Used cars priorities

[jamcg]

Just wondering what everyone prioritises when buying a second hand car? Once you e decided what you want, do you narrow by age, mileage, service history, how many owners, etc?

Mines sort of leaning towards mileage but I imagine someone’s waiting to jump in and tell me I’m wrong

[Zonda_]

I always buy with less miles that I have now. I know mileage is not the important issue it used to be but it still affects used values so much I avoid high milers. A relatively young car with a lot of owners is an absolute no from me too.

[Rich B]

Fastest car for the budget (well, the budget plus 25%). Then find one with lots of history and a seller who fills you with confidence.

[Jimmy Choo]

Find an interesting model, find the cheapest one with a clean title in the USA, start a Youtube channel.

[V8Granite]

100% condition, especially now with cars being so easy to clock and lots being ex leased.

Tyres also, if a quality tyre is on the car it shows they actually invest money into what they drive.

Smell, if a smoker or caper has been in the car it’s instant no, they smell.

Dave!

[Jobbo]

100% condition, especially now with cars being so easy to clock and lots being ex leased.

Tyres also, if a quality tyre is on the car it shows they actually invest money into what they drive.

Smell, if a smoker or caper has been in the car it’s instant no, they smell.

Dave!

I really hate capers too. Not sure I've ever found a second hand car which smells of them though. Is it a Merc ML thing?

Generally I don't care too much about mileage but I do care about whether I'm getting good value. Also care about where I buy from; an advert for a car for sale in nice genteel or well to do location is always more appealing.

Also I do like the approved used warranties so I tend to search on the brand's own locators.

[mik]

I print off a list, close my eyes, turn around three times, and slam a pin down to let the gods choose.

/Seb

[V8Granite]

100% condition, especially now with cars being so easy to clock and lots being ex leased.

Tyres also, if a quality tyre is on the car it shows they actually invest money into what they drive.

Smell, if a smoker or caper has been in the car it’s instant no, they smell.

Dave!

I really hate capers too. Not sure I've ever found a second hand car which smells of them though. Is it a Merc ML thing?

Generally I don't care too much about mileage but I do care about whether I'm getting good value. Also care about where I buy from; an advert for a car for sale in nice genteel or well to do location is always more appealing.

Also I do like the approved used warranties so I tend to search on the brand's own locators.

I bloody fixed that I thought

Dave!

[Sundayjumper]

I can’t afford low mileage mint examples of the cars I like ! So it’s spec & price, and condition. I’m not too worried about mileage. I’ve had multiple cars with 200k+ miles on them. It helps that I don’t mind doing the spannering I guess.

[integrale_evo]

Do I like it?
Can I afford it?
Is it priced sensibly compared to others on the market?

That’s about it. I usually know what I want before I start looking. Sometimes they’re spur of the moment purchases.

I don’t have the money to buy the mintest examples, would rather go for something that might be a bit scruffy or well used but mechanically looked after.

[JonMad]

For me, a combination of mileage, age, history, condition, spec. Happy to pay a little extra for the right combo.
edit: and colour

[Gavin]

Matching tyres is usually a good sign, full history and a seller that inspires confidence.