Time for a new car

HestonJames

Hello All,

I think it may be time to replace my car. I've spent 100% of the cars worth over the 12 months on MOT's and repairs to the keep it running, and this morning it's failed it's MOT yet again.

I have a very poor credit rating, from several years ago after work died off, which is currently on the mend, I have no outstanding credit and everything on my record is now marked as settled, recently added to the electoral register etc etc.

I don't feel comfortable putting yet more money into my current pit to get it through the MOT, but thought I would come here for some advice.

Should I:

a) put money into this car to keep it running.
b) buy another second hand car with what spare cash i can pull together.
c) look at some form of finance or contract hire.
d) none of the above.

My financial situation is much better now and I do have monthly budget available for something.

Thanks for your advice.

Heston

Horizon81

Funnily enough on a different thread I said it's often a case of 'better the devil you know' when it comes to cars. Assuming you got some cash together to buy a different car, what's to say its not going to be riddled with problems?

What have you had done to your car? What needs to be done? The way I see it, unless it needs a lot of work to pass the MOT, then keep this car and get it sorted.

HestonJames

Hey,

Thanks for the speedy reply. I do know what you mean about the devil you know, and the risk of buying another second hand car.

Last year, I spent £750 getting through the MOT. I had broken road springs, new tyres, brake problems, handbrake cable and a bunch of other things.

Then a couple of months ago I replaced the water pump and filters at a cost of around £250 pounds. And another bill of around £100 when the oil pressure switch went.

I now have the failure this time around with a repair bill of around £300, to do with suspension, this time on the front end.

The car is a 52 reg corsa, and in good condition is only worth about £1000.

I'm also aware of a few other devils in the system which won't be picked up by the MOT, like the fact it seems to drink coolant a bit faster than it should do.

I appreciate your advice!

Heston

Horizon81

Has it had a cambelt change in its lifetime? I must say, it sounds like you're taking it to an expensive garage. Have you tried shopping round for quotes? Try small independent places rather than any of these good garage scheme jokers.

davidjwest

Yes, I agree, you can probably buy a car every year for around £750 with a full years tax and test and run that and you'd *probably* be fine.

What mileage do you do? What mileage does the Corsa have on it?

The problem is, if you've already spent that much on the car you may be loathe to get rid of it until you get your money's worth, but on the other hand another bill for a few hundred quid could be a regular occurance!

What are finances like? If you can afford the repair, get it done, save up a few months and then trade it in for a cheapish car from a dealer with some kind of warranty, if you have the money.

scotton86

Hi Heston,

I was in the same situation as yourself late last year, and there was no way my old car was going to make it through the winter and get me to work every day without me spending more on it than the car was actually worth.

It may not be an option for you but it's worth a look on Lings Cars (Quick google will bring up the url)

I now have a 60 plate fiat punto and I'm paying about £200 a month. I know it sounds a lot, but with the money I'm saving on petrol and paying off the loan on my old car, I'm actually coming out on top! They are all new cars on rental finance packages, so all have warranties and most of the time Ling can get the 3 years tax paid for you as well, so all you have to worry about is an annual service. You have the option to buy at the end, but I'll be giving it back and getting another brand new one, wouldn't buy a second hand car again now!

I know it doesn't suit everyone's financial situation, but I thought I'd throw it in there.

Ling has a really good reputation by the way, I was blown away by her customer service and a bit of googling will reveal the same. Top notch company.

Dot

Strider590

Horizon81 wrote: »

Funnily enough on a different thread I said it's often a case of 'better the devil you know' when it comes to cars. Assuming you got some cash together to buy a different car, what's to say its not going to be riddled with problems?

And...... Adding to the above, most people (like you yourself would be doing) sell a car when it has problems

Cars shouldn't fail MOT's very often, if your keeps failing then I suggest changing garages a bit more.

birkee

It may not help your question, but,
when I was first married and financially constrained, I had to learn to do all my own car repairs and servicing otherwise it was a no no.
Are you in a postion to learn about car maintenance? It WILL save you a fortune.
(Even a friend with knowledge could help.)

HestonJames

Hi Guys,

Thanks for all the replies, it's a great help! It's not really the garage, I've used several over the life of the car, and the past few have been with a reputable local guy, apart from the water pump which died whilst on holiday in the lakes.

@Horizon81 - I believe it has had it done, a couple of services ago, I'd have to check through paperwork to be sure. The guys that did the oil pressure switch said it was starting to tick though, that was a few months ago.

@davidjwest - I do fairly low to average millage, probable about 10k a year, the car currently has 90k on the clock.

@scotton86 - Thanks for the suggestion of Lings, I've seen/heard good things from a lot of people about this, and I have no problem with throwing a monthly budget and knowing things are taken care of. How did you find this for credit? as I say, my history isn't particularly good.

@birkee - Thanks for the suggestions! I do have some basic mech knowledge and am capable of doing minor things myself, I wouldn't care to anything safety related like brakes or suspension though.

@Strider590 - Thanks. I agree buying second hand can be a challenge, my cousin bought a 206 last year and it's been in and out of the garage constantly.

Thanks everyone, it's nice to get your thoughts on this.

Heston

scotton86

Hi Heston,

It would really depend on which car you went with and which dealer etc.

Although Ling sources them etc, the finance agreement will be through the particular dealer they find the car with.

I am fortunate enough to have a pretty good credit rating to be honest, but I'm not sure to what degree they run a check before they agree your contract etc. My particular agreement is with Alphera Financial...

I'm sorry I can't be of more assistance! All I know is that the peace of mind that has come from owning a brand new car, still under warranty, and paying a set amount each month is priceless to me. I hated getting into my old car in the morning and wondering whether or not it would start that day.

I hope you manage to work something out!

Dot

mikey72

What engine is the corsa.
If it's ticking, it could be a worn timing chain, which is never good on these.
Then again, I don't know your mechanic, but £100 sounds dear if it was just replacing an oil pressure switch, unless there were other circumstances we can't know. Maybe get a second opinion.

Changing cars can be good or bad. We've a £500 car that's done 50K miles in three and a half years and cost nothing apart from service items, tyres, brakes etc.