Clueless new car buyer - suggestions welcome

funkycoldribena

EdGasket wrote: »

Use public transport; it's a lot cheaper and less hassle.

Yeah,theres nothing better for those wanting to get to work at 5.30am than the loser cruiser....

AdrianC

LondonDiva wrote: »

I spotted a great deal on a Vauxhall Corsa...

Must haves:
Bigger than a Skoda Fabia / Peugot 206...

Does not compute.

A Corsa is the same size as the two you name. (The 206 is old, and the 207 replacement was replaced by the 208 last year)

tight_scotsman

Some of the best reviews are on https://www.honestjohn.co.uk.

Im sure just about every car ever built is on there. Not just expert reviews but revies from people who own the cars.

Good luck and happy motoring

bouicca21

I'm in the same position as OP! But more looking for something the size of a Fabia. Yes, I can see I can get something older and cheaper than a 2-3 year old car, but how the hell do I know that I am buying something reliable? I have difficulty working out how to open the bonnet, let along knowing anything about what's under it

Cornucopia

The MSE approach to cars must surely be to look at the likely TCO over the period you plan to have the vehicle.

What is the point of cleaning your oven with a lemon when you're going to spend £3k+ on your car every year that you don't have to.

I wouldn't dream of spending £10k cash on a car. It is a depreciating asset, and you'll be much better off either not spending that kind of money in the first place, or having finance or some sort of guarantee on future value.

If you are talking guarantees, then it's a PCP or a Lease, of which leases are generally cheaper. You can now get both on nearly-new cars, avoiding the initial chunk of depreciation.

As far as the model is concerned, there are some larger turkeys out there, but smaller cars (Fiesta and Focus sized) are mostly very, very good these days, and most of the manufacturers now have good engines to put in them, too. The usage pattern specified by the OP strongly suggests petrol, rather than diesel.

For a new one, I'd possibly be looking at a Seat Ibiza/Leon (built to VW standards) or for something quirky but good VFM, a Citroen C4 Cactus. Both have options for small, efficient petrol engines. I also like the new Renault Clio & Captur.

loskie

"(built to VW standards)"


Is that a good thing?