by Harvey » Fri Jul 18, 2008 9:09 am
Nat
Just a few observations about buying a used car. I went through this experience myself not very long ago. There are lots of good used jeep style cars available, at a price. If you have deep pockets, finding a good reliable late model will not be difficult. The main dealers almost always have a stock of imported late models to chose from.
The problems really start when your budget will not tolerate the abuse that buying a relatively new (5/6 years or less) car will cause. Older models, some well maintained and relatively low mileage, do come available but are in great demand, can be rare and can be a mine field. If you are not very confident in your ability to thoroughly inspect a prospective auto, you would be well advised to hire a competent mechanic to check the car out. If you get to that point, I'm sure that members of this board will recommend someone to help.
The bodgers, who repair cars with string and wire, and little knowledge, are as prevalent here as they are anywhere.
Various notice boards on the island, as well as the Observer newspaper, often carry ads for cars for sale, but the good ones, honestly priced, tend to go quickly.