Buying A New Car

WolvesAreStayinUp

I want to upgrade my car in the next few months, I currently have a 1999 VW Golf 1.6 which I've had for 4 years now. It's not worth much but I can afford to put a £2-3000 deposit down on a nearly new car and the rest of the money needed will be from a loan.

I have 2 cars in mind which I really like:
Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi Hatchback 2007/2008 - approx £7000
Audi A3 2.0 TDi 2008/2009 - approx £9500

Any similar ideas are welcome

I dont have a specific amount to spend (Probably maximum £10,000) The loan amount depends on the car I get and I would be trading in my current car.

I had a £5000 loan a few years ago which was partly used to buy my current car. I repayed the loan over 30 months without any problems, I've never been in debt or gone into overdraft or even had any credit cards. I'm sensible with money but also like to treat myself (like many do! ) Anyway HSBC keep advertising low rate loans so would be a good time to consider.

The most important things for me would definately be: good MPG, low mileage, reliable and stylish. Oh spacious and 5 doors.. the list goes on

I mainly do smaller journeys in the week but weekends usually a couple of hundred miles on the motorway.

Also, a couple of years ago there was that government scrappage scheme and I know a few dealerships continued this offer after government funds ran out, Do any dealers still offer decent prices for part exchange?

I've tried to give as much info as possible and im hoping to get help and advice with my decision, wether you recommend any of those 2 cars above? theyre rubbish choices? You have a better car in mind? Best places to buy from? ebay? Autotrader? Approved used car dealers?

I appreciate any beneficial comments and help, Thank you in advance.

Reasons for new car: Expecting a baby in May, Current car is 13 years old and not so reliable anymore

WolvesAreStayinUp

Thanks for all your replies

iolanthe07

The word 'car' in red put me off. !!!!!!?

WolvesAreStayinUp

To be honest I have no idea, not intentional.. So maybe everybody has a fear of the colour red, nevermind.

rodenal

To be honest there isn't very much to say about the two cars you like - both are fine, not spectacular in any way shape or form. I've owned an older a3, petrol and at the time I loved it but I'm not so struck on the newer shape, it's long long overdue a replacement too having been around almost ten years now but there is nothing wrong with it. The equivalent golf will be cheaper and I think the mk5 golf looks better too, octavia cheaper again a car I also like looks wise (in vrs form).

I've had several focuseseses and again they're ok, don't bother with the 1.8tdci get a 1.6tdci it's a much better engine, there is nothing wrong with the 1.8 but the smaller diesel is much better on fuel and has a similar amount of power. I also wouldn't bother with the 2 litre, I had one and whilst reasonably powerful it was very poor on fuel, low 40's on a 50 mile commute. As both will be out of warranty are you not tempted to look at cars in a lower price bracket? I currently drive a diesel civic have you had a look at these? I love it but won't be to everyones taste

forgotmyname

£2000 and your car will get you nice Mondeo less than 4 years old...


No need for a loan....

You say you have never been in debt, Yet you had a loan. Thats a debt.

Borrow money = your in debt.

rodenal

Can you buy a 3/4 year old mondeo for £2.5-3k? (That's a serious question btw)

I agree though there are plenty of cars that could be bought just for cash that would fit the bill.

hethmar

Remember the performance required getting a baby in and out of a car - from what I remember, the A3 is pretty low to the ground? You will also need a good boot space for all the extra gear you will be carrying.

As you are used to and I assume happy with your VW - have you considered the Golf Plus?

CLAPTON

with a new baby on the way whyever are you considering getting into debt?
babies are expensive
is you income changing as a result
why haven't you saved up lots of money before tha baby is due?


in any event buy a 4/5 car suitable for the new arrival

WolvesAreStayinUp

rodenal wrote: »

To be honest there isn't very much to say about the two cars you like - both are fine, not spectacular in any way shape or form. I've owned an older a3, petrol and at the time I loved it but I'm not so struck on the newer shape, it's long long overdue a replacement too having been around almost ten years now but there is nothing wrong with it. The equivalent golf will be cheaper and I think the mk5 golf looks better too, octavia cheaper again a car I also like looks wise (in vrs form).

I've had several focuseseses and again they're ok, don't bother with the 1.8tdci get a 1.6tdci it's a much better engine, there is nothing wrong with the 1.8 but the smaller diesel is much better on fuel and has a similar amount of power. I also wouldn't bother with the 2 litre, I had one and whilst reasonably powerful it was very poor on fuel, low 40's on a 50 mile commute. As both will be out of warranty are you not tempted to look at cars in a lower price bracket? I currently drive a diesel civic have you had a look at these? I love it but won't be to everyones taste

I definately would consider lower priced cars obviously as long as its relatively new, reliable and good MPG. I appreciate your advice and will definately look at the 1.6tdci focus.

I like the Civics and only looked at petrol ones but my sister said hers was sluggish. Is it the 2.2 i-ctdi you're referring to? and what sort of MPG does it average?

I did hear something about a new A3 coming out this year so maybe the current model will drop in price

WolvesAreStayinUp

forgotmyname wrote: »

£2000 and your car will get you nice Mondeo less than 4 years old...


No need for a loan....

You say you have never been in debt, Yet you had a loan. Thats a debt.

Borrow money = your in debt.

Which mondeo?

Ok I got into debt by choice not 'cos I had to, I like to keep a minimum amount in my bank for safety.

And to anyone else trying to 'help' I have good income but as OP states any beneficial comments are welcome, Im here for advice on a car not how to live my life or how to plan for a baby and I gave this information as I thought it would be useful for some to know my background/circumstances to choose a car.