Time to buy a new car - any suggestions or advice?

avantra

What's important more? low cost ownership or space? do you want to spend the entire 8K?

You will be sorry probably if you buy a diesel as you do smallish mileage.

A 3-4 years old 1.6 petrol Focus or Fusion will be my choice if I had to spend half the budget followed by Kie Cee'd or an i30 if you spend all the 8k, the last ones should have a long warranty balance with your budget.

Winky,_The_House_Elf

Weird_Nev wrote: »

Check out Ford S-Maxes too - a bit more room and a high driving position.

Or how about a Volvo V50 or S40? Ford platforms but lots of car for the money. Once you've had an estate you won't look back. Nice to drive ,good range of engines to choose from and plenty available at £8k.

I'd second the V50 suggestion, We've had ours about 4 months and I love it. Theres some bargains to be had. We got an ex-motability, with all the upgrades, 3 years old and low milage within your budget.

Lots of boot space, but not as big as a proper estate, which is why I think they are relatively cheap compared to other Volvos.

wannabee_in_credit

I have a Ford Focus (2005) and have spent close to £1000 on repairs to it this year. My friend drives a CMax and recently spent £600. So Ford is not high on my recommendation list to anyone. I'll probably go back to Nissan when I can afford a new car.

goosander

How about an Octavia?

Not as large as a Mondeo but more room than a Focus and has a huge boot. The modern turbo petrol engines are very good e.g. 1.4 TSi.

Ishtar

Thanks for your comments. We've bought a copy of What Car? and along with the suggestions above we're starting to narrow things down.

Will be looking at one or two cars tomorrow - just spending the day looking and seeing what we think about what's on offer.

Really useful advice guys...thanks a lot for helping out!

Cheers

mcjordi

id agree with the focus comments.. maybe even a mondeo..

im currently saving for a volvo estate. (wanted one since passing my test in 2004)
id prefer a mondeo over a focus tho as i like the bigger cars

ballyblack

Don't discount the latest cars from Kia/Hyundai - I've had a Hyundai i30 for some months now and been very happy - 5 year warranty & breakdown cover included, local dealer was fine for the one warranty repair

Here is one poster that will NOT agree with you;

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3716009