Consumer Guide Car

Ladies, don't be taken for a ride

by Bletchley Taylor

If you are a woman buying a car, there are certain things you can do to make sure you don't get taken for a ride.

Think carefully about the type of car you want. Ask yourself where you'll be going in your car most often, so you'll know what you need to get out of it. Also, keep in mind your budget. Take both these things into consideration and then aim for the type of car that will best suit your needs.

When you see a car for sale advertised in the paper or wherever, phone the sales number before you go to view the car and ask some questions. You may find the car is not what you're looking for and so you can save yourself a visit. It also shows the person selling the car that you are interested and on top of your game.

When viewing a second-hand car, if you don't know a lot about cars and can't take a more knowledgeable person along with you, here are some tips to get you started:

• Don't rush. Take your time and absorb the details of the car. Look at its general condition. Walk slowly around the car to get a general overview.
• Look under the bonnet. Now you don't need to be an expert to see if the engine is nice and clean (and therefore probably well cared for). If it is oily and mucky, that's a bad sign.
• Wear pants! Not so that you look more macho, but because you'll need to get down on the ground to check for possible corrosion and rust on the car. Take a torch with you and look underneath the car for signs of corrosion. Also, open the car doors and check hinges and look under the rubber mats for any signs of dampness caused by leaks.
• Ask about the history of the car. Most responsible owners who have had the car since it was new will have a log book that will tell you the car's history.
• Ask to go for a test drive. If you have a bad feeling about the seller, skip this step and come back later with a friend.
• If you are really, really sure that you want the car, put a deposit on it and get a receipt. If you need to think about it first, then go away and do so. You can haggle a little about price. Most sellers expect this and put their car on the market at a slightly higher price than they expect to get.

If you are viewing a new car in a showroom:

• Research the car first and find out what it is worth on the market before you go to view.
• Be sure to go to a reputable showroom. Ask your family and friends to recommend one.
• Go for a test drive. Is the car easy to drive, and if not, do you think you would ever get used to it? If the car is not automatic, are the gears easy to use? Does the seat push forward enough for you to reach the pedals without strain? Is the steering stiff or easy? Is the turning of the wheel fine when reversing and getting out of a tight spot?
• Look at all the details of the car. Has it got what you require? Think of comfort, price, facilities and special features. Do you need it to be child friendly? Will you fit your dog into it if you have one?
• Haggle about the price. Expect to drop the price down a little. Don't be shy, but don't go over the top either.

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