I am looking for a used car for about £4,000 and have come across a company called County Liquidations in Essex who claim to sell cars at trade prices with no warranty but at very low prices. They claim they are an "agent" rather than a dealer which I have never heard of. Has anybody heard of them and are they legitimate?

Thanks.

Whenever you buy a car you should inspect it, check the documents and, if possible, take it for a test drive. You may also do checks for unpaid finance if you are concerned. If the price is right and everything else is in order, you can buy. If not, you should walk away.

If you want a car at trade price with no warantee, it's worth visiting a local car auction or two. Buying cars like this is risky but, as long as the price reflects the risk and you can spot a worn out car, it's worth a try. You should not buy the first car that you look at and you should not bid until you've been to a few auctions. At most auctions you can look under the bonnet but you don't get a test drive before the sale.

I've never heard of County Liquidations but what they are doing is not unique. It is important though not to bid for anything that you've not seen.

I've just noticed on the site that they are encouraging people to look at the photos then decide to buy over the phone, without seeing the cars. Many people have spent £000s like this and got nothing in return. If you can't visit their premises you should buy from someone local to you.

I went to County Liquidations at the weekend and have to say was surprised at how many cars they had there and how none pushy they all are. They deal in HP Repossessions, company cars etc. You can not test drive them but you can sit inside, look around the car, start it up and check the engine etc, you are left alone with the car to have a good look and if you decide you want to buy you make an offer (but they will only knock off £100 max). After you pick up the car you have 1 hour to take it and give it a good run and if within that hour you find something wrong etc you take it back and get a refund. There is no warranty with the cars but you wouldnt get one with a private sale either, you get a copy of the check done for claims etc. You can not go far wrong and it has to be safer then buying from Joe Bloggs of the street, as the company has a reputation to keep.

... and you signed up just to tell us that. Your boss will be pleased.

I bought the car from them and was OK.but you need to check absolutely everything .good luck.