Buying a used car - need some advice

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Wed 30 Aug 2017 11:50
Buying a used car - need some advice - jambo17

After my Chevrolet Kalos finally gave up the ghost, I'm trying to secure a used car mainly to runaround, and to get me to and from work. May also use it as a backup family car.

After scouring the internet, and asking for peoples opinions the general concensus was to go for something japanese as they have a reputation for reliable cars with good mpg.

I've narrowed down my choices to:

Honda Jazz 1.2 SE (09 with 57k at £3,995) - bit.ly/2vISRrE

Mazda2 1.3 TS2 (09 with 57k at £3,295) - bit.ly/2x4nWud

Toyota Yaris 1.3 (09 with 35k at £3,850) - bit.ly/2whOuaR

Anyone have any opinions on either of these? The Mazda2 seems to be my ideal choice right now (read good things about them) The Jazz is another option but I've seen that parts/repair costs can be quite expensive.

I was also suggested maybe a Hyundai i10 - I hear their reputation is growing

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Wed 30 Aug 2017 12:05
Buying a used car - need some advice - Wee Willie Winkie

If it's any help - my wife bought an '08' Mazda 2 1.3TS2, in Kermit green, with 34k on, in 2010. She still has it now and it has about 85k on. Apart from annual servicing (Mazda until 4 years old, then independent) , it has only needed pads and discs and a front anti roll bar. It has never let her down and she doesn't treat it particularly well. Oh, her alloys are a bit manky and have needed fettling due to slowly releasing tyre pressure.

It drives well, is fairly spritely and is good on fuel (around 43mpg). Enough room in the back for smallish children, although the boot isn't very big. Then again, it's not an estate car.

We've mused about changing it, but can't justify spending out when it costs so little to run.

I'm sure people have equally positive experiences of the Jazz and Yaris - however the Mazda doesn't seem to be as 'old ladyish', if you see what I mean....

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Wed 30 Aug 2017 13:30
Buying a used car - need some advice - madf

If you need to carry things then there is no contect. The Jazz with its magic seats is unbeatable. I have a later (2012) Jazz and it's ideal for carrying stuff for DIY (and beekeeping hives full of bees!)

We also have a 2003 Yaris which runs as new...

But horses for courses.

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Wed 30 Aug 2017 14:59
Buying a used car - need some advice - jambo17

The Jazz seats are something that nearly everyone comments about - and I don't blame them :) Having lots of space though isn't too much of an issue (we have the family car for that)

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Wed 30 Aug 2017 15:02
Buying a used car - need some advice - jambo17

It's good to hear how much your getting out of the Mazda, and being unable to justify replacing is bodes well.

I agree with the Mazda not being 'old ladyish', it seems quite a good looking car. Luckily I'm not overly worried about the aesthetics - just reliability. Let's just hope this Mazda seems to be in good condition

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Wed 30 Aug 2017 14:03
Buying a used car - need some advice - SLO76
Three good choices. The Jazz is the most practical, best on fuel and will hold on to its value better than the rest but it's a pretty bland thing to drive and yes some parts prices are high but day to day service items are fine. Reliable but if you enjoy driving it's not much fun. This one however has the big plus of a full dealer history so the last owner hasn't scrimped.

The Mazda 2 is the fun option. Based on the same floorpan and suspension set up as the Ford Fiesta, these handle and steer very nicely. Great fun on a twisty B road and very reliable too. This would be my choice if all things were equal. There's mention of service history but this could mean 2 stamps. It needs a full history with proof of fresh oil every year. Great car though and the one you'll enjoy driving the most.

The Yaris is again very robust and practical. It's the softer riding of the three and thus the most comfortable while the 1.33 engine is strong and capable at speed. A good all rounder. No details on the ad though. Again it needs a full history as too many people buy these for their reputation then neglect to maintain them.

I'd buy based on condition and history at this money but if all things in this respect were equal I'd have the wee Mazda in a heartbeat.
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Wed 30 Aug 2017 14:58
Buying a used car - need some advice - jambo17

Thanks for your feedback :)

My gut keeps telling me to go for the Mazda 2. Although I do need something reliable (lost all my faith in cars since having the Kalos) I do want to actually enjoy driving it aswell.

I've done further digging and the Jazz and Mazda both have had only 1 previous owner, the Yaris has had 2 (which slightly puts me off) I've emailed the dealer about the Mazda, asking for more specifics on the service history. Hopefully they tell me positive things! I did think about calling a Mazda garage and seeing if they wouldn't mind checking the reg to see if they had any info.

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Wed 30 Aug 2017 15:35
Buying a used car - need some advice - catsdad
Have you checked these against the Government MoT history site?
This shows the Jazz has not had a valid MoT since April. Not necessarily suspicious in itself but worth asking about if pursuing the car.
The Yaris has had bodywork issues in the past. I think damage has to be sigificant for it to be an advisory (our Corsa has £500 of hit and run dent and the tester never mention it). You would need to check any repairs and I note that the photos are lacking in offside rear shots.Any reason?
I note all are 5 door and I'd suggest this is a good plan. The afore-mentioned Corsa is three door and even as a second car its a drawback for us.
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Wed 30 Aug 2017 15:56
Buying a used car - need some advice - jambo17

I have had a look at the website, although I'm not very clued up on what the failure/advisory notes mean.

From what I gather at the history, the Mazda sounds like general wear and tear (tyres and brake pad) but always passed.

I'm starting to get bad vibes from the Yaris - 2 previous owners. MOT history, as you note, has had bodywork issues plus 3 fails. It makes me wonder how it was driven previosuly.

I too had some dents on the Kalos and no tester even hinted at it.

The Jazz, I've seen quite a few cars in dealerships with no MOT - they tend to include an MOT as a freebie when selling the car. MIght just ask them though!

I'm leaning towards 5 door as it's much easier to fit my daughters car seat.

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Wed 30 Aug 2017 16:19
Buying a used car - need some advice - jambo17

So the dealership have gotten back to me and advised "The Mazda has part service history with a print out of the work from mazda. We would also service the vehicle upon sale"

I'm not sure what Part Service and Full Service History is?

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Wed 30 Aug 2017 16:58
Buying a used car - need some advice - catsdad
Full means every item on the manufacturers service list has been done and done to time. Part means some items have been missed or not done on time.
You need to see the detail as to what has been done especially annual oil changes. Some missed items are less important. However a service now cannot make up for (say) a missed oil change.
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Thu 31 Aug 2017 12:05
Buying a used car - need some advice - jambo17

Thanks for the explanation :)

It seems then that the key item to look out for is the annual oil change

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Wed 30 Aug 2017 17:41
Buying a used car - need some advice - Engineer Andy

So the dealership have gotten back to me and advised "The Mazda has part service history with a print out of the work from mazda. We would also service the vehicle upon sale"

I'm not sure what Part Service and Full Service History is?

You may be able to find out from Mazda (not sure whether via UK HQ or via your local dealership) about the services history IF some/all of it was carried out at a main dealer, as all Mazdas have (if serviced at a Mazda dealership) an electronic service record from about 2006. Obviously if some services were carried out at an indie then only paper copies of servicing would've existed, and are mostly likely gone if the car was sold to a dealer (unlike if it were a private sale to you).

Service log book stamps can easily be forged, electronic ones can't (technically they could, but why would anyone go to the trouble of hacking a manufacturer's service database I don't know!).

My Mazda3 technically doesn't have a 'full' service history as one year (when I had done a very low mileage for 2 years) I decided to not have a higher level of service one year that would've cost me £400+, instead opting for a lower level service but still with the oil and filer changes etc. I'd never miss out a service altogether, especially oil changes, even for low annual mileages - too much of a risk (even when well out of warranty) on chain driven cars.

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Thu 31 Aug 2017 12:11
Buying a used car - need some advice - jambo17

Thanks - I may hunt around for a contact number and give them a call.

I thought my searching would be over when I found these cars, but apparently more investigation is needed :)

I think I'm going to prove the dealer for more information about the cars part service history. I'lll try and get them to give me a timeline for each service and the works carried out. In an ideal world, they will be happy to share the information and I can gauge it from there.

Today I've learned the importance of regular oil changes with chain-driven cars (makes logical sense, but again I am a car noob)

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Wed 30 Aug 2017 17:49
Buying a used car - need some advice - SLO76
I've seen ten year old cars advertised with 'part service history' meaning 3 stamps.

If it's missing one stamp (possibly not been stamped by garage) then it's not the end of the world but if it's got gaps of years and no receipts or other proof of maintenance then walk.

Chain driven engines like this need regular oil changes to stay healthy. If there's a lack of evidence this has been done then look for another example. All three are plentiful, you'll always find another one.

Service histories are frequently faked by smaller backstreet dealers and home traders (not I guv) so if you've any doubts look up the garage who apparently did the work (don't use the phone no on the stamp) then call and see if they've ever seen it. A quick look round the dealers other stock will usually reveal if they're up to no good here as the rest will be stamped up with the same stamp and/or handwriting, often they use their own so it's difficult to catch them out.

I know of several dealers who do this. I see the cars with little or no history going through auction which then appear for sale with "full service history." Thus the reason why I prefer private sales at this sort of money. Fewer rogues and you get to meet the owner face to face instead of listening to a salesmans lies. There are risks of course.

Larger dealers, particularly main dealers are unlikely to get up to antics like this. The loss of reputation would hit them hard and the manufacturers and importers would jump down their throats if found out. These guys are often the best source of good used stock but it's usually a bit dearer.

Edited by SLO76 on 30/08/2017 at 17:57

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Thu 31 Aug 2017 12:20
Buying a used car - need some advice - jambo17

I am going to email the dealer and ask for more details on the part history - in particular the dates of each service, and what work was carried out. If they want to sell the car and have nothing to worry about they should give me the information, I presume anways.

If there's proof of regular maintenance, which includes yearly oil change, then I think I'll arrange a test drive. Otherwise I'll walk away. All 3 cars may be plentiful, but I've had really tough luck to find any! (a credit to their reliability probably)

I'm not the most mechanically-savvy person, and don't know anyone that is so I try to avoid private sales and rely on the Consumer Rights Act as a legal 'safety net'. I've done digging into the dealership and so far it's all pretty good. A medium sized dealer, prime location and established for around 15 years - good customer feedback too. So I'd hope they wouldn't risk it for a few grand.

Thank you for your help and advice - I'm going to email the dealership. Hopefully it all comes back positive!

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Thu 31 Aug 2017 12:58
Buying a used car - need some advice - tourantass
Hi. You said you have a Kalos, I have been looking at these as a poss replacement for our hyundai getz as we now need 5 doors and aircon. A kalos seems good value your opinion wouldbe appreciated.


Also could someone please tell mehow to post a "new thread" please.
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Thu 31 Aug 2017 13:10
Buying a used car - need some advice - Avant

Click on 'motoring discussion' so that you get the list of posts. Near the top on the left you'll see 'Start new thread'. Click on that and off you go.

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Thu 31 Aug 2017 13:27
Buying a used car - need some advice - jambo17

My experience with a Kalos is nothing short of a nightmare, although most of the blame could have been down to the approved garage that couldn't get the repairs right.

Had ongoing issues with the EGR valve after the first year (it was bought brand new) The garage replaced the valve numerous times and still the problem would remain or come back (fault codes were constanlty flagging up an EGR Valve issue) We had different connections and seals sent to us from Chevrolet as an apology - these were fitted and the problem still remained. In the end another garage diagnosed an issue with a sensor in the manifold? Had this replaced and then about 8 months later the headgasket blew.

The amount of ££ we spent on garages fixing the wrong problems, and then the right problem (and subsequent recovery) outweighed the value of the car. Other niggly problems I experienced were poor fuel consumption and loose clutch and brake pedals (and a dodgy boot lock)

Based on my experience I wouldn't touch them every again - but each car is different. Mr Anonymous could buy one and it run perfectly (Cars Eh!)

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Thu 31 Aug 2017 13:39
Buying a used car - need some advice - tourantass

My experience with a Kalos is nothing short of a nightmare, although most of the blame could have been down to the approved garage that couldn't get the repairs right.

Had ongoing issues with the EGR valve after the first year (it was bought brand new) The garage replaced the valve numerous times and still the problem would remain or come back (fault codes were constanlty flagging up an EGR Valve issue) We had different connections and seals sent to us from Chevrolet as an apology - these were fitted and the problem still remained. In the end another garage diagnosed an issue with a sensor in the manifold? Had this replaced and then about 8 months later the headgasket blew.

The amount of ££ we spent on garages fixing the wrong problems, and then the right problem (and subsequent recovery) outweighed the value of the car. Other niggly problems I experienced were poor fuel consumption and loose clutch and brake pedals (and a dodgy boot lock)

Based on my experience I wouldn't touch them every again - but each car is different. Mr Anonymous could buy one and it run perfectly (Cars Eh!)

Thanks for the "heads up" I am tempted to just upgrade the Hyundai getz as I cant fault it, except need aircon and five doors.
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Thu 31 Aug 2017 15:11
Buying a used car - need some advice - SLO76
I bought a Kalos 1.2S on behalf of a good friend new back in 2006 for £5555. I tried to get her into a used Picanto but she wanted new.

I managed to get £1,200 for her tatty Ford Ka with a noisy PAS pump in part ex. She ran it for 8yrs without any major issues, all just normal wear and tear stuff and regularly did long distance visiting family down south where it was surprisingly capable with a decent ride and being fairly tall geared for a superminis it wasn't that noisy. The gearchange was awful though.

I flogged it for her for £1,000 after 8yrs and 77,000 miles to another friend who then ran it for another two years without fault then received £970 back for it when someone ran into her and it was written off. I got her a mint wee Nissan Micra to replace it that she loves but that wee Kalos did very well. Regular servicing was the key.

Edited by SLO76 on 31/08/2017 at 15:12

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