scoobyrob

would 3 previous owners or more put you off buying a car?

rob

s70rjw

iTrader: (2)

If the car was under 18 months old I would be. Over that and I wouldn't. I normally buy used and change every year. I'd be more concerned over the history and condition.

wheelwright

As stated above, If under 18 months old i personally wouldn't buy the car and you will
be the the 4th owner come selling time !! But if you keep it 18mths 4 owners on a 3 year
old car dosen't look bad.

Nick_Cat

iTrader: (5)

You have to remember that, particularly with private sellers, three previous owners will not include the present one. So you will in end up as the fifth registered keeper.

I am the fifth owner of my car, but as it a MY97 I wasn't too bothered and the others had each kept the car for 18 months to 2 yrs.

You have to watch out for it changing hands several times over a number of months.

Nick

jbwrx300

As above really, although bear in mind it can be a double edged sword.

3 Owners from new in first 18 months, depends on the circumstances- still under warranty, not an issue as first owner could be pre-regd by dealer, 2nd owner buys from dealer and sells after a year, 3rd owner realises he cant afford to run it and cuts his losses before it becomes neglected.

So long as the services are done on time and it doesnt look and drive like a dog, its not an issue.

However it could have been a demonstrator - which is to be avoided at all costs I would have thought (as per my test drive! )

Phil555

iTrader: (1)

I'm the 6th owner of MY00 (V). Didn't bother me as the car has a FSSH. Plus I contacted the last 2 owners and spoke to them to see if they had any problems. I also contacted the garage that was on the service book for the last 2 services to see if the car had any bother. All came up trumps.
I have had no bother either.

Phil.

scoobyrob

look at buyin a P1 from a garage, 3 previous owners, my00 P1. gonna have a look 2nite

rob

jmk

Wouldn't touch it.

Four previous owners (before you) in 5.5 years. Bet the first owner looekd after it amazingly well as they paid the new price and each subequent owner took slightly less care and the car may have been contoinually worked harder.

JCScooby

im the 6th owner of my 97 uk turbo. it isnt a concern as full service history and the look and sound of the car, was of one that had been well looked after. You NEVER buy a car looking to make money back off it, so dont worry about selling it. you might love it so much u will never want to part company anyway.

Jamesemt

After having my fingers burned loads of times (admittedly not Scoobs), I would only ever buy a second hand car that the seller had bought new(ie no previous owners)...be it one or ten years old - speaks volumes IMHO

JCScooby

buying a new car is pretty much pointless when u consider how much money u lose non it. you lose the VAT alone as soon as u hand over the dosh.

Jamesemt

Depends how long you intend on keeping the car - peace of mind is far more important to me...

JCScooby

True, but its unfortunate that not every car can be bought as new, so if u prefer an older model u may struggle to find one with no previous owners to the person who drove it out the showroom. Anyway, everyones looking for something different.

HOWY

Agreed though you could buy an import and save money that way too

Jamesemt

That's what I did!!

Jamesemt

Yeah that's true. I wish I was old enough to have bought a brand new Cossie...

Gutmann pug

Whats the difference?

4 very careful owners or 1 mental case, how do you know?

Its not a slur on the car is it?


Gary

Jamesemt

Probability mate, 1 owner = 50% to have loved it, 4 owners more chance of it been thrashed within an inch of its life. Bear in mind that I have always been with my car when its had work done...I don't trust anyone to look after it the way I do - as was demonstarted when the local dealer scratched it

redeye

i was the 6th owner of my last scoob.my95uk. i carefull owner,4 not so.then i got it and crashed it.

Jamesemt

I guess that makes you a not so careful owner

redeye

yea.but im more carefull with my new one.

New_scooby_04

iTrader: (4)

First and foremost you need to ensure that the servicing has been carried out, as that gives you an idea of whether the car has been looked after. However, getting the car serviced properly and on time is only one indicator -albeit a very important one - of a cherished car. How the owners have driven it is just as important and this is often the great unknown!!

Generally speaking, I think the fewer previous owners the better, as it reduces the chances of it having fallen into the hands of someone who's just abused it at some point. It's not too uncommon to be able to trace down previous owners and have a word with them. A few well aimed questions will tell you all you need to know.

Most importantly, get the car looked over by an expert, the oily bits don't lie, people do!

NS04