Budget of £1700 - what to get?!

Strider590

^^ Go for something that's done an average mileage for it's age (8'000 - 12'000 per year) and go for one that's just passed it cambelt change interval, then ask to see a receipt for the cambelt change.
One reason for selling cars is the huge cambelt change bill looming over the horizon, they sell the car to some poor sod and don't tell them it hasn't been changed.

Low mileage motors could either have been clocked or not maintained properly, a lot of low mileage drivers skimp on servicing because they think low mileage means it doesn't need it (when in fact it's the opposite).

PJMardy

Strider590 wrote: »

^^ Go for something that's done an average mileage for it's age and go for one that's just passed it cambelt change interval, then ask to see a receipt for the cambelt change.

Low mileage motors could either have been clocked or not maintained properly, a lot of low mileage drivers skimp on servicing because they think low mileage means it doesn't need it (when in fact it's the opposite).

I'm guessing I don't need to know what a cambelt is before I ask...?! :rotfl:Honestly, I need to learn more about cars - hate being so clueless about anything, particularly something that has such an impact on my life!

Thanks again

tommyjj

At that price I would avoid anything German as they tend to be poorly looked after and massively overpriced.

A Ford Focus TDCI would fit the bill nicely. They're nice to drive, cheap to insure and fix, and well built. You could probably get one with around 80,000 miles for that price with a bit of haggling.

A petrol Honda Civic would be a good buy too. They're surprisingly cheap, last forever and don't seem to attract the premium that VWs Audis and Skodas demand. Make sure you go for the new shape with the dash-mounted gear lever.

If you must have German engineering, get a Seat Leon. The Cupra is seriously fast but pricey to insure and the diesel and petrol 1.6 versions are good too.

Whatever you choose to get, make sure you research it well. There are owners clubs with online forums for virtually every car these days, and most have good buyer's guides that can help you avoid a Sh**ter. Also remember to check tyre wear, service history, paintwork and functioning of electrical bits. Check previous MOT certificates too. If all or most of these are not present, the milage may not be genuine. Generally, use all points above to drive the price down, and don't be afraid to walk away.

PJMardy

tommyjj wrote: »

At that price I would avoid anything German as they tend to be poorly looked after and massively overpriced.

A Ford Focus TDCI would fit the bill nicely. They're nice to drive, cheap to insure and fix, and well built. You could probably get one with around 80,000 miles for that price with a bit of haggling.

A petrol Honda Civic would be a good buy too. They're surprisingly cheap, last forever and don't seem to attract the premium that VWs Audis and Skodas demand. Make sure you go for the new shape with the dash-mounted gear lever.

If you must have German engineering, get a Seat Leon. The Cupra is seriously fast but pricey to insure and the diesel and petrol 1.6 versions are good too.

Whatever you choose to get, make sure you research it well. There are owners clubs with online forums for virtually every car these days, and most have good buyer's guides that can help you avoid a Sh**ter. Also remember to check tyre wear, service history, paintwork and functioning of electrical bits. Check previous MOT certificates too. If all or most of these are not present, the milage may not be genuine. Generally, use all points above to drive the price down, and don't be afraid to walk away.

Thank you - that's really helpful. I think people realise I'm clueless and see me coming, so will be taking a massive list of things to ask about and check before handing over a single penny!

londonTiger

PJMardy wrote: »

Ah that's good advice - hadn't thought of FTB cars being more expensive for that reason. Thank you! Yeah, Focus or Astra would suit... 1.4 is where I'm looking really, or potentially a diesel - though as you say, the cost-saving may not be that great ... I currently fill my tank every 260 miles and it costs approx £46 to fill up.

PJ

A modern 1.4 is whole different kettle of fish than a 10 year old 1.4 (which is what you're looking at with your budget). Modern ones use turbo and the TSI thing which is a form of turbo i believe (but more focused on fuel economy than power).

A 10 year old 1.4 is going to be way underpowered something like 75bhp or something.

I would recommened a 1.6 at a minimum, also stay away from typical FTB buyer cars like the corsas and 206. Mind you focus is a popular FTB car as well, or at least an under21 car.