary, and Little Blakenham.

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Any car people on here ? on 04:34 - Apr 19 with 1320 viewsBenters

Always trust your gut instinct mate,if it’s come up with a red flag on that app look for another car.

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Any car people on here ? on 07:24 - Apr 19 with 1234 viewsChurchman

Any car people on here ? on 04:34 - Apr 19 by Benters

Always trust your gut instinct mate,if it’s come up with a red flag on that app look for another car.


Agree with this. Any doubts, leave it. There’s always another one out there. You obviously like the model which makes it easier. Get to know everything about it, values, equipment, any known weaknesses in the design and do the legwork.

One of the issues these days is that cars are so much better made and painted, they do hide their condition and damage sustained well. But as has been pointed out in some excellent responses there are clues to minimise risk.
[Post edited 19 Apr 11:38]
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Any car people on here ? on 09:34 - Apr 19 with 1161 viewsOldFart71

Any finance outstanding becomes the new owners liability. Don't touch it. Beemers are decent cars if looked after. You need to have a lot of proof of regular servicing therefore a comprehensive number of stamps in the service book. Take a look at things like the mats and seats to see if the mileage compares with the state of the upholstery. Give it a run before purchasing. Make sure it idles just under the one on the dial and get it hot enough so that the temperature gauge is running at normal. Run it long enough to see if it goes into the red. When driving listen for knocks and bangs and when stationary listen to it idling. If the thing is dirty and scruffy when going to view your Beemer chances are it's not looked after if the owner can't be bothered to clean it when on sale. Prices can vary greatly, if it's too cheap beware but franchised dealers will charge higher prices because of the upkeep of their showroom and giving you free coffee. If bought from a reputable garage the newer the car the longer the guarantee they will most likely give you. Don't take out garage finance if you need to finance is. Most big banks will be cheaper. Payday loans unless you have a very bad history stay clear of.
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Any car people on here ? on 12:40 - Apr 19 with 1079 viewsRimsy

If you have any doubts on the car, walk away. They'll be a better one available.

BlueBlood

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