What new car to get??

Chimera

I am in a fortunate position that I'm hopefully going to get some money soon, specifically for a new car. I'm looking at spending probably no more than 8,000. I'm looking for practical rather than glam! Doesn't need to be big, does need good mpg, good warranty, cheap to run and fix, reliable... Having never been in the position to get a new car I'm rather overwhelmed, any recommendations??

forgotmyname

If wasting £8000 on a new car why worry about fuel consumption? Buy an old V8 range rover for £1000 - £1500
and use the rest for fuel. 15,000 - 20,000 miles worth if you drive carefully. Something a bit smaller and you could
easily double that. Years worth of free motoring?

Bit OTT maybe but MPG is not everything. Diesel gets better miles per gallon but modern diesels can be dearer to
service and repair and also dearer to insure.

Small petrol car 1L - 1.2L engine. Choice of car citroen C1/C2? ford ka?
list of cars in the range it large. Personal choice really.

Kilty_2

Kia Picanto - £6050, ~50mpg, £30 tax, 7 year warranty.

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pendulum

Must it be new?

It's no good having a new car for £8,000 and no spare cash for servicing/repairs. Unless you have money of your own you're far better buying used and keeping spare cash in the bank as a "car fund". If you think this is a good idea speak to the person/people giving you the money and see if they agree, they should as it shows your planning for the future.

If your a new driver it won't be so upsetting if you put a scratch/dent on a used car either. (Unless your a girl and then you'll probably just cry anyway )

victor2

As pendulum says, does it need to be new? With that kind of money, you'll be able to pick up a nicely equipped used car, only a year or two old, through a main dealer. You'll still have the balance of the manufacturer's warranty on it, dealer preparation etc., and you won't get hit for VAT or the initial depreciation, which is always the highest. An ex-demonstrator could be a good choice as they generally come well equipped. Ford are generally cheap to maintain, but the Japanese brands tend to lead the way in reliability.
I find listing the features I would like as essential or desirable and then looking around at the market helps. Parkers website has a nice little "choose my car" tool and useful reviews that may help.

LandyAndy

victor2 wrote: »

As pendulum says, does it need to be new? With that kind of money, you'll be able to pick up a nicely equipped used car, only a year or two old, through a main dealer. You'll still have the balance of the manufacturer's warranty on it, dealer preparation etc., and you won't get hit for VAT or the initial depreciation, which is always the highest. An ex-demonstrator could be a good choice as they generally come well equipped. Ford are generally cheap to maintain, but the Japanese brands tend to lead the way in reliability.
I find listing the features I would like as essential or desirable and then looking around at the market helps. Parkers website has a nice little "choose my car" tool and useful reviews that may help.

I tried that. I Tried to force it to select my car (Mazda6 estate). I told it I wanted to carry 4 people and drive on roads (not off road). I got A VW Caravelle, various 4x4s (XC90, Freelander, RR Sport, M class, Grand Cherokee etc.) and a couple of sensible suggestions (A6 estate, 5 series estate). All in all not very helpful.:(

Chimera

Hi, Yes, sorry, It does need to be new. I don't have the choice, my parents have given me some money from my grandmothers sale of house and the condition is I get a NEW car. The reason I want it to be economical is that I don't believe in wasting money - thought it was my chance to get a car that would save me money x

Chimera

pendulum wrote: »

Must it be new?

It's no good having a new car for £8,000 and no spare cash for servicing/repairs. Unless you have money of your own you're far better buying used and keeping spare cash in the bank as a "car fund". If you think this is a good idea speak to the person/people giving you the money and see if they agree, they should as it shows your planning for the future.

If your a new driver it won't be so upsetting if you put a scratch/dent on a used car either. (Unless your a girl and then you'll probably just cry anyway )

It does have to be a new car, I will have money for spares and repairs, I would just like it to be economical. I'm not a new driver, have 12 ears no claims

Chimera

Kilty wrote: »

Kia Picanto - £6050, ~50mpg, £30 tax, 7 year warranty.

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ooo, price on website shows £6,670, is that a special deal?

Kilty_2

Chimera wrote: »

ooo, price on website shows £6,670, is that a special deal?

Arnold Clark are/were selling them for £5995 + £55 first registration fee = £6050 OTR.

Most dealers are selling them for £6495. Online brokers can knock a couple of hundred off that but don't get close to AC's price.

I bought one earlier this month

Chimera

Kilty wrote: »

Arnold Clark are/were selling them for £5995 + £55 first registration fee = £6050 OTR.

Most dealers are selling them for £6495. Online brokers can knock a couple of hundred off that but don't get close to AC's price.

I bought one earlier this month

That's great... good car then? Did you get the basic one? I'm wondering if it's worth upgrading or not?