German or other?

squirrelchops

I'm not used to the motoring section but yes, am sure will understand soon enough!

Cornucopia

squirrelchops wrote: »

At what point is is better to get a diesel?

Over 12k miles, though it varies slightly between models. Certainly 15k+, as suggested above.

Road tax is generally cheaper for diesels with like-for-like performance (and that + fuel economy offsets other higher costs). The most economical diesels get down to £0 road tax (mine is).

tberry6686

BMW 1 series is commonly seen as a poor mans beemer and seem to be more commonly driven by women than guys.

Audi and VW are decent cars but no better than any other - both been trading on their reputations for years. If you do want either of these then get the equivalant Skoda or Seat - pretty much the same mechanically with different body work and interiors, generally cheaper to service and maintain.

Mazda 3 is pretty much a ford focus in different clothes (as are most Mazdas these days)

If you are after reliability then Japanese is still commonly accepted as being the top dog.

Cornucopia

theghool wrote: »

Like I said before, using road tax as a means of measure when deciding which car to buy is absurd. So many other costs associated with cars can dwarf the minor savings made in road tax

Who is saying that?

Iceweasel

Definitely get a car with a petrol engine - 20 miles a day in 2x10 mile parts of a daily commute will choke up the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) on any modern diesel.

Why on earth has the subject of Road Tax been resurrected - yet again?

I'm not sure if Road Tax or Road Fund Licence costs actually everf influenced car buyers much.

I'll ask my 97 year old dad if he can remember what his father thought about it.

Road Tax has been £0 since 1937.

I've never paid Road Tax and I would be very surprised if any other forum members have either.

squirrelchops

theghool wrote: »

OP considering this is a MSE site its only natural to advise you that spending up to £15k of your hard earnt cash on a newer car that will depreciate in value over the coming years isn't so wise, unless you have the cash to blow.

Why is your criteria to have a car that's 3 years old and low mileage? Low mileage doesn'really mean anything and in some cases mean the engine has had a harder life. Getting a car that's maybe 5-7 years old will save you a noticeable chunk of cash

I thought after 2 + years the greatest % of depreciation has already taken place? Is it not a false economy to buy a car that is 5 - 7 years old if it is then not reliable and costs more money?

As I said before I would like a car to last me well as my current VW has done. I just cannot get my head round trading in my 10 year old car and getting a 5 year old one.........


I queried road tax - apologies if that isnt what it is correctly called! You know the money you spend that used to get you a little circular disc every year!

Iceweasel

squirrelchops wrote: »

I thought after 2 + years the greatest % of depreciation has already taken place? Is it not a false economy to buy a car that is 5 - 7 years old if it is then not reliable and costs more money?

As I said before I would like a car to last me well as my current VW has done. I just cannot get my head round trading in my 10 year old car and getting a 5 year old one.........

If you want better reliability then buy at 2 years old then sell at 5 years old to get another 2 year old .....

Less depreciation and less hassle with repairs.

Get a manufacturers warrant too.

tberry6686

As far as ignorant goes try reading what you are commenting on. At no point did I say the 1 series is a poor mans beemer, I did say it is commonly seen that way.

Build quality in Audi, VW is no better than virtually every other manufacturer going - you are paying for a badge and a reputation. If you care to look at reliability charts you will find (in most) that Audi and VW are not even in the top ten (funnily Skoda usually are).

If you compare equivalent models between skoda, Seat, VW and Audi the cars are mechanically almost identical. When you move up to the higher end vehicles then you start to see a difference.

wba31

squirrelchops wrote: »

Hi all

Well, I am glad I began to think about purchasing a new (not brand new but newer than my current motor) a while before I take the plunge as I am getting myself confused by choice!

Budget - £10k - £12k ....possibly up to £15k for right vehicle. Petrol, low mileage, 3 years old max, engine - something with a bit of poke.

Firstly I was looking at German ie Audi, VW - then thought well how about Seat with the same engine but less cost

Then thought BMW 1 series - however not keen on rear wheel drive and there is something aobut the shape that puts me off

Mercedes A Class- like them but seem very expensive

Alfa Romeo Guilietta - really like the look, not so common as say VW or Audi but reviews aren't great.

Also been looking at the Volvo v40 D2 - seen some lovely examples out there

Mazda 3 series seems reasonably priced and good reviews.

So I am torn. Do I go for German brand (owned 3 before and do like VW) but then fancy a change.

I am used to having cars that last - my current VW I have had for 8 years - I am not inclined to change cars often.

Any recommendations to help me see through this sea of motors would be much appreciated

EDIT:
Forgot must be something my male OH is comfortable driving. Also i had a new Ford Focus as a hire care recently. It was ok - size fine but just felt too plasticy. When I shut the door I want it to feel solid. Feeling safe on the motorway is a big thing for me - I hate being blown about and 'bullied' by bigger cars!

Honda Civic

DKLS

Get out there and book some test drives to see what you like, a few times I have found a car that fits the bill on paper perfectly but on driving it I had a change of heart.