#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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#97

my missus leases her car. I think it’s a fairly good deal if you need to use a car every day (e.g. for a commute) so you can treat it like a regular expense for something that’s essential. Anything you can put into the deposit helps.

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#98

one thing to mention is about what you use your car for/if it’s likely to get damaged. This could be an issue when it comes to handing it back in. Wear and tear is expected but scuffs/scratches/upholstery issues that can’t get be fixed via a valet could be expensive.

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#99

It depends if you’re dead set on a brand new car. PCP/leasing is fine but you’ll have no asset at the end of it, except possibly some equity if you go PCP.

If you can settle with something a few years old then it might be worth looking into a personal loan - at least you’ll have an asset at the end of it.

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#100

I signed a PCP contract earlier this month.

With a PCH, you are expected to put down a deposit (few grand) and make (cheaper) monthly payments. At the end of the contract you have no equity and will need a new deposit.

With a PCP, you put down a deposit and make monthly payments. At the end of the contract the value of the car (a lot depends on mileage) is assessed. Either you did fewer miles than contracted (expect a small bit of money back) or more miles (expect less money back and an additional charge – defined in the contract).

We bought a mid-spec VW Tiguan with a £4k deposit (£2k as a dealer contribution special offer and £2k from exchange of our current vehicle) and monthly payments of approx. £300 a month for 48 months. The car has an OTR price of £28k.

Good things about this deal for me:

  • No need to find a deposit, although this is comprised of the trade in of an asset I own and a special offer. You might need to find a deposit in your situation.
  • No need to worry about what to do with an asset. I didn’t fancy privately selling our current car and it started to develop quite serious faults.
  • Flexibility to shop around at the end of the PCP deal.

With that last point: there’s a good chance you will not be able to afford the balloon payment. With PCP, you are free to shop at a different dealer, brand etc. You may even finance the rest through a bank loan or however else you wish to do it.

There’s a fixation to own your asset and acquire equity. But you will end up with a highly depreciated asset that has little use and a small residual value.

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#101

There should be a forum badge given to those who read this post

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