What's best way to finance a Used Car ?

**threaded** · 25 April 2007, 12:29

The old BMWs are better than the new ones. Standards have well dropped in that department. Try and get a good replacement for what you've lost.

**Bagpuss** · 25 April 2007, 13:20

I'd buy a Lexus instead, it will be more relaible and rarer, and comes with indicators! Of course you may prefer the neighbours to assume you are a drug dealer.

**gingerjedi** · 25 April 2007, 13:25

Originally posted by Bagpuss

I'd buy a Lexus instead, it will be more relaible and rarer, and comes with indicators! Of course you may prefer the neighbours to assume you are a drug dealer.

They are good especially the new IS range but a bit soulless if you ask me, I quite fancy an Alfa 159 but are they any better than the Alfa's of old? I want one but I’m too scared to risk it.

**Bagpuss** · 25 April 2007, 13:36

Originally posted by gingerjedi

They are good especially the new IS range but a bit soulless if you ask me, I quite fancy an Alfa 159 but are they any better than the Alfa's of old? I want one but I’m too scared to risk it.

You could simulate the ownership experience by burning half of 15k and standing in the rain waiting for the AA to come out.

**gingerjedi** · 25 April 2007, 13:45

Originally posted by Bagpuss

You could simulate the ownership experience by burning half of 15k and standing in the rain waiting for the AA to come out.

I know what your saying but I still see a lot of old 156's about so they must be going strong, I'm starting to think its a bit like the skoda image problem i.e. everyone still laughs but they are actually quite good these days.

**lilelvis2000** · 25 April 2007, 13:53

If the repair estimate is marginally above the pre-accident value, you could get a cash in lieu of settlement and pay the extra to have it repaired yourself and keep it.

**sasguru** · 25 April 2007, 13:59

Originally posted by gingerjedi

I know what your saying but I still see a lot of old 156's about so they must be going strong, I'm starting to think its a bit like the skoda image problem i.e. everyone still laughs but they are actually quite good these days.

I used to own a 155 which I ran for 7 years and it was reliable as old boots.
The old 164 was the only really good big Alfa ever made - a lot of them ran for up to 300K miles.
Alfas are alright provided you maintain them - don't skimp on servicing and replacement parts. Can be a little expensive to run - but you're not a real petrolhead till you've owned an Alfa. Coolest look of any mainstream car IMHO.

**Bagpuss** · 25 April 2007, 14:08

A quick google.....

Alfa Romeo 156 Selespeed
by Bill Slessor

I have owned my Alfa Romeo 156 for some 16 months from new and driven 16k miles in it. I offer the following history.
The car was supplied by Dixon Motors and all warranty work has been carried out by them.
The Selespeed has proved to be a nightmare.

After about three months, it became slow to drop into first gear and often when I put my foot down to move away I found the gearchange was in neutral and just dropping into first. The revs therefore increased violently and the gear was engaged, resulting in 'burning rubber' and considerable danger if moving away from a junction or onto a roundabout.

The system was checked twice. The first time, no fault could be found; the second time, adjustments were made with some improvement. But the problem reappeared and got worse. It would change down when the up-gear button was pressed and often would not change up from second gear when travelling down a slight incline at speeds up to 25 mph. It was necessary to slow down to about 10 mph with the brake on and go up the gears again.

New parts were ordered and arrived after six weeks. They were fitted but were faulty and the car was off the road for another six weeks until a second set of parts arrived. This was three months ago, but the same faults are beginning to appear again. Dixons cannot find any fault, although I have had my observations confirmed by passengers.

After about three months, the rubber/plastic began to rub off the Selespeed buttons on the steering wheel. After a five-week wait for new parts, these were replaced, but the same problem has developed again and, after another wait of about six weeks, Dixons has taken the parts from a showroom vehicle and put them on mine.

I have a three-year warranty on the vehicle but feel I cannot risk keeping it if these faults are going to occur again, resulting in massive parts bills and long waits for replacements.
The car is a joy to drive and very sporty, but it is also the vehicle with which I have had the most trouble in 40 years of driving.

**Euro-commuter** · 25 April 2007, 14:20

Originally posted by css_jay99

I am not a happy bunny now cos it now means I have to pay a lota money i dont have to buy something newer.

I was initially thinking of a brand new 3 series but now decided that saving to buy another property is a better investment. better still i dont want the Ex thinking she can screw me for more money

This now means I have to just get myself a good used decent car.

I was thinking of a year 2001/2 BMW X5 / 3 series or even the Merc M Class
...
whats the best way to finance one (more importantly over a short repayment period as i dont like debts)
...

Erm, if you don't have the money, don't buy a car like that?

What's best way to finance a Used Car ?