Other Car Buying Options
There are many options when buying a car with dealers and private adverts just two of them. Here are a few other choices worth considering.
Car Supermarkets | New Car Search | Auctions | Imports
Car Supermarkets
Car supermarkets offer a 'pile them high and sell them cheap' buying experience. New and nearly new vehicles are offered for less than you'll pay at a main dealer.
Options are limited and the stock usually consists of basic models, so if you’re looking for a rare car you’re unlikely to find it at a supermarket. They may be cheaper, but car supermarkets rarely offer the after-sales support and warranty you’ll get from a dealer.
Auto Trader’s new car search allows you to search more than 200,000 vehicles from 200 providers. By filling in exactly what make, model and version you want, it will tell you where the best deal is. You can even buy online. Try our new car search to find the car you want now.
You can also choose from the best new car offers, read the lastest news and our reviews of the best models on the Auto Trader New Cars page.
Auctions
Car auctions used to be the preserve of traders. Bulk selling of anything from nearly new stock to rental fleets and unwanted trade-ins, can wield some serious bargains for private buyers who do their homework.
With little or no opportunity to test-drive the car, or contact previous owners, it's a risky route, and there's little legal protection.
If you're new to auctions, it's always best to take along an experienced buyer or someone who knows about cars and do a dry run first. You need to pay the balance too, plus the auction fee on the night. Not for the faint-hearted.
Always speak to your insurer before buying from a car auction. When you buy from an auction you may not be insured to drive home. Most motor traders have trade insurance which allows them to drive any car but private buyers are subject to different laws.
Imports
New and used Japanese imports allow
Buying abroad can be cheaper but when you go to sell the car on it will have a lower residual value.
It's now much easier to buy from abroad and can be cheaper too. But remember when you sell the vehicle, it will be worth less than an official
Savings available on European new cars depend upon exchange rates, and you may find that specification and warranty packages are less comprehensive than
Related articles
- How to buy a new car
- How to buy a used car
- How to haggle
- How to check a car before buying
- Buying a car homepage
More buying and selling advice
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