Family car budget 12k.

johnbhoy10

Hi guys-

Feel a bit out of my depth starting to look for a 2nd hand car here as it's been about 15 years since i've used a dealer. Last purchase was bought through a contact at work but sadly don't have that option this time.

Currently i have a VW Bora that's started to craeak a bit after years of reliability. Think now's a good a time as any to start looking for a replacement. Another reason for change, probably the main one actually, is that my eldest has outgrown her mother and the Bora is just too small as well as starting to get a bit old.

I know nothing about motors but was thinking about an Octavia as i believe they're 'generally' held in fairly high regard.

Does this sound like a decent choice and any ideas of what i could pick up for budget of about 12k.

One final point. I'm sure i read on Hotukdeals where someone stated even though they've got cash, they enter dealership and negotiate a better deal through finance (that's where they want you) and then as soon as possible clear off the balance with negligible interest paid. Is this viable or is someone spouting off??

Thanks in advance.

ps-any ideas of other cars also welcome.

worried_jim

Skoda is a good choice, not to dis-similar to your Bora. Dealers make money on finance and aren't too interested in cash buyers so negotiate the best finance deal and then clear it with cash after two weeks.

Clive_Woody

I have had my Octavia for 6 years now and can't fault it. Great car, loads or room, plenty of toys and fast enough (I do have the petrol vRS Octavia....but there are more sensible versions for those where mpg is important).

I obviously can't speak for all dealerships but my local Skoda dealer is great and can't do enough to help. The only issue I had was a sensor died just out of warranty, they replaced this for free as a good will gesture.

Suggest you take one for a test drive to see if you like it.

johnbhoy10

Thanks guys.

So it seems the best way to use your cash is to clear a finance agreement after hopefully negotiating a decent deal.

Yeah..i'll need to take a look at one and check out the space in the back for the kids. Like i said the Bora was a sound reliable motor but really need a bit more space. This seems like the natural next step for my budget.

bigjl

If I was looking for a car for long term ownership I would seriously be looking at a used Subaru Legacy diesel.

vansboy

Spend some time on https://www.honestjohn.co.uk

Look at the reviews section, also
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/chooser/?ref=surveybar

And his 'this weeks best deals', which will have current makers offers for most brands.

Consider old model Astras for good value and a wide range of specifications and trim levels. already at substantial discounts,

VB

loskie

Toyota Avensis worth a look.
One point with a Skoda I found the seats uncomfy. Make sure you have a good long test drive.

iainscomputer

bigjl wrote: »

If I was looking for a car for long term ownership I would seriously be looking at a used Subaru Legacy diesel.

I wouldn't!
I have a Legacy petrol, it's a good reliable car, but the spares prices are like a random number generator.
I have bought spares from the US, 2nd hand & had a SS exhaust made to measure. It's just all a bit of a hassle, because generic parts aren't available & genuine parts are too expensive.

I looked at some Legacy diesels on eBay, there were far too many for sale with blown engines, there was a pattern forming.

OP go & buy a Octavia, you won't be disappointed, they are a great car, all those taxi drivers can't be wrong.

DigForVictory

Had I not been in an enduring relationship with the Ford Mondeo I was ready to flirt with an Octavia.
The huge boot space, three diagonal belts across the back (took 3 car seats, now accommodates 3 teenagers) and the good safety rep, plus the huge numbers on the roads [so abundant supplies of spares & wide choice 2nd hand] kept me loyal though.
Give the Octavia a go, and then try a Mondeo. It'll clarify your thinking on the Octavia at any rate!

bigjl

iainscomputer wrote: »

I wouldn't!
I have a Legacy petrol, it's a good reliable car, but the spares prices are like a random number generator.
I have bought spares from the US, 2nd hand & had a SS exhaust made to measure. It's just all a bit of a hassle, because generic parts aren't available & genuine parts are too expensive.

I looked at some Legacy diesels on eBay, there were far too many for sale with blown engines, there was a pattern forming.

OP go & buy a Octavia, you won't be disappointed, they are a great car, all those taxi drivers can't be wrong.

The only parts I ever replaced on a Subaru were brakes, did have the front lower wishbone bushes done under warranty though.

I wouldn't use the fact you have seen a couple of Legacy diesels on eBay with blown HG's as a reliable marker on reliability.

Plenty of people run cars into the ground and they end up on eBay.

iainscomputer

bigjl wrote: »

The only parts I ever replaced on a Subaru were brakes, did have the front lower wishbone bushes done under warranty though.

I wouldn't use the fact you have seen a couple of Legacy diesels on eBay with blown HG's as a reliable marker on reliability.

Plenty of people run cars into the ground and they end up on eBay.

I run my cars until they are quite old, I still really enjoy driving it & Ive had it 7 years. They are not a common car & I've seen more than a couple with blown engines.
Spares prices , headlight £360, full exhaust £1k, full set drop links £350, windscreen washer jet £30! I managed to either buy abroad or 2nd hand & saved myself a lot of cash.