Newbie looking for car advice please(used car)

twinmumagain

Hi everyone, I would love some advice from you lovely people out there;)

I have always driven bangers, my newest car being a M reg £600 Escort lol:rotfl:

Well I have saved as best as I could for the last year and have managed to get 4k together.

I need to get a 7 seater as I have myself, hubby and 5 kids to get in the car. I have seen a R reg Galaxy on a forecourt of a small dealer for £3,495, 12 months MOT, 6 months tax, 87k miles. I have read a few threads on here about bartering with salesman and not being pushed into buying something beyond your means(I have a bad credit rating so finance isnt an option, plus I need to stick well within my budget, no more debts even if they do 'specialise in CCJ's and bad credit lol).

I am going to part ex a M reg escort which is a bit battered and they said thats not a problem. If I sold it on Ebay I could expect about £250 for it. I am also hoping to get £500 off the price for paying cash and maybe wangle a 12 month road tax. Am I being unrealistic???
I have a very good friend who is a mechanic who will be coming along with me to check the car in his opinion.

What other advice could you give me? I am a bit of a 'girl' and m gutted the Galaxy doesnt come in pink;)

poppy_f1

have a read here, someone asking similar
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=433813

twinmumagain

Thank you!

Quinny_2

You could also look at the Seat Alhambra.

Same car,different badge,usually cheaper,and has a few more toys,but that is dependant on it being like for like with the Galaxy.

At the end of the day,in my opinion,you are in a strong position to haggle,as you have the cash,and they want it,so haggle hard girl.

A very good idea to take someone along with you who is mechanically minded as well,for extra piece of mind.

Have you had a look in the local Auto Trader to you area? (Wherever that may be.)

Oh,and if I remember correctly,the older Galaxy does come in a dusky type pink.

And finally,do you want diesel,(Better in the long run.) or petrol?

Ken.

Quinny_2

And while your on,check out Honest John's website for a comparison on the type of car you desire.

Ken.

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm

twinmumagain

Thanks for the reply.

I have been advised because of my age(25) that to keep insurance costs and petrol costs down to go for a 1.9 or 2.0 Galaxy. I mentioned the Seat as I have been told the Galaxy, the Seat and also the VW Sharen are near enough the same. From his point of view he finds it easier to get re-con parts for a Galaxy, therefore making it cheaper for me(hopefully!!!).
We had originally wanted a Zafira but if they are in our price range they have mega miles on them. Just need something mechanically safe to get 7 people in and enough boot space for a small double buggy and a few small bags.
Going to invest in a roof box with any cash thats leftover for holidays and the like.

tali

r plate should be £2995 MAX at dealers, FOR £3495 and that age id want top spec ghia x tdi with optional erxtras

anewman

How about a banger of a minibus? You would need to check your driving license (number of passengers I think the limit is based on) but you'd have plenty of room. Then you'd always have room for the next few kids lol. It would certainly be a fun thing to have and drive too.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Minibus-1999-12-Months-MOT-7-Seats_W0QQitemZ160108961252QQihZ006QQcategoryZ108850QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1995-FORD-TRANSIT-LWB-MINIBUS_W0QQitemZ320105686365QQihZ011QQcategoryZ108850QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Ford-Transit-8-passengerdiesel-minibus_W0QQitemZ250106822533QQihZ015QQcategoryZ108850QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Maybe?!

tommie1shunt

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/LDV-PILOT-DIESEL-8-SEATER-BUS-DIRECT-ROYAL-MAIL-2001_W0QQitemZ160107403232QQihZ006QQcategoryZ18307QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Just an idea, they are noisy and slow, but they go on forever and you get reasonable fuel consumption.