2nd hand car recommendations (up to £2.5k)

Hoseman

Hi, Im looking for some help in choosing a 2nd hand car.

Im looking to spend around £2k to £2.5k and Im looking for reliability and 1.4/1.6 engine but I could go lower. Low insurance preferably. Petrol. Been driving automatic for years but don't mind manual if I have to. Looking for 4 door which is roughly the same size as a Honda Civic size so not too small but not too big either.

An suggestions/advice appreciated.

avantra

http://www4.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201150436005601/sort/priceasc/usedcars/maximum-age/up_to_4_years_old/model/lacetti/make/chevrolet/page/1/radius/1500/postcode/gl116hx?logcode=p

Hoseman

Thanks avantra. I always tend to think Jap cars are pretty reliable but I'm not that familiar with Chevrolets. Also, its not bad mileage and age wise.

I had a look on Autotrader last night and I didnt see much which grabbed me but I need a bit of guidance. My previous car was a Honda Civic (written off after accident) so need to sort something out soon. Like Hondas but they aren't cheap when it comes to parts which affects insurance.

Any other suggestions?

avantra

If you want the most value for your cash when buying a car on a budget my idea is to ignore anything which is not going to help me getting from A to B in a comfortable/reliable manner.

Badge :don't care
How common the car is: don't care
What's everyone think: don't care
Country of origin: don't care
Design: don't care
Colour:don't care
Anonymous or ugly looking vehicle: don't care
Handling: don't care

on the other hand:

Age: the newer the better

History: evidence of regular servicing is good enough for me

Reliability of the mark/model: care but less

Comfort: care

Space : care

So a 2008 Korean hatch with space and lowish mileage for around 2.5k from a dealer is not a bad deal in my book.

You can find the info on the car by car review of Honest John (BTW he doesn't have anything bad to say about this mode) and the owners reviews on Autotrader and Parkers are generally good.

My bottom line is value x time keeping the car, I usually buy my cars as new as I can and keep them for around 13 to 15 years.