“Laura, all car dealers will lie to you. very few second hand cars have nothing wrong with them. however some have a reputation to keep so go to a main dealer, but you might find they sell cars outside your price range. for a starter car where you mix city and motorway traffic, look at the solid mass produced cars. so go for a Ford Fiesta, or a Vauxhall Astra, both mass produced so cheap for what you are getting. Try them out first. also if you go to a car dealer pay for warranty cover but they tend to try and wriggle out of it if you return the car. Best thing is to go with some one who has had several cars, likes mechanics, and can tell if its dodgy. then agree you intend to buy the car and get the AA to go look at it.”

“I would actually strongly suggest that you look outside of Bristol. At both the cheaper and more expensive ends of the used car market, I have had very poor experiences with dealers in Bristol, with asking prices considerably above what they should be and terrible customer service. Your first port of call should be the autotrader website. I have found some bargains in south Wales (one example: a Peugeot 206 at £800 less than the asking price from a Bristol dealer, with 10K less on the clock, and full service thrown in). If you're prepared to travel a little way, your choice increases and prices fall quite dramatically. Be aware that, at the slightly more expensive end, many main dealerships are happy to ship the car to you from anywhere in the country and transfer any warranty to the local branch.

Price wise, remember you need to consider running costs as well as reliability (esp. if you plan to keep the car for any time) when choosing a car. More common models (such as the 206 I mentioned) mean consumable parts (brake pads, bulbs, etc.) are much cheaper. Japanese cars have a reputation for good reliability, but parts are more expensive.”

“I can tell you one to avoid, Edwards Car Company In corsham, do a search of the reviews on them, tells you all to avoid.”

“Do not buy a Ford Ka .... nothing but trouble, poor build quality.
Good advice given from Alpin above.
My Peugeot kept going and going, engines are very robust. 180K miles on the clock in ten years of motorway travel when it got shunted front and back and wrote off. Car survived it well but not worth repair that's all.”

“I've never had any problems with Regal Garage in Fishponds - they have a website listing their stock, & they also service & MOT cars afterwards so you can go back to them for maintenence too.”

“After many years of using Bitton motor company,I have found them reliable and trust worthy,well worth a visit or a phone call,they dont force a car upon you,unlike some garages,and their after sales service is 100%!!! 01179328686 ask for Andy or Ian,it may take a time to get through,they are always on the busy side,Maurice,getting another car 2moz!!”

“We found Auto Emporium in St George to be very good when buying a car for our grandaughter. The salesman was very helpful and gave the car a new MOT and a quick service before we picked it up. would happily bbuy there again...”

“We found Auto Emporium in St George to be very good when buying a car for our grandaughter. The salesman was very helpful and gave the car a new MOT and a quick service before we picked it up. would happily buy there again...”

“Always buy private.
Dealers are known as "stealers" in the auto world for damn good reason.

Get a friend who knows a little about cars and go find a nice tidy private car. No-one can predict every problem from showing up but someone experienced can stop you buying something with a glaring fault.
Buying a new car, especially a first one, people get too excited about their car and forget all common sense and end up putting up with little problems. Do not do this, set your benchmark and stick to it.

But whatever you do, DO NOT GO TO A DEALER! ANY DEALER!”

“Buy a bike.”

“shame on you walkthetalk aka drivethecar. this kid is asking for advice, try and be helpful rather than peddle your docterine.”

“You need Harfords in Kingswood :)”

“Isn't that one of those mythic quests? The search for the honest used car dealer...”

“Thanks for all the recommendations, what a great help! I've got my heart set on a Nissan Micra so just trying to track one down at the price :)”

“I have a nissan micra for sale in excellent condition!..Its a brilliant first car..My husband has decided to splash out on a new one as he will be travelling alot for work, and we can't afford to run two cars.
Its dark green and a 2 door automatic, P reg, We have just had it MOT'ed and Tax not due till next year...If interested please email me rabia.z.gill@ahotmail.co.uk. I can provide photos.

Thanks!!”

“Thanks everyone for your suggestions, I just bought a 2005 Micra with only 20k on the clock - although the garage was actually in the Midlands as my dad was able to give me a hand. A tip for other car-buyers - newer cars with low mileage get snapped up very quick so let local reputable dealers know what you're looking for and ask them to call you as soon as anything comes in. I was able to get a good deal as my mum and sister had bought from the same place. Always make sure it has a full service history and be patient! It takes time to find the right car :)”

“AVOID EDWARDS CAR COMPANY IN BRISTOL, ULTIMATELY DISQUSTING SERVICE, YOU GET SPOKEN TO LIKE AN IDIOT, AVOID AT ALL COSTS, PLUS THE VEHICLE THEY SUPPLIED CONVIENTLY LOST ITS SERVICE RECORD, AND IVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS ! !

Edwards Car Company

Tel
01225 744920
Click to email

Bath Road
Box
Corsham
Wiltshire
SN13 8AE

http://tinyurl.com/7vc2pyg”

“I completely endorse the comments about Edwards Car Company of Corsham. We bought a Jeep in August 2012. Within 3 days, it was evident that there was a serious problem with overheating. 2 returns later the problem persisted. Then we were told it was a problem with brakes sticking - a blatant lie and not credible. Asked for refund which was refused. Needed independent inspection, many calls to credit company and to Edwards. Finally, refund given although did not settle for whole amount and we had run out of patience. Just glad to finish due to amount of hassle, Jason Edwards refusal to discuss, missing appointments, dragging his feet and outright lying about the vehicle. Be warned. Do not ever, ever buy a car from this man.”

“I found;
Stone Garage, Berkeley, Gloucestershire, GL13 9LA
to be reliable”

“I can certainly say NOT Bristol Motor Co in Fishponds!
Unless you want a car that after only 3 weeks could kill you!

We were mis-sold a car that had even had an MOT, the same day we collect the car we experience severe and dangerous overheating problems. Completely unsatisfactory, they then fail to rectify the problem several times, resulting in a dangerous situation as there was a complete engine failure on the motorway. The dealership have since neglected any responsibility, we have not experienced any satisfactory customer care or consideration and they still refuse to refund us, in which we are fully entitled. Wouldn't dream of recommending this dealership, they have no consideration and are seemingly unaware of the condition of any of their vehicles.

Getting a first car can be really exciting, this car was going to be my partners first car yet after it practically exploding etc, it's been a very bad experience. I would suggest finding a private dealer, ideally family or friends and do as much research as you can into te condition of the car and it's history.”