I bought my car from a 'friend' may as well have had it from some cheating shit of a stranger. I was no better off. Within six months of buying it I had paid twice the asking price in repairs and spares. At least if I'd bought it 'e-bay' style I could have told myself 'I should have known better' - but being stitched up by a 'friend' !

On the other hand my husband bought a brand new car from a main dealership. Its six months old and been back to the garage five times for stupit stuff like the electric windows not going up and the boot lock not always working.

Cars are a pain in the ass no matter where/how you get them.

Ps. My car has now been put right and I love it to bits, wouldn't swap it for anything, but its come at a price.