How on earth do you choose a new (used) car?!

flutterbyuk25

Hey all

I need to replace my current car (51 plate Fiat Punto) as the electric steering pump has gone, and it's not worth paying the £600 it'll cost to fix. This is the only car I've ever had since passing my test in 2004, and I've really liked it.

I have absolutely no clue how to decide on what car to get next! I have a budget of around £4000 (could stretch to £5K if I really had to but would prefer not).

I've had a look around and there are some cars that I like the look of which include Nissan Micra (newer shape) and the Toyota Aygo. I've seen these in dealers and have sat in them but not yet test driven. Also the ford Ka, I've seen some for £3K, about 4//5yr old.

I will do many city driving, but with some rural and some motorway driving too. I want a small/medium car - Focus would be biggest size I'd go to I think. I want a boot bigger than a shoebox (so discounted Citroen C1's etc). I don't mind 3 or 5 door, or fuel type. I would prefer to have a cheaper road tax car if poss (the aygo is £20).

So how do you start looking for a replacement car? Any suggestions of what makes/models I should look at?

I'm so confused!!

Cheers

x

s_b

be careful with the micra they have the same problem
your punto would only cost £600 at a dealer,an independant would sort it for a lot less

forgotmyname

2nd hand pump less than £100 or a reconditioned one with 2 year warranty for £160 or less.

Should be able to get a recon one fitted for less than half the figure you put.

funkycoldribena

You've discounted the C1 because of boot size but like the Aygo???
They're the same car in all but name!!

cyclonebri1

flutterbyuk25 wrote: »

How on earth do you choose a new (used) car?!

The answers simple, very very carefully!

(It's very easy to find a bad example of a good car, if that makes sense),

flutterbyuk25

My local independant garage said new replacement part was circa £400-£450, plus 2/3 hours labour at £60/hour.

There are other things wrong with the car so it will need to be replaced anyway.

funkycoldribena - the 2 Aygo's I've looked at both had way bigger boots than the C1 etc!

x

Limey

Aygo is a great little car and a real giggle to drive if you like to chuck them about a bit. But they're not the best on the motorway due to the power of the engine.

C1/Aygo/107 are all identical chassis, engines & running gear, the interiors are slightly different but for peace of mind the only things on those cars not made by Toyota are the badges.

Personally, however I'd stick with the devil you know and get the pump repaired.

Hintza

flutterbyuk25 wrote: »

My local independant garage said new replacement part was circa £400-£450, plus 2/3 hours labour at £60/hour.


x

Check on EBay you should pick up a unit for around £100 as stated above oe a recon unit for a lot more.

So even taking your labour figures you can it done for £300 - £400 but I would be worried that your mechanic doesn't even suggest this and his labour prices sound a bit high.

funkycoldribena

flutterbyuk25 wrote: »

funkycoldribena - the 2 Aygo's I've looked at both had way bigger boots than the C1 etc!

x

C1,107,Aygo,all same car,made in same factory.
Boot space-
107-139 ltrs
Aygo-139 ltrs
C1-139 ltrs

poppasmurf_bewdley

£60 an hour labour charge. Where is he? Central London? Bermuda?

forgotmyname

Choosing a car is easy, Very max of 5 years old, clean and tidy one owner or 2 owners who have had the car for a fairly long time i avoid anything that changed hands quickly for any reason.

And £2000 is the budget, Ex fleet Mondeo's usually fits the bill.