Which used car?

elliesmemory1

Approx 2k to spend. Need something reliable and economical. Have 2 large dogs so need room for them.
I know little about cars so what should I look for?
Is it best to buy private or from a dealer.
What makes would you look at.
I do mainly short journeys ie 10 miles but often. Rural roads mostly.
Any advice please.

goatfertility

berlingo is kool

Rain_Shadow

goatfertility wrote: »

berlingo is kool

But goatfertility is a fool.

Rain_Shadow

Low mileage = petrol

Two big dogs = estate.

Focus, or similar sized petrol estate.

jimjames

For £2k private would make more sense. Mondeo or Passat estate?

elliesmemory1

Thanks, definitely want petrol as although I do shortish trips they are frequent.
What do people think of the skoda roomster? I've seen ads for them and look ok.
I know I would get a better deal privately but fear I don't know enough about cars to avoid buying a problem and really can't afford to get stuck with problems.
At least from a dealer I would have some come back.

loskie

at that price range you will be paying £2k for a £1k car at a dealer and comeback will be minimal.
Buy privately, judge the owner as much as the car, don't be fixated on one particular model of car, you may need to make compromises.
Whatever you do don't rush, there will always be another for sale.
Something like this: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201702282762084?seller-type=private&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&advertising-location=at_cars&price-from=1500&fuel-type=Petrol&postcode=sg166bl&body-type=Estate&price-to=2500&radius=1500&sort=year-desc&page=1

Or a Subaru Legacy, Volvo V50 or 70 Petrol
Dont be too put off by mileage if there is documentation to show its been well maintained.

elliesmemory1

Is it worth getting a AA or RAC check done on a private sale?
I'm not going to rush jut worried about buying a problem.
What's the main things to check please.

walwyn1978

elliesmemory1 wrote: »

Is it worth getting a AA or RAC check done on a private sale?
I'm not going to rush jut worried about buying a problem.
What's the main things to check please.

Depends how mechanically savvy you are, if not at all then possibly for piece of mind, although it would probably be better (and cheaper) if you had a friend/family member/work colleague who could come with you who was mechanically minded.

If you are doing it yourself some things to consider:

Look at tyres. Are they all legal, better still with plenty of tread, better still a decent make and ideally all the same brand? 4 mismatched low budget barely legal tyres could display a careless attitude to general maintenance.

Obvious, but look for rust around wheel arches/doors/sills.

Mileage is relevant, but at the 2k price point (i.e. Older vehicles) low mileage isn't always a good thing, as it may well have been standing for long periods then only doing short journeys, which puts strain on the moving parts as they don't have time to warm up properly.

Check online for the MOT history - all now online. What recent advisories did it have, if any? If you don't know what that entails post it on here and people will help.

walwyn1978

Forgot to say that any warranty you get from a dealer on a 2k car would be so full of exclusions it's essentially worthless. Private purchase every time at this price point. Good luck!

elliesmemory1

Thank you.