One common element is research. People who succeed in buying a great car usually do a lot of research beforehand. Another is negotiation skills. They can get a better price. And also, knowing exactly what they want helps a lot.
Sure. One success story is that of my friend. He did a lot of research online, compared different models, prices, and features. He then went to a local dealership, negotiated well, and got a great deal on a reliable car. He was very satisfied with the whole process and loves his new car.
One horror story could be getting sold a car with a lot of hidden mechanical problems. The dealer promised it was in great shape, but after a few days, the engine started making strange noises and it turned out there were issues with the transmission too. Cost a fortune to fix.
I have a funny story too. A guy went to a used car lot. He saw a car that looked really cool. When he asked about the price, the dealer said it was very cheap because it was haunted. The buyer thought it was a joke at first, but the dealer was dead serious. In the end, the buyer walked away, of course.
Deceptive sellers are also a big part. For example, some might hide defects or lie about the car's features. This often leads to buyers getting a bad deal and feeling sad about their purchase. Another thing is unrealistic expectations. People might think a certain car will solve all their problems but end up disappointed. They could have been swayed by flashy ads or the brand name without considering practical aspects.
There was this guy who bought a classic car from a private seller. The car looked amazing on the outside. But after a few weeks, he noticed rust starting to show up in many places. It seemed that the seller had used some kind of filler to hide the rust before selling. He also discovered that some of the parts were not original as promised, which really decreased the value of the car. This made him feel cheated and regretful about the purchase.
One of my buying new car stories is that I went to a dealership without much planning. I just walked in and saw this shiny blue car. I immediately fell in love with its design. The salesperson was really nice and showed me all the features. I took it for a test drive and it was a smooth ride. So I decided right there to buy it.
Get a pre - purchase inspection by an independent mechanic. This can uncover any hidden issues with the car. Even if the dealer says the car has been inspected, it's better to have a second opinion.
There was a case where a buyer put down a large deposit on a car that was promised to be delivered in a week. However, weeks passed and the dealership kept giving excuses. Eventually, they found out the car was never actually available. The buyer lost their deposit and was left without a car. It was a really disheartening experience for them.
It could be interesting if in the fanfiction, Harry buys a car that has some magical properties. For example, a car that can fly like a broomstick or a car that can become invisible at will. This would be a great way to blend the wizarding and Muggle worlds.