Car Advice Please!

jkpd

The FN50 survey is fleet managers feedback on reliability, 1.2 million cars, many of which are covering high miles,hard to argue whith these type of surveys don't you think ?

motorguy

OddballJamie wrote: »

Scrapping an 11 year old Golf because it has some trim missing, a knackered wiper motor and a big service due is madness. Just trade it in or put it up for auction, a small garage/trader would set it right on the cheap and have it on the forecourt in no time.

If you want a newer/better car, then treat yourself, just don't kid yourself it's to save money. All cars have ongoing costs.

Well done on the quitting.

+1

The depreciation on an £8,000 in the first year of ownership will be at least TWICE the alleged upcoming bill.

Even a rough as a badgers !!!! 2002 Golf is worth £800-1000 so i wouldnt be dumping it in to a scrapyard.

motorguy

jkpd wrote: »

The FN50 survey is fleet managers feedback on reliability, 1.2 million cars, many of which are covering high miles,hard to argue whith these type of surveys don't you think ?

No,no, no. Better to buy an anodyne corolla 1.4 than something that might give some pleasure in ownership.

motorguy

Personally, as the golf has otherwise been reliable, i'd get whatever work done it needs and drive on at it. In future though, get issues fixed when they happen rather than letting them gather up to the point whereby the car almost becomes uneconomical to repair.

Maestro.

OddballJamie wrote: »

Scrapping an 11 year old Golf because it has some trim missing, a knackered wiper motor and a big service due is madness. Just trade it in or put it up for auction, a small garage/trader would set it right on the cheap and have it on the forecourt in no time.

If you want a newer/better car, then treat yourself, just don't kid yourself it's to save money. All cars have ongoing costs.

Well done on the quitting.

agree with this. scrapping it is a massive waste and won't fetch the OP as much money even selling it as "spares or repairs".

wba31

oligopoly wrote: »

I think you guys are right about the Japanese cars - I've narrowed my list to the Honda Accord, Mazda or BMW 3 series - saloon or estate. You get more car for your money on the Japanese but I still think I'll be disappointed if I don't go for a BMW - they certainly have the looks.

I'll have a test drive and also see what 'pops up' locally over the next few days. Whilst it's advantageous not to be rushed by time I fear my Golf is going to conk out any minute, so hope to get something sorted on Saturday!

I'll report back with what I end up with. Thanks again. :beer:

If you're having children get an estate, the boot openings on saloons are pretty small!

With the Mazda or Honda you'll get more car for your money, the BMW will carry a premium because it's a BMW. The 3 series is smaller than the accord and mazda too. If you're tall there'll be no room behind the drivers seat, but the same can be said with the Accord (more passenger room in the back of the civic).

oligopoly

TradePro wrote: »

You mention the BMW 'has the looks'. I see where you are coming from, they are a decent looking car, BUT, in the price bracket you are looking in, nothing is going to 'impress' others (again, don't take offence).

But it has the looks I like - it will impress me!

Part of the reason for a new car is a kid on the way, and I don't think the Golf will cut the mustard any more. Even though the Golf may continue after this bill for years my confidence in it has dropped massively and I think that's important in a car.

I think an Estate sounds more and more like the way to go.

Strider590

oligopoly wrote: »

Even though the Golf may continue after this bill for years my confidence in it has dropped massively and I think that's important in a car.

I think that's important too, I've been saying for years that it's about time people started to wake up to how they are most certainly not the "reliable" car that everyone hypes them up to be.

Weird_Nev

Sounds like you're pretty set on a BMW. And why not? They're great cars that feel nice to be in and nice to drive. The 320d gets good economy too.

At around £7k it looks like you have to accept high milage to get a manual diesel car around 2006. It's not a problem so long as the car has been religiously serviced. I don't mean every sunday, I mean once a year like most church going folk But seriously, regular documented oil changed and other routine servicing.

Hope you find the car you want! Get out and drive a couple at dealers so you know what to expect before jumping in with both feet.

TradePro

Aren't there major problems with the 320d in the age range the OP is going to be buying?