What second hand car to buy?

cyclonebri1

Biscuitlover wrote: »

Really glad to see this conversation as we are in exactly the same boat. We have an R reg 2L Laguna which I must say has been a brilliant car. It has in the last year had to have a complete new exhaust but I'm guessing that's probably because of all the short journeys. Other than that its been a good car.
We wanted to get a smaller engine car to try and cut down on fuel costs. DH was thinking of diesel but I have now learnt on here it probably wouldn't make any savings, so we have ruled that out.
We are also interested in an Estate as we go camping 1-2 times a year and DH goes fishing a fair bit. We have been looking briefly at Astras and Peugot 307 with a budget of 1.5k. Any advise would be great.Thanks

You've been happy with the Renault? Why change.

We've had a whole family of them for the last 6 years or so, ( maybe 7 cars in our extended family), without a single horror story, inspite of anything Mr Badger would have you believe based purely on surveys he has read?

I bought a megane diesel estate over 4 years ago basically as a car to take all the fishing gear I cart around. I suggest you take a look. It was the biggest load carrier in it's class, even more so than it's sister, the laguna. It has proved perfectly reliable and I can even stretch out and sleep in the back.

I back to back tested this with the Pug, Astra and Focus at the time and the renault was the best option for me.

I actually think folks have got this all a little out of focus. When was the last time you saw a broken down car on the verge?, stuff is so much more reliable than a few years ago. Advice is good and ok, experience is even better, and I personally go with my own.


Take it to extremes if it's possible. Factor in the 1 breakdown you may get with a cheaper car against the asking price of the suposedly more reliable competition

Oh, and the megane gets you a stainless steel exhaust from new biscuit lover;);)

budeman

Thanks again for all the info here - much appreciated.

After having a look at the differnet cars and opinions I am vering towards a focus at the mo.

One thing that a friend suggested was to try and look for one at auction - I have a friend that has been a number of times so will take him if I go but was wondering if anyone had any experience or advice of what to look for/what to avoid??

Thanks,

Mark.

s_b

budeman wrote: »

Thanks again for all the info here - much appreciated.

After having a look at the differnet cars and opinions I am vering towards a focus at the mo.

One thing that a friend suggested was to try and look for one at auction - I have a friend that has been a number of times so will take him if I go but was wondering if anyone had any experience or advice of what to look for/what to avoid??

Thanks,

Mark.

the car you mention in your 1st post will have a dual mass flywheel so this could be the reason its at auction
remember once the hammer comes down you own it
choose wisely
or we follow you to the car park and tumble you:D

budeman

s_b wrote: »

the car you mention in your 1st post will have a dual mass flywheel so this could be the reason its at auction
remember once the hammer comes down you own it
choose wisely
or we follow you to the car park and tumble you:D

The TDCI?

I have not actually looked for that one at an acution was just thinking of trying to buy something like that from there - do you think I am better of with a petrol then?