Daewood Matiz 5dr 53 to buy or not to buy!!!

bexsta-star

Hi. Thinking of trading in 2 rust buckets for a small run around. Want something cheap to run, low on insurance and cheap tax. Also need to fit 2 car seats in the back + room for a teenager. The local car salesroom have offered me a Daewood Matiz 1.0 se5dr 53 reg 18,000 miles, power steering, c/lock e/windows, alloys, music, one lady owner. They will take our 2 cars (Nissan Primeria S reg gte with high milage, dodgy exhaust, bumps and mot due in Dec) and a N reg Vaxhall Frontera (high milage, few small knocks/rust spots, fsh, 2 owners only and mot due in Nov) and charge me £2995 for the Daewood (with six months tax + full service and 3 months warrenty). It seems an ok deal but know nothing about cars - absolutely clueless!!! Don't even know where to start looking for information. Can anyone out there help me and let me know what they think of this deal. Thanking you all in advance.

Pulse

The car itself isn't up to much, but the price is OK if it's from a Main Dealer and you need the ease/security of buying from a dealership.

BUT, even if saying you get £1000 for both cars (which is possible - though I haven't seen the cars), that'd leave you with £4000 to spend on one, and you can easily get a 54+ plate car for that (though personally I would spend the same money and get a better, but older, car).

bexsta-star

Hi Pulse - thanks for replying so fast. The car is up for £3995. Basically the dealer siad that he would give me approx £1000 for our 2 cars (both were taxed in August) so in total £2995 if we want it. You say that the car is not that good? Been car stupid what would you recommend. I have had a fiesta in the past and that was ok. Or was thinking of a Nissan Micra 1.2 - are they any better? Only need it for the school/shop/work run. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

Pulse

It all comes down to what you want really.

Size
Doors
Engine Size
etc etc

I would recommend the OLD Micra (i.e. up to 03 plate I think they went), but not the new one. The new one is essentially a Renault underneath, and it's had loads of problems. The Micra before that is VERY reliable, far better looking, and a much better buy. You may find a 2003 plate around somewhere, though they'll be rare.

For example, here is one of the old style Micras:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2003-Nissan-Micra_W0QQitemZ250172155413QQihZ015QQcategoryZ18238QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Ignore the fact it's damaged, just an example of the plate you can get them on.

A fiesta would be a good buy. Either the old model or current model would be fine, and a good sound buy. Obviously try to get the newer model, as it'll look 'newer' for longer, and is a much better car.

The Ka is apparently quite a good car, but I've also heard horror stories about them, so would stay away unless you find a nice looked after example.

Other examples of perhaps what to look for would be a Vauxhall Corsa C. Probably get one around an 02/52 plate, or a Vauxhall Astra G, around the same plate (although might be a big big for you, I don't know).

I'm having a look around for what you could get for the money for you now, so I'll post again in a few minutes.

Pulse

Ok, here's some ideas:

Suzuki Alto/Swift - Not the best looking of cars, but fairly reliable, due to being jap. Can pick up an 03/53 plate for £2000-2500.
Corsa C - Good looking car, good reliability, good specs normally. Can pick up an 02/52 for £2500-3000.
Astra G - Good looking car, if a bit dated, good specs and reliable, and also you're getting more space, if needed. 02/52 plate for £2700-3200 perhaps.
Fiesta - Probably better than the Corsa C in some ways, because it's the newer shape still (although the headlights, rear lights etc were slightly revised, but essentially the same thing). £2900-£3400 would get you a 52 plate.
Seat Ibiza/VW Polo - A very good car, reliable, good looking, spacious, etc. Ibiza a better buy
Seat ArosaVW Lupo (Same Car) - Also a very good car, and nice and small (I'm covering all bases here). Only a 4 seater though, so if you want 3 people in the back, then no good. Arosa a better buy.
Nissan Almera - Most people think theyre ugly, but because of this theyre a fantastic bargain.
Toyota Yaris - Although they're a bit on the pricey side for what you get, you may find one for a good price, and theyre good looking and reliable.

There's some ideas for you to be getting on with.

HTH.

Bunny

Especially if you are going to have children in the car, I'd also think about safety ratings by euro ncap, the AA site seems to work better though, check out the latest results for the cars you're interested in.
http://www.theaa.com/allaboutcars/ncap/ncap_home.jsp

bexsta-star

Thank you very much Pulse. I've gone a little dizzy looking at this list. I will make my kids tea, sort them out and then do some googling to get ideas about availability in my area etc. At least now I have a more comprehensive list about what I want and need and I am not relying on a car salesman for advise. Your opinion has been greatly appreciated.

starbabe_2

Hi bexsta-star, I have got one of these cars. 54 plate, 14000 miles and 5 door. Had it since july and have no problems with it, mine was £3995 from a dealership as well. Just to let you know I have 2 car seats in the back and to tell you the truth it is a tight squeeze to fit anouther adult in the back with them, so might not be the right car for you.

Pulse

I agree with Star Babe. If you want 3 adults in the back (which is what 1 adult and 2 car seats is anyway), then you'll probably be looking at:

Vauxhall Astra
Seat Ibiza AT A PUSH
Nissan Almera


Out of those, I'm not sure what I'd personally go for. The Almera is jap, so should be bullet proof, the Ibiza is german, so much the same, and looks the best, or the Astra, which looks good if in SXI guise or above, and is probably the biggest out of them all (and reliable still).

Pulse

Also, it depends on if you feel comfortable buying privately, as you'll get much more for your money at this age of car, due to garages having to provide 12 month warranty, which costs a lot, due to them covering their backs on a car of such low value. It'll push up the price about £1000, and you'd better off just buying privately and hoping you don't pay out for it (I've always bought privately - the best way to buy)