Buy a new car.

[charlesworth82]

Hi all.

Well I'm back looking for a new car. Decided to sell my old one while I had a decent offer in on it.

Am after some advice on what to buy, where to go etc. I live in Leeds - so anywhere in a reasonable driving distance is good.

I'm looking to spend around 3.5k and would like something like a golf and would prefer to buy from a garage rather than private (can be anything though).

Am basically looking for any advice - last place i bought one from closed down and moved a month later - nothing went wrong with it though thankfully.

Thanks in advance.

[charlesworth82]

Quick update - have now sold my car so need advice. Have tried HonestJohn and have got a few tips

[Pink-winged]

Hi Charles,

You will probably get more replies on the motoring board, so I'll move your thread over there.

Pink

[highguyuk]

Well firstly, I would love a Golf from a garage as well but for 3.5k your looking Mark III and probably no more.

There are lots of people that will give you the advice to buy from auction. Im not up on this, but im sure people will reply and give you further information.

Can you post your requirements in a bit more detail? Petrol/Diesel, 3/5 door, Age, Mileage (do you travel alot?), seats, gadgets, extras...

[ArsenalFC]

A quick browse on www.autotrader.co.uk I found some mark 4 golf in your price range from both private and dealers. Expect them to be 70k+ miles.

Look for the usual, service history, hpi cleared etc. For your budget, you'll probably wont get a good spec car with the mark4. Have you consider alternative cars ie Ford Focus? The focus is just as good quality and a better value for money car, you can pick up one with air con.

[charlesworth82]

Hi,

I am considering any car at the moment and the focus does look to be a lot cheaper.

I'm looking for something just to get to work and back (about half hour each way) and run around on the wkend with. would prefer one with 5 doors and also to be petrol. Would prefer something smaller than what i had (BMW 316).

Thanks for all the responses

[vansboy]

Glad you've been to www.honestjohn.co.uk

Did you get a 'don't buy a Golf ' response - 'cos VW don't make VW's like they used to!!??

The Focus is very popular & still a current model, so plenty around not cheap, though!

Have you thought of Astra - no street cred, but well made & reliable - watch out for back pain, if you've not sat in one, I can't get on with the seats.

Think about Manheim Auctions Rothwell - look for the Motability sections, within their sales - you'll find a good choice of Astra (& other small cars) with sensile mileages, there.

If you can get to £4000 you'll have a 3year old Astra 1.6 club, 30000 miles & be more than happy.

VB

[charlesworth82]

Thanks - hadnt though about an auction. Is it the kind of place where I'm going to have to take someone to look over the cars or are they pre-checked etc.

Can possibly stretch to 4k if i see something i like - will have to keep it quiet from the wife though!!!

[vansboy]

They are sold With A Trial - lasts an hour after end of sale, or Without Warranty - you get what you see!!

The Motability, along with most 'branded' fleet sections, will be warranted as 'No Major Faults' so you only need worry about the cosmetic appearence.

Pick up the How To Buy, leaflet the auctions give away at the sale centre.



VB