#77

Interesting - never heard of that website, but would have probably had a look if I’d known about it.

Before calling I would make sure I’ve read up on common faults with the specific models you’re looking at and check for any reviews of the dealers online (google and autotrader are reasonable places to start with that) so you’re prewarned of any possible pitfalls.

If you have the registration plates you may want to run a car check as well which will give you MOT history, let you know if there’s outstanding finance or it’s previously been written off.

Other than that, you want to arrange to both see and test drive it. Make it clear that you’ve got a shortlist of several you need to see so they don’t try too hard to pressure you into buying immediately. Make sure they’ve got the right paperwork (service book, manual, V5C etc), check the condition of everything looks sound (it’s hard to tell if like me you’re not an expert, but I there was a missing spare wheel on one car a couple of weeks ago and duct tape holding a mirror onto another…) and dents may be a sign of previous minor unreported accidents.

#78

Oh wait… CarWow seems to be for new cars.

Dunno then - most of what I’ve said applies to used rather than new.

#79

Sorry, I feel bad you typed all that. Thanks anyway :smile:

Yes, it’s a new car. I wondered whether I should insist on carpets and a full tank of fuel etc. Just to get a handle on what’s possible

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#80

I need to buy a new car but don’t really want one on finance or lease. Do you think I can manage to get something decent for £3000 - £4000?

#81

yes definitely. can you narrow down what you’re looking for?

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#82

Automatic, 5 door, ideally bigger than a hatchback (but I’m not over-fussed). The newer the better (obvs) and the fewer miles the better (duh!). Needs to be decent for driving around town but also frequent long journeys too.

#83

what kind of mileage are you likely to do, and do you have a petrol/diesel preference?

#84

Probably around 4000-5000 miles a year so not heavy usage. I think I’d prefer petrol but could be swayed.

#85

What do you mean by bigger than a hatchback? Boot space? Leg room?

As usual the sensible but boring answer is probably focus Estate or saloon

#86

I drive a Kia Picanto at the moment and I’d like something a little bigger internally (the back seats are small and generally the space inside feels tight) and more boot space, but I don’t want an estate car. Tbh the ford focus is an ok sized car for me. I do like the small SUVs but I don’t think my budget would stretch to that (plus insurance would be higher for bigger engines).

#87

ok cool.

the Skoda Yeti is well worth looking at but may come out at the top end of your budget. Great space, really good visibility, economic and affordable and well built. Just for your budget make sure it’s had its timing belt replace or that you factor that in (c.£500).

More affordable is the Kia Cee’d. Not the most exciting car but it’s superb value and well built.

Finally, Zafiras are super cheap, reliable and drive well with lots of space.

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#88

this is awesome, thank you! Just what I wanted - I’m going to look into all of these now :smile: Thanks again.

#89

Do they (and Corsas) still spontaneously combust?

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#90

Once you get past a certain age / no claims the engine size and power of car becomes less of a factor on insurance claims than the actual value of it, so I wouldnt discount anything on that basis

I’m looking at 3-4 grand myself at the moment and pretty much every car maker has something that suits at varying levels of quality and reliability… This is the boring thread so naturally I’m obligated to recommend focus, golf, civic, clio, a3, etc etc

If you want a true value but boring car though then look at dacia logan…

I can’t stop looking at alfa romeos and old Mercedes

#91

No way can you get a yeti for 3 grand yet can you??

#92

Ah ok that’s good to know, i’m 35 so that should help, but I haven’t got any no claims as I worked in London for years and commuted by train so didn’t have a car until March this year (TV doesn’t drive).

Cool, thank you, I will look into the cars you’ve suggested too :smile:

Ha, yeah I keep looking at cars that are like £20k :disappointed_relieved:

#93

you can get them for under 5 on autotrader

#94

Parkers.co.uk I’ve always found useful for car reviews and guidance, but don’t take it as gospel, there are peaches and lemons of every model!

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#95

My car failed its mot quite badly on Saturday so I’m scrapping it and therefore have no car!

I think I want a Nissan Juke but my budget doesn’t stretch to one. What are your thoughts on leasing a car? Either PCP where you pay a deposit and have the option to buy at the end of the agreement, or PCH where you literally just lease the car and have no option to buy.

#96

If you can afford the monthly repayments on a decent one, I’m all for it. Based on your criteria above I’d imagine it’d be £250-300 a month or so for a family hatchback etc.

You can get deals with maintenance included so that includes annual MOT and servicing which always seems like a good idea. Doesn’t include insurance though obviously.

But yeah I’d lease if I could afford it. I just buy cheap second hand bangers instead.

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