Advice on 2nd hand family car, cheap to run

Poppycat

We need a new car soon to replace our Skoda Felicia of 82k miles. Although great car its been wrecked by two low lifes, hit n run when parked outside house (not a problem now as we moved to a very quiet street) and some old biddy disliking me parking near her flat (as she surely owns the road outside)

We need a four door car similar size as above, and was looking at a Ford focus 2nd hand no more than £3k

I am open to similar cars as long as they are cheap to run particularly around town, dont do a lot of long journeys although open to days out and the odd week away in Summer with kids.

Any advice, thanks

balsingh

Focus is a good choice. The 1.6 petrol version is very economical and nice to drive.

If you want something a bit newer for the money, take a look at the Astra 1.6 which is also a nice car.

If you're not bothered about the age of the car, you could probably get a late mk3 golf. Personally, I'd go for the Focus/Astra though.

Viz_2

I agree with the Focus, I own one.

Mine is a Y reg and i've had it for over 5 years. I have covered 75,000 miles myself with no problems other than normal wear and tear.

movilogo

Go for any Japanese car.

Eg. Nissan Primera/Almera saloon, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Accent (yr 2000+)

They will cost much less than £3k and will run fine, won't drink much either.

Sus1e

If you are based in the midlands and want a cheap Ford, have a look in Coventry and Birmingham. A lot of the Landrover/Jag employees get Fords cheap and swap them every couple of years. This means that there is a large supply of second hand cars in that area, leading to better prices.

Poppycat

Thanks for your advice guys

Quinny_2

I would lean towards a Japanese car as well.

My wife just recently sold her 10 year old Micra,and in 4 1/2 years of her ownership,it NEVER let her down.

Ken.

nullogik

You could go for another Skoda, how about a first generation Octavia?

If you do, then try and go for an Ambiente or Elegance model. Ignore the Classics as they lack basic features.