Buying a car - advice!

angel001

I need to buy a new car - have had present one for 10 years now.

Am clueless with cars so looking for some/any advice.

I'm interested in a Toyota Auris, Golf, Mazda or Nissan (as you can see I haven't a clue.) Any recommendations?

I'd like to get a pre-registered one (to save money:money: ).

Also, anyone heard of any 0% interest deals?

Thanks

SemperFi

And your budget is?

rev_henry

Okaay, what is your budget? What do you want it for? Does it need to carry 4 kids? Do you need to drive 200 miles a week in it? Etc etc etc. And also, why do you want brand new? Have you ever seen how much money you could save buying nearly new secondhand? Lastly, what do you drive now, and would you like something similar? And what is wrong with your old car anyway?!

Give us some idea and we'll point you in the right direction!

Hintza

Let's get one thing out the way. There is no such thing as a free lunch so look to see how much will pay all in you for the car over the period rather than looking for 0% deals.

rev_henry

Hintza wrote: »

Let's get one thing out the way. There is no such thing as a free lunch so look to see how much will pay all in you for the car over the period rather than looking for 0% deals.

Or alternatively buy a cheaper car which you can afford outright now, then save up and buy a better one later!

angel001

OK thanks for such quick replies.

Good points about buying nearly new, second hand and about looking at the bigger picture in terms of overall cost :beer: - that's made me think and I'm going to take that on board now.

My limit would be £10000 absolute max and, if less, sooo much better. I need to drive roughly 250 miles a week. Present car has been brill but is now going downhill.

Thanks - any advice welcome.

rev_henry

angel001 wrote: »

OK thanks for such quick replies.

Good points about buying nearly new, second hand and about looking at the bigger picture in terms of overall cost :beer: - that's made me think and I'm going to take that on board now.

My limit would be £10000 absolute max and, if less, sooo much better. I need to drive roughly 250 miles a week. Present car has been brill but is now going downhill.

Thanks - any advice welcome.

You get a lot of car for a fraction of £10k these days. Really depends what you're looking for. £10k will buy you a 5 year old BMW 7-series (the HUGE one with millions of gadgets and buttons) for heavens' sake! Its staggering. At 250 miles a week I'm guessing something medium sized, comfortable and economical then. Hmmm. Still doesn't really narrow it down! Might I suggest you get hold of the Top Gear Test Drive Directory? Its basically a magazine of almost every car available atm, with a review and both new and secondhand prices; have a look through it.

angel001

Thanks, I'm going to get a copy & have a good read.:T

sheslookinhot

rev_henry wrote: »

You get a lot of car for a fraction of £10k these days. Really depends what you're looking for. £10k will buy you a 5 year old BMW 7-series (the HUGE one with millions of gadgets and buttons) for heavens' sake! Its staggering. At 250 miles a week I'm guessing something medium sized, comfortable and economical then. Hmmm. Still doesn't really narrow it down! Might I suggest you get hold of the Top Gear Test Drive Directory? Its basically a magazine of almost every car available atm, with a review and both new and secondhand prices; have a look through it.

Has the OP not narrowed it down already with choices in 1st post.

What about a Seat Leon ? very modern and stylish and looks like it could be reliable too ?

anniecave

might want to consider what insurance group your car is in? Lower insurance group = cheaper insurance

AdrianHi

Toyota Auris and Mazda 3 both good options IMO and worth test driving.
I favour buying nearly new as you get long warranty and the car is less likely to have had abuse and you've usually saved 20-30% off new price.
Broken down as a long term average monthly expense the monthly figure for nearly new used until warranty expirey vs. a 3+ year old up to about 5 or 6 is very similar. To get the car working out cheaper you need to have it at 5/6+ years old when repairs are more likely.
The in warranty car under 3 years old costs you nothing to MOT, warranty included so no repair bills, breakdown cover usually included. All helps to offset the depreciation, if the newer car is more economical on fuel better still.