Which car to buy? A dilemma

TheMacs

Looking for some advice. We've been researching buying a used car and have narrowed it down to the following. Our situation: we've got a child, may have a few more in the future, and our 11 year old Renault Clio is dying (and running out of space).

- Seat Altea XL 2008 (58) 1.6 TDI - £7,000. 5 seats, but can only accommodate 2 car seats in the back (and then the middle seat is probably useless)
- Toyota Corolla Verso 2009 (09) 2.2 TDI - £9,600. 7 seats, 3 of which can accommodate ISOFIX car seats.

Basically, if we bought the Seat Altea XL, it wouldn't be our long term car - we'd probably end up getting a larger one in due course. However the Toyota Corolla Verso is *the* car, and could see us through any family plans.

Other context:

- We've had a lump sum, and can't see ourselves having such a sum again to spend on a used car.
- My wife works as a mum, and is often called upon to look after other children. To have the flexibility of putting more than 2 children in car in their seats would be helpful (if not a logistical and practical nightmare).

We need to make a decision in the next couple of days, so any advice will be considered.

Rich M

forgotmyname

Remember the Richard Pryor film. Brewster's millions? Has to spend $100,000,000 in 30 days i think?

Ran for office with the slogan Vote for NONE OF THE ABOVE. I choose that one.

Why spend £7000 on a car that you admit wont be suitable for long?

Why not stick £5k in the bank and buy a £2k car that is suitable. Put at least £500 a year away into that account and when your ready to change you will be in the same position. With little loss.

You say you wont have that money again so why squander it on a car that will only lose it. The only question will be how fast....

somethingcorporate

Agreed with the above, is there a reason you need to spend such vast sums on a car?

Plenty of good used cars out there for less than £3k and you can put some money in the bank for a rainy day. Don't let it burn a hole in your pocket just because it is there.

Why not put it aside for your little one(s)?

Ranger8

TheMacs wrote: »

Looking for some advice. We've been researching buying a used car and have narrowed it down to the following.

- Seat Altea XL 2008 (58) 1.6 TDI - £7,000. 5 seats, but can only accommodate 2 car seats in the back (and then the middle seat is probably useless)
- Toyota Corolla Verso 2009 (09) 2.2 TDI - £9,600. 7 seats, 3 of which can accommodate ISOFIX car seats.

The Toyota Verso is the one to get without a doubt but get the 2.0d NOT the 2.2d which has some serious faults resulting in needing replacement engines (also applicable to the 2.2d Rav4)