Which car to buy?

GDB2222

I am trying to work out what car to buy for my wife, to replace the one she has just written off, so any advice gratefully received. the criteria are as follows:

I am looking to buy secondhand, say 5 years old.

The car she has just written off is a Saab 9-5. Secondhand, these are not expensive, but I am getting upset at the thought of spending £400 a year on road tax and this is bound to knock the secondhand values still further next year.

She has had 4 crashes in the last 6 years, so safety is the prime consideration.

Two of the crashes were other people's fault, and she has a protected NCD, so insurance is not a huge issue.

A car that seats five would be useful.

Automatic is a must-have.

Mileage is 5k a year, so fuel consumption is not too serious an issue.

So, what should I buy her next?

By the way, do you think she might benefit from a defensive driving course, and who runs those?

hewhoisnotintheknow

a motorbike, teach her how to use the road!

What about a honda jazz

ArsenalFC

A Bmw 318i saloon or coupe version. A solidly made german car with an Ncap rating of 4 stars. I've had 2 bmw coupes to date and they drive very well and also feels very safe inside.

Accidents happens and to have 2 faults accidents in 6 years isn't a really bad record.

Inactive

GDB2222 wrote: »

By the way, do you think she might benefit from a defensive driving course, and who runs those?

In a word..yes.

The I.A.M. would be a good start.

http://www.iam.org.uk/

Inactive

ArsenalFC wrote: »

Accidents happens and to have 2 faults accidents in 6 years isn't a really bad record.

Accidents dont usually " happen " they are usually caused.

pinkshoes

GDB2222 wrote: »

She has had 4 crashes in the last 6 years, so safety is the prime consideration.

Safety for her or safety for other road users??

I was crashed into by a VW Polo, which meant 5 months of physio thanks to bad whiplash. I was very grateful that the dozy driver hadn't been driving a bigger car, which could have left me with much worse injuries!!!

I'd say she'd definitely benefit from an advanced driving course if she's caused 2 crashes, and perhaps get her a small but safe car, so that it causes minimum injuries to other drivers should she hit them!!

moneysaver

GDB2222 wrote: »

She has had 4 crashes in the last 6 years, so safety is the prime consideration.

What about a tank?:rolleyes:



Moneysaver

GDB2222

pinkshoes wrote: »

Safety for her or safety for other road users??

I was crashed into by a VW Polo, which meant 5 months of physio thanks to bad whiplash. I was very grateful that the dozy driver hadn't been driving a bigger car, which could have left me with much worse injuries!!!

I'd say she'd definitely benefit from an advanced driving course if she's caused 2 crashes, and perhaps get her a small but safe car, so that it causes minimum injuries to other drivers should she hit them!!

To be fair to my wife, she was not responsible for your injuries. I'm pleased you are better.

I will encourage her to try IAM.

Any other suggestions for cars, not armoured military vehicles, please?

goldspanners

moneysaver wrote: »

What about a tank?:rolleyes:



Moneysaver

i wouldnt like her next accident to be into me driving this. :eek:

goldspanners

GDB2222 wrote: »

To be fair to my wife, she was not responsible for your injuries. I'm pleased you are better.

I will encourage her to try IAM.

Any other suggestions for cars, not armoured military vehicles, please?

if you have to buy the car then i would be forcing her to take an advanced course.
or as someone else pointed out a motorbike course would make her much more aware of other road users.

i would buy her a smaller car,something like a fiesta or similar.this will be easier to judge rather than a saab.

sarahg1969

A Volvo?

Or pay a chauffeur? Could be cheaper (and safer) in the long run.