Wanting to buy a used car: advice needed

dini_2

Havent owned a car for years.
Live in London, so didn't require one, but have now moved out a bit.
Coming to the end of DMP so will have spare cash.

I'm thinking of getting a runaround, in the region of £1k
Have no clue about cars.
Just looking for something reliable, if that's possible on that budget. (Something like a ford focus or similar.)
Am I being realistic?

Then there's insurance. I realise there are many variables for insurance, but would anyone like to hazard a guess as to what , sort of premium I would be looking at.
I have off street parking, but have no recent insurance history. (SW20 area)
(my last car was little rover which was written off after it got vandalised about 15 yrs ago)
I've been using streetcar/zipcar so will have evidence of driving history though.
I'm a 48 yr old female, and am a nurse.

If thats possible, then what sort of money should I be putting aside monthly to cover repairs etc.

Thank you in advance for any advice given.

owen_money

dini wrote: »

Havent owned a car for years.
Live in London, so didn't require one, but have now moved out a bit.
Coming to the end of DMP so will have spare cash.

I'm thinking of getting a runaround, in the region of £1k
Have no clue about cars.
Just looking for something reliable, if that's possible on that budget. (Something like a ford focus or similar.)
Am I being realistic?

Then there's insurance. I realise there are many variables for insurance, but would anyone like to hazard a guess as to what , sort of premium I would be looking at.
I have off street parking, but have no recent insurance history. (SW20 area)
(my last car was little rover which was written off after it got vandalised about 15 yrs ago)
I've been using streetcar/zipcar so will have evidence of driving history though.
I'm a 48 yr old female, and am a nurse.

If thats possible, then what sort of money should I be putting aside monthly to cover repairs etc.

Thank you in advance for any advice given.

I'm not much help but just wanted to say well done on being DF from £65.5k in the red, oh and thanks for being a nurse, you're an angel :A (and yes I remember the TV program 'Angels)

btw, my friend bought a 53 plate Focus for £1400 and it was like new, so just keep looking through the papers and autotrader. Just look at comparison web sites to see what the insurance would be like xx

Take care

worried_jim

Lots of advice here how to do it and what to buy including pictures-

Your Bangernomics successes-

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3803929

dini_2

well done on being DF from £65.5k in the red,

Thank you, It has been hard work, but nearly there. Definitely changed my approach to finances.

Your Bangernomics successes

Thank you Jim, Tried having a look through that thread, but seems to be a lot of people who know what they are doing. Frankly, I am clueless! (although impressed too)

FreddieFrugal

I can second from familial experience and reports from mechanics and online that the original focus, particularly of a certain year, just seem to keep on going. My sister bought an old one used 02 I think and they've had it for must be over 10 years now, very reliable.

Something like an old Toyota Yaris could be good, the 98-05 (I think) ones are great little cars and reliable.

loskie

what about one of the city car clubs?

macman

Annual mileage, type of journeys/commutes?

dini_2

Not sure.
At the moment only for weekend stuff. 50-100 miles.

If I change my job, might be a commute of 20 miles a day each way.

loskie wrote: »

what about one of the city car clubs?

I'm already in a car club, but its not convenient for more than a few hours. Plus restrictions on how long I can use it for, depending on other people's bookings

WellKnownSid

With that kind of budget, you should look for condition rather than a particular model. Stick to models without obvious weaknesses (avoid anything French, diesels). Buying from a dealer should give some peace of mind (sale of goods act means the vehicle must be fit for purpose). Take someone with you who does understand cars, and make sure you do a thorough test drive:

How many keys does it have (models vary - check the handbook as to how many there should be)
Do the remotes work? Could be a battery or £300 bill...
Do all the keys start the engine (see above).
Warning lights - all come on when you turn on the ignition (incl. airbag, ABS, steering, etc) and go off when running
Engine starts and runs OK
Unusual noises / smells / rattles / smoke etc
Easy to select all gears including reverse?
Clutch action - no problems?
Steering feel - do a three point turn, try the steering lock to lock - noises? thunks?
Brakes - stops okay, no concerns / noises (some rubbing noise expected initially if car has been sat around for some weeks)
Handbrake - comes off okay, goes on okay - and holds the car firmly on a slope.
Instruments - all t's and p's in the green arc / normal
Stop engine (I usually stall it in gear to check the clutch!)
All controls work including windows, interior lights, switches, door locks, handles, etc.
Interior trim - seats move and adjust, everything looks as it should
Restart engine - no problems re-starting
Exterior - nothing obvious missing / broken - handles, mirrors, lights, boot.
Under bonnet - obvious leaks / issues. Fluid levels all okay. State of the oil.
Tyres - four good ones, including spare. Expect budget tyres in this price range, but should have plenty of life left.
MoT - ask to see last MoT, check when due, check to see if there were any advisories
Service history - at least some evidence, have they serviced?
In short - does it feel right?

If not - move on. There will be plenty of others around that price range. Our 11 year old 7 seater - bought for not much more than your budget with just 50k on the clock - drives as good as our new hatchback, probably slightly better because of the size.

macman

So your mileage could be 2.500 pa, or it could be 15,000 pa? For the former, you want a petrol car, for the latter, you are definitely in diesel territory. So I'd suggest that you delay any purchase decision until your employment position is clearer.

dini_2

Can I ask why diesel for the bigger mileage?
I was under the impression that diesel was worse from an emissions point of view and that cost-wise its no longer any more economical than petrol.