Last car for retirement.

DUTR

TeamPlum wrote: »

My grandmother keeps buying winter coats which she says will "see her out" - but she's on about number 6.

Why would you classify your car as your last? That's so morbid.

Panda, by the way.

I didn't see it that way, I like cars and had 2 brand new ones, when I'm near retirement I doubt I will be in a position to have the 'latest & greatest' , my neighbour had a maestro until a few years back (after it got stolen), I think the OP means he wants a car that he is unlikely to change for practical or vanity reasons.

harz99

agrinnall wrote: »

The same argument applies, you're buying a 5-6 year old car that you don't know the history of, it's a gamble whether it will last for as long as you continue to drive. While that would also be the case with a new car you would at least be in control of the servicing and how it's used.

Thanks, but you've already pointed that out in an earlier post.


Why not just stick to answering the questions, or if you don't want to do that, don't post further as you're not helping except to derail the thread?

harz99

Iceweasel wrote: »

I agree - I find it quite upsetting to contemplate my (or anyones) future in that negative way.

Not what I'm doing at all.


I know my own limitations from a health and ability point of view in regards to driving, so don't expect to need a car longer than 8 years more likely 5.


As I said to agrinnall, please stick to answering the questions if you can, if not please don't post as it doesn't help me and just derails the thread.

harz99

Hintza wrote: »

Make up you mind.

So now you are looking at other small cars. Stick 10 in a poll and 8 will probably come out even.

Simply asking for opinions on the options to enable me to do just that - make up my mind. If you haven't got a useful opinion on my potential choices why bother to post?

AdrianC

I have to ask - especially since you're now being quite aggressive in defending it...

WHY just these two cars in particular?

Are you in some wierd-and-wonderful isolated geographical area in which they are the only two cars for sale within even vaguely feasible distance? If so, does that not itself impose factors on your choice which you may need to consider?

Are they the only ones for sale at one particular dealer who you favour above all others? In which case, is he not able to source other alternatives?

I can't help feeling you're massively restricting your choice and, in doing so, potentially causing yourself problems. A Panda and a Smart are very different in so many ways.

harz99

DUTR wrote: »

I didn't see it that way, I like cars and had 2 brand new ones, when I'm near retirement I doubt I will be in a position to have the 'latest & greatest' , my neighbour had a maestro until a few years back (after it got stolen), I think the OP means he wants a car that he is unlikely to change for practical or vanity reasons.

Exactly, I really don't understand people who can't simply answer a question or two, or just ignore the post.


This forum is all about moneysaving and helping each other after all.


My needs are simple, as are my questions, not hard really.

AdrianC

Yes, your questions are simple. But they don't really make sense.

Surely answering a nonsensical question in isolation is just going to result in a nonsensical answer?

citykid5

I've owned a smart 1.0 mhd for the last 14 months . At first I wasn't too sure weather I'd keep it or not . Yes it does have a rubbish auto box , short wheelbase isn't ideal with speed bumps . But so far it's been uber reliable , love paying no road tax and £120 a year to insure, I've had a fridge easily in the back for dump trips , 2 full sized suit cases and 2 hand luggages in the boot for foriegne holidays no problem. Only do very short trips myself under 3 miles but the wife's drove in on longer trips. Getting 48mpg around town without fail. Can't really see anything that would replace it now that I'd like, so think I'll be keeping it ��

agrinnall

harz99 wrote: »

Thanks, but you've already pointed that out in an earlier post.


Why not just stick to answering the questions, or if you don't want to do that, don't post further as you're not helping except to derail the thread?

Fine, I told you previously that the Panda is a good car but if you want to ignore any suggestions that don't tell you exactly what you want to hear then I'm out. Just don't expect much help when you come back in a few years complaining that your clapped out old banger has broken down.

harz99

harz99 wrote: »

Thanks for the responses so far.


The Smart is out then, two other options I might consider are a 1.1 Kia Picanto or a Hyundai i10 1.2. both of around 2010 or slightly newer.


Any views on these versus the Panda in my original question, please.

agrinnall wrote: »

Fine, I told you previously that the Panda is a good car but if you want to ignore any suggestions that don't tell you exactly what you want to hear then I'm out. Just don't expect much help when you come back in a few years complaining that your clapped out old banger has broken down.

Exactly how is that ignoring any suggestions?


Or should I just accept what you say without seeking any further views - are you a motoring expert using a pseudonym?


Do you not think if I had the money to spare for a brand new car, I would be either buying one or asking questions about one?


My budget is for a circa 5 year old, cheap to run car for minimal mileage doing mainly shopping trips locally with maybe half dozen 100 mile round trips a year on top. A new car is neither needed nor would be very good used like that.


Don't worry, I shan't come back complaining whatever I buy.


And FWIW the car I'm parting company with is a 13 year old Punto that has served me well since I've had it, as I expect the next car to do until I'm ready to stop driving.