buy new or second hand??

iwilldoitthistime

Hi there

I currently have a 2 year old clio (bought new) which Im now finding is a bit small in the boot, now that we have a baby in the family and need buggies etc wherever we go.

I dont know whether to -

1. get another new car - maybe something like a megane, or similar size
2. buy a second hand 'better' car - such as an audi a2 or something similar

does anyone have any advice? I have enough money to buy the car outright, but dont know whether I would be better off buying the audi, even though it is second hand, because I know the megane will lose value the minute I drive it out of the garage. Only thing is, the new car would have a warranty so it would be hassle free.

any ideas / advice?

Garnet_Gem

If you're not planning to change your car for at least 6 years, I would go for the new one. Less hassle and no MOTs for a while.

iwilldoitthistime

what should I do if i am planning to change it again within 6 years?

Keith

As a former Megane owner, read this forum first...

http://www.meganeownersclub.co.uk/forum/viewforum.php?f=2

Unfortunately I bought first, then read, then experienced the problems. Needless to say, after 8 months of owning my year old Megane it was sold

anewman

What about a skoda Fabia? They are made by the same company as Audi (VAG - Volkswagen Audi Group), along with Seat's.

Minerva69

anewman wrote: »

What about a skoda Fabia? They are made by the same company as Audi (VAG - Volkswagen Audi Group), along with Seat's.

I've been trying to decide between new and used too. Skoda Fabias are reliable but I wasn't too impressed with the Euro NCAP safety test results (http://www.euroncap.com/tests/skoda_fabia_2000/75.aspx) and safety is a big priority if you've got kids. The new 2007 model Fabia has just been launched but I don't think there's any safety data available for it yet.

I'm now considering a used Ford Focus, they seem big enough for a family, have a good Euro NCAP score and are plentiful on the used car market at quite reasonable prices.

anewman

Al_Mac wrote: »

Buy second hand, from a car supermarket, possibly, about six months old. Initial depreciation has gone and the cars had a bit of a shake down.

Although you have to wonder why someone gave it up after only 6 months. What about pre-registered cars when the new reg comes out + haggling? Might save a k or two.

Keith

Why wait till the new reg? I've found the prices offered by Ford Direct dealers to be fantastic, for example

2.0 Zetec Climate 3dr Moondust silver
This car comes with the balance of the Ford 3yr New Car Warranty DELIVERY MILEAGE ONLY with features including Air conditioning, anti lock braking, alloy wheels, compact disc player, Quickclear heated windscreen, power and heated door mirrors, perimeter alarm system, front fog lights, electric front windows, remote central locking, leather steering wheel, 6x airbags, tinted glass, high level brake light and adjustable steering. ORDER NOW FOR 30th JUNE DELIVERY £11499

List price for the Focus Zetec Climate is £15472 with Metallic Paint, so massive savings are available from places such as Matlock Ford & Archers of Ashby, try google for many others.

plane_boy2000

A2 is not really any bigger than a clio plus they stopped making it a while back so you couldnt have a new one anyway!

Focus is really cheap new and reliable, but if you plan to keep for 6 years what about the kia ceed - come with a 7 year warranty.

To be honest though if its your main family car I would look for something a little bigger - how about a golf plus, seat altea, vauxhall zafira, vw touran. You may not need teh seven seats, but the extra space is useful when you have all the kiddy stuff to lug around - do you plan to have any more kids during the time you own it?

iwilldoitthistime

Hi

thanks for all the ideas - I dont plan to have any more kids, so dont really think its worth going to anything as big as a 7 seater. I have seen demonstrator focuses on jamjar at really good prices - maybe thats the way to go, having read the Megane info (thanks a lot for that - I would have bought one if I hadnt read that!)

gardnt1

I bought my wife a new Megane last July and sold it 8 months later at a loss, but it creaked like no other car i've had.........will stay away from Renault for all time now.......have replaced with a new Focus, and can honestly say I love the Ford cars and IMO you can't go wrong with them.