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Unfortunately the softer ride does mean that the tall Tacuma has a tendency for body roll in corners.
On a practical front the Daewoo Tacuma boot is generously proportioned and equipment levels are good, including air conditioning and ABS as standard. Cabin storage space is also excellent and rear seats are fitted with tray tables.
The Tacuma comes with two petrol engine choices at 1.6 and 2.0 litre capacities. The latter manages a respectable top speed of 117 mph and a 0-60 speed of 10.5 seconds.
Overall the Tacuma isn't the most attractive mid sized MPV on the market, but it performs reasonably well, internal space and practicality is good and it is very keenly priced.
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| Frequently asked questions |
Every year more than six million used cars change hands in the UK. Even though most exchanges of ownership pass off smoothly and with little drama there are still real pitfalls to be avoided. The problem is that buying a used car is very exciting for most of us and that, unfortunately, means we are liable to miss many faults and make easily avoidable mistakes when weighing up a potential purchase. Some of the most commonly held questions and concerns relating to used car purchases are addressed below. For more detailed and authoritative information on purchasing a used car the BBC's 'Top Gear' magazine has some good web resources, as do the AA and RAC.
Q1) Who should I buy a used car from - privately, from an accredited dealer, or at auction?
A1) There are disadvantages and advantages associated with all of these outlets:
* Buying from a dealer or car supermarket gives you the highest degree of consumer protection. It's almost always much safer - if something goes wrong with your car or you have a legitimate complaint with your purchase you'll have much more recourse in the law than if you buy privately or, worse, at auction.
* On the other hand, a carefully checked out vehicle bought privately can potentially offer better value for money. Effectively though, you're taking on the risk and work a dealer does when he buys up used cars. Beware though: when the purchase goes through your legal rights are very limited and of course you won't be able to part exchange either.
* Buying a car at auction requires extensive knowledge of the used car industry and is not advisable unless you are technically and commercially very well-informed.
Q2) Franchised dealer, independent dealer, car supermarket - what are the differences and advantages/disadvantages of each?
A2) These all deal in used cars, but have slightly different approaches to how they do business:
* Franchised dealers offer the best service and after-sales support. They are often officially sanctioned by manufacturers. This may mean that cars cost more - but they are sure to have been thoroughly inspected and to be free of any faults. Cars are often relatively new and warranty terms are likely to be excellent. You're unlikely to get as good a part-exchange price for your old car as at other establishments.
* Independent dealers will probably stock slightly older and more affordable cars. You're likely to get a good part-exchange price for your old car. Warranties may be harder to come by but you'll still enjoy good consumer protection (before putting a car on sale a dealer - for the sake of his livelihood - has to ensure it's not clocked, been a write-off or stolen). But watch out for imports and check the specs carefully.
* Car Supermarkets are a relatively new phenomenon. You might have to seek them out specially as a consequence, but if you do you'll be rewarded with a huge choice and the most competitive prices around. They operate with low margins, so the price displayed usually cannot be negotiated downwards. Some will part-exchange your old car, others won't. Watch out for imports and check the specs carefully. Also, test drives aren't always available and warranties may be rather limited.
Q3) What legal rights do I have when I buy a used car?
A3) Really, the best advice is not to get in a position where you have to exercise your legal rights. In other words: don't sign or pay anything until you're absolutely happy with the car you're purchasing. Nevertheless, the following holds true.
* Buying a used through a dealer or car supermarket offers you the maximum legal protection with the least risk. You'll have the Sale of Goods Act on your side, plus the reputation of the establishment in question too. In addition, if the car's been bought on Hire Purchase the finance company takes responsibility for the car and can argue with the dealer.
* If you've bought the car privately your legal means are very limited. The Sale of Goods Act and Trade Descriptions Act only apply to car dealers/traders selling cars as a business. Your only comeback is to take the seller to the county court (which will cost you money before there's even any chance of getting any back from the seller). It is an offence to sell an unroadworthy car so if this is the case you could conceivably report it to the police (but you'd still be unlikely to retrieve your money).
Q4) What checks should I be making on a used car before I buy it?
A4) If you buy a used car privately it's essential to check the following out:
* Make sure it has not been stolen. Check out the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and make sure the V5 vehicle registration documentation is in order. Look for full servicing and MOT records. A car history check such as the AA's Car Data Check (0800 056 8040) or HPI's service (0870 533 3660) will verify that it isn't stolen, cloned, written off, or owes finance or belongs to a leasing or rental company.
* Make sure it hasn't been involved in a serious smash and that it is structurally and mechanically sound. This may require some experience and expertise. Do make use of professional inspection services such as the AA (0800 085 3007), RAC (0870 533 3660) or Used Car Checks if in doubt.
* The value of a used car varies considerably with mileage. Clocking a car's odometer (winding the mileage back) is illegal but nevertheless all too prevalent. Ask to see a full service history and past documentation to back a mileage up with. Contact previous owners to ask about the car. Consider whether the condition of the car is consistent with the mileage. A car history check (as described above) will aid you considerably in making this judgment.
Note that a dealer will usually be legally obliged to ensure that all of the above is checked out before putting a car on sale. Should there still be a problem, the dealer is legally responsible and your rights as a consumer are considerable.
Q5) Should I always hire a professional organisation to check out a used car before I buy it?
A5) If you buy your car from a reputable dealer this shouldn't be necessary. But if buying privately it's almost always a good idea - most of us aren't knowledgeable enough to spot all the potential mechanical pit-falls a car can throw up. If nothing else, an inspection will allow you to negotiate a better price - faults can be pointed out to the seller more easily by you.
Q6) What should I be looking out for when I test-drive a used car?
A6) Test driving a potential purchase is a major opportunity to make sure everything's in good working order and that the car is right for you.
* First of all, allow yourself plenty of time - at least half an hour - and make sure you try the car out on many different types of road.
* The engine: look for signs of excessive smoke when you start up and also whilst underway. It should pull smoothly and be free of any unsettling rattles.
* Steering, brakes and suspension: the steering should be responsive and free of vibration. The brakes should function smoothly and not 'pull' the car in one direction or another. If fitted, it's worth trying out the ABS function as well. The suspension should dampen without fuss and function without emitting unseemly creaks or clonks.
* Clutch, gears: check there is no crunching when you change gears. Check the clutch action is smooth and progressive.
* Make sure you are at home in the car: that the seating is comfortable, that the controls are easily adjustable, that the visibility is good, that there is sufficient space, and that it will load and unload luggage easily.
Q7) What are the pitfalls of buying a used car that has been imported?
A7) Imported cars are often cheaper, sometimes come with better specifications and are more 'exclusive' than cars ordinarily available in the UK. There are some potential pit-falls however:
* Whilst UK dealers are obliged to honour warranties on cars bought within the EU this is not the case for cars imported from further afield, such as Japan.
* Safety standards/specifications on 'grey imports' (i.e. from beyond the EU) may differ from those applicable within the EU.
* Insurance and financing of a 'grey import' may be more difficult and expensive to arrange. This is also true of servicing and any repairs you might have to implement.
* Whilst performance and specification may be superior to what is the case in similar UK models, they may also be inferior.
* Mileage and service history may be impossible to verify.
* An imported car is likely to depreciate more than a UK model and may be more difficult to sell on.
Q8) What's a V5?
A8) A V5 is a car's registration document.
* It establishes who is the registered keeper of the car. It does NOT, however, verify who is the legal owner. Make sure you establish both facts before buying a used car and that the address on it is where you're buying the car from.
* Read it carefully and double-check the details correspond with the car.
* Make use of the information it provides with respect to previous owners - get in touch with previous owners to establish more facts about the car's history.
* Don't buy a car without one!
Q9) The car looks great, goes well, and it's been cleared by a professional inspection outfit, so what's the big deal if the servicing history is a bit patchy?
A9) A solid servicing and MOT paper trail will go a long way towards helping you verify a car's mileage. Careful compilation of such documents, along with other invoices and receipts relevant to the car, usually indicate a similarly careful and conscientious owner. This is reassuring not only when you are making the purchase, but is also liable to add considerably to the value of the car when you come to pass it on yourself. This is especially relevant to prestige cars such as Mercedes, Porsche or Jaguar.
Q10) Should I always haggle when I buy a used car?
A10) Yes. You might as well. Most sellers allow for it when they set the price anyway. But remember to keep it nice and friendly.
* Being too confrontational won't help your cause and it's better to try a soft approach. People buy and sell with people they like.
* Do your research and try and knock off a substantial - but not ridiculous - amount off the listed price.
* Remember to negotiate fully the value of your old car if you're doing a part-exchange with a dealer.
* Avoid paying with cash - paying by cheque or draft is much safer.
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