Had many funny moments looking for used cars, years ago "Exchange and Mart" was all we had, what a farce that was, see car, phone up, drive 40 miles across London only to find it had just been sold

Autotrader sellers prices, or "how long is a piece of string" .

Ebay ads, like cheap wallpaper, hide a multitude of sins. :-? one seller i asked for a viewing in Reading told me a day during that month would be inconvenient - "why is that?" i innocently asked, "my wife's taken it to Devon" ...

Gumtree never tried them, Loot seemed overpriced for private sales, most cars i have bought from dealers, though expensive at least you get a year's MOT and a 3 month "guarantee", though many horror stories - one Escort i bought needed a wheel change, i jacked the car but the car stayed still and the jack carried on right up through the floor. Another dealer when returning the car for them to repair faults were so surly and unco-operative i took Dad along for protection...
Never buy or sell a car to a mate...ever after will be "that car you sold me" for every tiny fault, they won't be your "mate" for long

Find a recommended dealer, have the car AA tested and you won't go far wrong....but it is always a risk - caveat emptor
