first car

GuitarGuy

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All the normal stuff. Do a search to check HPi is clear and not a repaired write off.

It is quite high mileage for a small engined diesel, so check it for smoke. Check it from cold. Be wary if the owner has "warmed it up" for you.

There can be issues with water in the footwell. It smells nasty and it rots the floor over time.

Check tyre wear is even and if less than 3mm, get them to put new ones (Not part worns) on.

Then install the new stereo for some bangin tunes, fit some illegal tints, LEDs and dodgy xenons and you should be well away :)

All the very best and I hope this is the one for you.
 
All the normal stuff. Do a search to check HPi is clear and not a repaired write off.

It is quite high mileage for a small engined diesel, so check it for smoke. Check it from cold. Be wary if the owner has "warmed it up" for you.

There can be issues with water in the footwell. It smells nasty and it rots the floor over time.

Check tyre wear is even and if less than 3mm, get them to put new ones (Not part worns) on.

Then install the new stereo for some bangin tunes, fit some illegal tints, LEDs and dodgy xenons and you should be well away :)

All the very best and I hope this is the one for you.

Done my text check all comes up clean and the milage works out. December 2011 the car was on 82k so I make that 33k the last year. Seems the garage wont be supplying the tax disc meaning ill have to sort that one out myslef.

In terms of those checks im hoping to test drive and take it to a garage run by a family friend for a quick once over. He specialises in volkswagens seats and audis so should know the common things to look for fingers crossed. Ill report back tomorrow as to if im leaving a deposit :)

Also you joke but I do plan to change the head unit for something I can play songs from my phone with lol :p no stupid subs or anything though
 
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Don't forget your neons and spinners, oh and slam it to the ground!
 
Pretty unusual that the garage won't sort out the tax, as there are rules about them allowing you to take it off the forecourt untaxed. Usually you pay the garage for the tax and they sort it out for you on their insurance policy with their part of the V5. You just need to sort out your insurance before you drive it away.

I forgot to mention electrical faults are common on the smaller Seats as well, so check everything works correctly, including all lighting, warning lamps - check the ABS has not been disconnected, that sort of thing.
 
33k last year seems alot (I manage 25k but I do A LOT of buisnes miles) so doublr check all the cassis numbers match up and they match the reg.
General things I look for when buying a car:
Oil fuel and air filter...
What make are they? Are the manufacturer branded? And how clean are they? I.E do they look like theyve been replaced recently? This will give you.an indication of how regularly its been maintained and to what standard.
Tyres......
Are they legal? Any signs of uneven ware could indicate bigger issues. What brand are they? Some one who is willing to dish out for good quality tyres is more likely to get the car regularly serviced.
Fluid/oil leaks...
Never go car shopping in your nice clothes because you want to be crawling under the engine. Look for oily parts and try to trace where the leak has come from. And determine how bad the leak is. Oil leaks arent all bad and regular top ups can deal with them.
Internally look for "boy racer" damage i.e hole for extra speakers dashboard painted in dulux emulsion, MAX POWER gear stick. The people who do this like to drive through tunnels at 50mph in second gear "cos it sounds mint man, INNIT"

Hope this helps and happy motoring.
 
Thanks for all the help. Going back on tuesday for test drive and to get it checked over by a trusted garage the family all know very well (circa 10+ years)
 

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