used car under 3.5k, ideas please?

JamesN

Hi guys,

Currently got my car for sale and looking to get a cheaper car to pocket the difference (for a deposit on a house).

Not sure what to get in all honesty. Needs to be very reliable as I've got my first child on the way so don't want mammoth repair bills a few months down the line. Wouldn't mind a bit of power but space is equally important. I'd probably look to keep it for about 2 years.

So far I've seen ideas from an older thread:

Mondeo
Accord
3/5 series

Idea's from this thread:
Passat
Vectra
Focus

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Many thanks

rexmedorum

http://www.reliabilityindex.com/
look at the top 10, or top 10 in small family if you want:
http://www.reliabilityindex.com/ratings/best/Small%20Family

Mitsubishi Lancer perhaps? Not the evo model obviously.

skivenov

Passat with the old 1.9TDI in, or a petrol if you're not doing big miles. Just look well when you buy because they can lead very hard lives.

Don't spend anything like £3500 on one though, maybe half that for a good one.

martinthebandit

skivenov wrote: »

Don't spend anything like £3500 on one though, maybe half that for a good one.

I agree with the principal, spend £1000 to £1500 and bank the rest to be used for any repair bills.


......oh and don't keep it for just 2 years, keep it till it dies, you will be amazed at how cheap motoring can be.

wba31

had a 2.2 diesel accord for a year, loved it. Boot opening on the saloon is not that big so you may want to consider the estate for childs kit.
Great car and wanted another but wife wanted us to get the 2.2 diesel civic, so we compromised and got what she wanted...

motorguy

JamesN wrote: »

Hi guys,

Currently got my car for sale and looking to get a cheaper car to pocket the difference (for a deposit on a house).

Not sure what to get in all honesty. Needs to be very reliable as I've got my first child on the way so don't want mammoth repair bills a few months down the line. Wouldn't mind a bit of power but space is equally important. I'd probably look to keep it for about 2 years.

So far I've seen ideas from an older thread.

Mondeo
Accord
3/5 series

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Many thanks

Unless you are doing considerably north of 15K a year, i would rule out a diesel engine - at that price point you're in the "danger zone" in terms of a major bill looming and for a diesel these days thats likely to be £1000.

BMW's are no more "reliable" in terms of needing repairs than a common or garden ford, and as you are goiing to get a much younger Ford for that money than a BMW, i'd be going for that.

If you "really must" drive a diesel then of that list i'd go for the Honda, but it will be several years older and probably higher miles than the petrol ford you can get.

Also, you will get The Best Vauxhall Vectra in the World (which i know isnt saying much) for £3,500 - probably a 2008 1.8 SRi which is contrary to belief a nice car and has lots of bells and whistles.

Probably hard to beat a mondeo, or what about a Focus mk2? You're likely to get a decent reasonable miles Zetec 1.6 petrol for that budget.

Mr_Mink

How about the Mazda 323F. I used to have one and it was soooo comfortable. Bulletproof reliability too. Did a full lap of the UK coastline in it over 8 days and not so much as a hiccup. Also big enough to hold the little one and assorted equipment and will cost you well under your 3.5k.

JamesN

Thanks all.

Yeah I doubt i'll be doing more than 15k in a year.

Agree with you on the reliability of BMW's.

I'll add the Vectra and focus to the list.

What is the difference between a 323 and a 323f? Can't seem to find any in autotrader?

Mr_Mink

JamesN wrote: »

What is the difference between a 323 and a 323f? Can't seem to find any in autotrader?

The older 323 was more coupe-ey whereas the f was more like an estate/hatch.

Older one:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201405314626038/sort/default/usedcars/postcode/ox183te/quicksearch/true/make/mazda/model/323/radius/1500/page/2/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew?logcode=p

The newer 'f':
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201403292904203/sort/default/usedcars/postcode/ox183te/quicksearch/true/make/mazda/model/323/radius/1500/page/10/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew?logcode=p

[Deleted User]

Avoid any post 2006 diesels which will have DPFs that clog up and can cost 1000s to replace, be especially wary of ads that say DPF removed - as this is now an MOT failure (and an illegal modification for insurance).

Despite what others say I've always had a great experience with Peugeot diesels (pre 2006 obviously).

More important than make/model I think is the condition of the actual vehicle and service history. A well looked after Mondeo or Vectra should be fine. Check that the timing belt has been replaced to spec, and it's replacement is not due soon, also if it doesn't have evidence of regular oil changes then walk away.

Also, you could go a lot cheaper and get a late 90s Nissan Primera or Toyota Avensis for under £1000 - you'd be unlucky to have to spend £2500 on maintenance over two years, and if it's well looked after could easily spend less on maintenance than a younger £3.5k car.

And if you are unlucky on the £1000 car, you could just try your luck again on another. You'll have at least three 'goes' to get it right before using up your £3500 budget (I say at least, because you'll be able to resell them for something, so you'll probably have four goes).