Would I save money if I downsized?

chivers1977

I have a 2004 1.6 life Vauxhall Zafira with 36k miles (previously motability car with 25k miles). I do around 10k miles pa with most of that on 50-70mph roads.

As I have decided only to have one child, I don't really need such a big car. Would I be able to sell privately and buy a smaller decent car and save money on running costs/ insurance etc? I can't figure out whether it would make a huge difference???

I had a VW Polo before and while I loved it pre-child, there is just not enough room in the back. I also need a car where I can sit really straight as have a bad back and the seating in a Zafira means that you can sit with your knees almost at right angles!

Thanks

Lorian

Its tricky, becuase I guess you won't get much for your old car. You'd need to be swapping to a small, economic, possibly band D tax car, and these will be the most popular type at the moment.

I hire a lot of cars, so get to test drive loads for free. The one I remember that has the most upright feel. like the Zafir, is the Nissan Note. I believe there is a 1.5 Diesel that could be economical, but don't know much more about it, never owned one.

vikingaero

Depends on your budget as well.

Sit up and beg cars include Ford C-Max which is highly recommended for comfort and used by a lot of Motability customers.

Going smaller - Vauxhall Agila and the Suzuki Splash.

chivers1977

I don't really want to put any more money into the car. I want to be able to sell it and buy another for the sale price - if this would be at all possible........

Autotrader is indicating prices of £3500-£4000 trade for cars with same age and similar mileage so would private sale be around £500 below those?

chivers1977

That would mean that the c-max is a no-go and also the splash as they are new??

MX5huggy

I doubt it would make a huge difference.

The zaferia suits you (althiough I have no idea how I found the seats dire like the back of a LDV minibus with bench seats down each side!)

What are your runnig costs? how many MPG are you getting?

If it is reliable keep it better the devil you know.

chivers1977

I am rubbish at MPG etc. Have no idea but then as you say better the devil you know.... It is comfortable for my wrecked back LOL and means that I can get bikes, shopping, random people etc in without thinking.

Oh well, worth a thought.

Thanks for your help everyone

MX5huggy

MPG is easy follow the instructions on this site.

http://www.robinwhite.fsnet.co.uk/conv/mpg.htm?miles=267&litres=36&Submit2=Calculate

Hintza

chivers1977 wrote: »

Autotrader is indicating prices of £3500-£4000 trade for cars with same age and similar mileage so would private sale be around £500 below those?

I imagine you have looked at other similar car priced on autotrader?

According to Glass's Guide your car is worth £2,200 - £2,900 depending on whether its an 04 or 54 and I very much doubt you will actually get anywhere the top end figures. If I was in the market for one I would be trying my hardest to get it for £2k or less.

Personally I would keep it for a year or two or until things pick up.

hewhoisnotintheknow

you have to do really high mileage before mpgs are too much of a worry

if you car is good, stick with it, you could end up buying a heap

chivers1977

Thank you again - as it is an 04 will definitely be holding onto it then!