Car Loans

qcvs2000

I own an old car which I want to run till it dies, I have afamily and would like a family car! What are the merit of running a small car for local runs to the shops and the like, and then renting family cars when I need them, weekends when I need to pick up the kids from school and the odd week when want to go on holiday.

Has any one done the cost benefit analysis.

JC

TMF

hmm I would say it would cost alot to do that, your probably better off getting a cheap family car as a second car. You could probably find one for about £400

qcvs2000

Yeah, i was trying to balance the cost of servicing, Mot, insurance TAX, breakdown cover and repair but he equation I used was fairly simple. I.E add up the above then add potentail depreciation and see if renting 5 time a year for three is less.

it is way more than a £400 pound shooter but a lot less than a 5000 one, not being mechanically minded i tend to rely on garages maybe that is my mistake, can only see the ortgage payment sat in a car? I need to find the right balance i think. Day tpo day my kidss go to school in the north of engalnd as boarders so i only need something to go and pick them up at half and full term, weekly admin is just my wife and I!

Are car auctions a good source of cheap reliable cars??

TMF

yes i buy all my cars from auctions. What you need to look at when buying from an auction:

low milage for the year of the car ( i wont buy over 80k miles for petrol or over 100k for diesel)
warranted milage this means the car has service history
long MOT (at least 6months)
also look for cars with tax as a bonus but dont let that sway you.

always be present when the car you want is starting up. look for smoke and weather it starts well. Ask the person whos driving it throught the auction weather the gearbox and clutch are ok and try and check the hand break works ok before the driver gets in.

hope this info helps