Looking to downsize car - any ideas?

Nuclear_Tom

I'm currently running a 1.8 TDCI 2003 Focus.

I reckon its worth about £7500, and it does around 45-50mpg. £115 a year tax, and it is pretty reliable.

I do upto 2000 miles a month, so nothing tooo shabby, but I need to save as much money as possible.

I'm 21 with no NCB - so insurance must be cheap as possible to.

So, what would you buy!?

Thanks in advance Money Savers! :beer:

piggeh

How much are you looking to spend?

For 2k miles a month, definitely a diesel.

alex2796

I agree with the one above, with 2000 miles a month, you need a diesel..
try this site http://www.theaa.com/cbg/home.jsp

peterg1965

Tim, I think that you have overvalued your car by some margin. I reckon, according to the What Car web site, that your focus is worth more like £5500-£6000 dependant on mileage/model etc. You would get even less if you traded it in to downsize. Your best bet is to sell privately and I would go for a 5/6 year old diesel Peugeot 307 or even 206. You may be able to release £1500 - £2000 of equity in your current car. Hope this helps.

David_B_2

Just be careful when you say downgrading.

My TDI (eco) deisel astra is bigger a engine than my wifes 1.0 unleaded corsa and her's costs more insurance, a lot road tax (£60/70) and even more in fuel.

Smaller is certainly not better if your doing 2K miles as you'll pay for it in otherways not just the cost of the car.

chriswuk_2

Around 6k if selling privately........

rog2

To be perfectly honest N_T - you already have one of the most economical and reliable diesel cars in its class and also the Focus is quite a 'desirable' car. With the mileage that you do, I would be surprised if you would make any real savings in the long run.

piggeh

This should really be moved to motoring moneysaving by the way.

I agree with the above comments, regarding your current vehicle. For the money it is one of the best choices for your circumstances. However, if you're planning to sell it, and buy something a bit cheaper, then other cars will come into play. It depends really how much of your budget you would allocate to your debts/whatever, and how much on a car.

Nuclear_Tom

Looking about, I think I may keep the Focus. I'm in negative equity as it is, and any change will only compound that imho.

Thanks though everyone.