What to buy...what to buy...

fozzeh

I'm thinking of getting a new motor and have the cash to pay for it. Up to £12k.

Currently have a 1.0l VW Polo E 5 door in good nick which could be used as p/x (value around £1k). We have a baby with the future possibility of one more. Car will be used for travelling to work (80 miles there and back a week), 80 miles to Manchester once a month (via Woodhead from Leeds) and possibly motor way long distance (...about 300 miles round) twice a year so varies on driving type. Plus the usual shopping trips.

Any recommendations? I'm a mear 25 so don't need something a little tasty. Wife has her eye on a BMW 116 but probably a little too small (and a 3 series would probably too much on insurance). I personally have an open mind so any advice is welcome. TBH, from what I've heard about the 2010 Astra, I may even look at that. I "built" a new Passat online and that came to £18k which is a bit too far.

ukjoel

Two schools of thought will come through on this topic.

New and Used.

12k is a nice amount to spend on a car and will get you Ford Focus mid range car ( or astra equivalent)

However spend that 12k on a 3 year old car and you could pick up a car that when new was 30-40k. Something quite tasty.

I wont reel of lists of models but my preference would be a 2-3 year old low milage high spec model and budget 11k on that and then spend £300 a year on an extended warranty for next 3 years.

Best way of getting the most car for your money.

emmell

I had a test drive in a Bmw 1 series when they were first launched, I wasn't impressed, to be honest the astra would feel very similar. I ended up buying a 318 m sport, that was a lovely car to drive and look at (tasteful mods). Unfortunately we had to part company when my dad couldn't drive and I needed a more practical car (for wheelchair), so I bought a new Honda civic 1.8 sport, a nice car to drive and plenty of boot space.
So I can recommend the 3 series and Honda civic.
Check insurance prices online for any of your choices and have a test drive in the models you prefer and then make your mind up.
ML.

fozzeh

Forgot to add, I'll be 25 with 7 years no claims. I've driving quite a few normal cars (worked for a hire company for 3 months and drove a wide range).

I did see a 3 years old 318 2l on Autotrader with 40k for just under £11k...but the wife with anything that has a 2 at the front of it seems dangerous to me (she is a good but cautious driver).

AdrianHi

£12K should buy you a decent 3 series around 3 years old but for children I really would look for a tourer (estate). Alternatively find the best Mazda 6 hatchback or estate your £12K can buy, you should find something with 1 to 2 years warranty left for that money.