Hi,

so we've finally arrived in Perth (got here Boxing Day) and I am loving it so far. Weather's great, the City is great, the beer is great (and expensive).

We've moved out of the company-paid hotel room into an apartment in East Perth (Claisebrook Cove area) which is brilliant.

Anyway, I need some help with a car purchase. We're thinking of getting a cheap used car (c$3-5k) for the first 6 months or so, and then part-ex for a new car if we feel we need one.

We've seen a really nice, low km VW Polo at a local dealer, but it has some sun damage on the paint work of the bonnet and roof. The dealer is offering it for £3.5k as is, or $4.5k re-painted.

The question I have is, does anyone know if I'm likely to be able to get it repainted (not by me) for less than £1k?

Thanks

Stu

Hi saintstu, are you sure it's sun damage and not pock-marked at all?

I've been up close and the only thing I can see is the paint blistering away. There's no dent or dings so I think it is only sun damage

The price you've been given by the dealer seems a bit steep to me, almost one third of the cost of the car. Have you read up about buying a second hand car? Hopefully someone on here who knows something about cars will be along soon. There was a thread the other day:
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=699464
and here
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=699131 - one of the posters is a car dealer, so perhaps you could pm him?

I have never seen blistering of paint due to the sun , more likely its rust underneath or it crazed ,(fire damage or sea air ) repainting is not cheap as it would need sand blasting to redo.
Had a quote many years ago of $3500 to repaint .

was told to steer clear of vw's as the parts are harder to get here therefore more expensive if anything goes wrong.......

sun damage is not unusual over here. anything from fading to the top layer of laquer coming off. if your not keeping it for long leave it as it is