Search Q&A
any expat selling a reliable family car?
I have a 2008 Volvo V70, 2.4d automatic, 77,000 kms for sale. One or two cosmetic scratches on the outside, otherwise in good condition. Drives really well. Brought it back from London this weekend. It belonged to my parents who have just moved back to the U.K.
The Moniteur d'Automobile quotes around €14,000. I'm prepared to negotiate for a quick and easy sale. If you're interested, leave an e-mail address and I'll contact you.
Hello, I have a 2003 Mini Cooper for sale, just over 100K . 5500 euros. Air conditioning, heated seats, power windows, half leather seats. Contol technique ok!
Hi, i am selling my HONDA Civic 2008 for 9K, automatic transmission with 65K dealer maintained. If you are interested, leave your email address.
> I cant find my way around the ads here of cars
How do you know you're not getting ripped off and buying a dud?
What makes you thing "expats" are any more honest?
> I wrecked the engine of my 1 yr old car
Wow! That takes some doing.
Good reviews and cheap -- Dacia -- get a new one with a manufacturer guarantee for less than second hand private buy of a recentish other car with no guarantee. No street cred with them -- but plenty of space and a lot for your money. I know a couple of people with Dacias and they are very happy -- Renault garages sell them.
How did you blow a 1 year old engine? A cheaper alternative than scrapping might have been through a non franchised garage and fitting a good engine from a rear shunt write off
By the way -- if buying second hand - the car must have a "car pass" certificate however old or young the car is -- this is only valid a short period -- this is not the same as the standard controle technique. "CT Ok" in an ad is irrelevant -- Don't touch anything without a "car pass" certificate -- which also comes with a detailed several page report (Car Pass is done at teh CT station when selling a car -- as only valid a short period -- a seller may put through the car pass after a sale is agreed -- but do not part with cash until you see the actual "car pass" certificate and associated paperwork.
If buying second hand -- unless you have written proof (eg service record) that the timing belt has been changed -- get it changed -- it isn't worth the risk of another blown engine!
Just for the future -- don't ignore any red lights on the dash -- and what I do -- is check oil level monthly -- there is a "dip stick" that you can pull out and check.
If looking at second hand cars - check internet for reviews - certain makes and models are susceptbale to issues at certain points in their lives. If you don't know teh basics -- take someone who does with you to check a second hand car.
For example an expensive repair is Head gasket failure - oil and cooling water mixing -- a car can run perfectly well for a while at the start of this problem -- so if you do a test drive -- it may seem good - look in the expansion tank - if there is any trace of "soapyiness) -- walk away.
Also - an internet search will show up specific problems to look for when viewing a certain car