New car help please

lallysmum

I have saved up and am about to buy my first car. It's not actually my first car, more like 5th, but for the first time I will be buying it myself, with my own money. (Family have always got me them before)

I have 4k and could possibly go slightly higher, but would prefer not to (plus a Nissan Primera 1.6 something 10 years old to part exchange if possible - it's not in great condition, something wrong with the ABS, and I think the exhaust is dying, but other than that, lol, it's a fab car)

I live in Essex, in a town, so the new car would need to be good for short journeys, and good for a couple of long trips a couple of times a year.

I need to be able to fit a wheelchair and pushchair in the boot.. large car seat in the back (so must have 5 door) I've been considering whether to get a diesel or not - never had one before, but I was told they are more economical.

Umm.. I have two children, so a bit of space in the back.. I like gadgets and would selfishly like a/c and a cd player.. And I would need it to be reliable as won't be able to shell out lots for repairs.

I don't like Fords, would prefer a Japanese car.. Am I being too fussy? Can I get something for that sort of money? Any ideas on what sort of car/where to look?

Thanks in advance for any help.. oh, and how on earth do I haggle? I can't even do it at boot sales.

jd82

"I don't like Fords"

Buy a good Toyota they are very good, always in front because you can't stop the damn things;)

LandyAndy

I presume you have been happy with the Primera?

You like Japanese.

So, another one? or an Avensis? or a Mazda6?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201012355432063/sort/priceasc/usedcars/price-from/4000/price-to/5000/model/primera/make/nissan/page/1/postcode/sp61ej/radius/1501/quicksearch/true?logcode=p

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201015356698148/sort/priceasc/usedcars/price-to/5000/price-from/4000/model/avensis/make/toyota/radius/1501/postcode/sp61ej/page/1?logcode=p

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201015356877996/sort/priceasc/usedcars/price-to/5000/price-from/4000/model/mazda6/make/mazda/radius/1501/page/1/postcode/sp61ej?logcode=p

There are plenty around in your price range.

jd82

Which apart from the Mazda 6 are actually built in the UK as is the primera.

lallysmum

Oh, I'd prefer it to be built in the UK, but I have had 4 Nissans, and 1 Ford - the Ford died spectacularly within 6 months, and the Nissans have lived forever (minus ABS and exhaust problems on poor old Becks)

I'd really just like something reliable and sadly I know next to nothing about cars. I just worked out where the bonnet opener is on my car after 6 years of having it.

lallysmum

LandyAndy wrote: »

I presume you have been happy with the Primera?

You like Japanese.

So, another one?

I'd like something smaller - she's a beast and guzzles petrol. And also seems to be the car that most 95 year old men drive.

lallysmum

Is this one good?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201009353617782/sort/priceasc/usedcars/price-to/5000/quantity-of-doors/5/price-from/2000/engine-size-cars/1-4l_to_1-6l/postcode/cm12rz/page/5/radius/10?logcode=p

LandyAndy

lallysmum wrote: »

I need to be able to fit a wheelchair and pushchair in the boot.. large car seat in the back (so must have 5 door)

Umm.. I have two children, so a bit of space in the back..

lallysmum wrote: »

I'd like something smaller -

Could be a struggle.

Just make sure you take along all the things you'll need to get in when you go for a test drive.;)

pwllbwdr

lallysmum wrote: »

Oh, I'd prefer it to be built in the UK, but I have had 4 Nissans, and 1 Ford - the Ford died spectacularly within 6 months, and the Nissans have lived forever (minus ABS and exhaust problems on poor old Becks)

I'd really just like something reliable and sadly I know next to nothing about cars. I just worked out where the bonnet opener is on my car after 6 years of having it.

Well you've been very lucky then - you could easily destroy any car in less than a week, Japanese included, if something goes amiss and you don't realise it. Fluid checks on a regular basis are essential.

LandyAndy

lallysmum wrote: »

Is this one good?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201009353617782/sort/priceasc/usedcars/price-to/5000/quantity-of-doors/5/price-from/2000/engine-size-cars/1-4l_to_1-6l/postcode/cm12rz/page/5/radius/10?logcode=p

Renault not noted for reliability.

LandyAndy

How about this sort of thing?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201011355025070/sort/priceasc/usedcars/price-to/5000/price-from/4000/model/corolla_verso/make/toyota/radius/1501/postcode/sp61ej/page/1?logcode=p