Good cheap reliable family car

ShandyAndy_2

I am currently at the end of my tether with our Kia Ceed, had it 6 months and spent £800 on it, it’s a 2012 1.6 CRDI, firstly I had traction control light on which turned out to be a faulty clutch switch so replaced that, then as the weather turned colder it struggled to start so replaced the battery, much better but still took a lot of cranking, I suspect the glow plugs are shot, then one autumn evening the lights suddenly stopped working, only had side lights, replaced the bulbs , switch etc, still no lights, took to auto electrician, 3 days later found a blown diode behind dash, then on the motorway had a rumbling noise, turned out to be rear brakes so replaced discs pads and handbrake shoes, then had a knocking rumbling sound on left turns, found split cv gaiter, replaced, then a week later it started again so replaced the driveshaft, now it is still making a noise on left turns and 2 garages can’t find anything wrong with it, then the last straw..... water coming from behind the glove box and a soaking wet passenger footwell.... car is currently on eBay, worst car I’ve had and I’ve had some £150 bangers at that!!

The Bluetooth is dire cuts out all the time, the radio is rubbish, keeps losing signal, the outside temp sensor reads anything from -40 - 32c, and the door locks have a mind of their own!.

So I’m now in need of another car but not wanting to make the same mistake again I’m considering older cars with less tech... but potentially more rust.... and less safe, so which car to buy for me and the wife plus 2 young children, always wanted a Volvo but my budget of around £2000 can only stretch to an old high miler, been looking at a 25 year old Merc c180 but it has a bit of rust on the lower wheel arches, and I question the safety on such an old car, I do like the s60 D5 163 but they are around 12-15 years old now, S40 / V50 plagued with problems I know too well after working for Volvo a few years back, to be honest a 1,6 Petrol Astra/ Focus would probably do the job but I fancy something a bit bigger/ nicer, leather/ heated seats, any recommendations much appreciated!.

knightstyle

Our neighbours have just sold their Honda Civic W reg for £300 having bought it for £800 over eight years ago, normal brakes, tyres and servicing were their only costs now on 112k miles.
Personally I would look at a Toyota Auris.

ShandyAndy_2

I know the old civics were bulletproof, good shout on the Auris, what about old 96 C180s auto or s60 d5?

jimbo6977

The more gadgets (heated seats etc) you have on a car, the more there is to go wrong and the more frustrated you will become!

alan_d

I'd say i'm ultimate proof that a car doesn't need to be 'new' to be reliable.
I have a 2004 V70 D5 that i've had for 12 years and it's now on 273,000 miles. It's never broken down and has zero rust anywhere. Other than servicing it's not cost much in repairs over that time. I keep the cost down by doing most work myself
I've just agreed to sell it to a friend for £500 - so your £2000 should buy something far newer.
Personally, i'd avoid Vauxhall. I live in the land of Vauxhall (Luton) where there are more than average, but the amount I see with rattling engines, smoking and rust is alarming. My local friendly garage loves them however as they represent most of his business!!

I'd suggest unless doing LOADS of miles you avoid diesel - after Euro 3 (upto ~2005), Euro 4 & 5 etc added loads more emission control stuff which usually results in more problems and reduced MPG.
Or go for a Euro 3 diesel where it's all pretty straightforward.

mgfvvc

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla or Skoda Octavia.

DigForVictory

Ford Mondeo (says she who's gone through 4 & still loves them, but may be seduced by an Octavia next time).
Three diagonal belts across the back & boot space you can carry Everything the newborn needs as well as a tandem pushchair.
NCAP 5 so one of the safer tanks on the road.

Londoner_1

Toyota Avensis 1.8 - boring but bulletproof n reliable
Mazda 6 2.0 - Great, bulletproof n reliable

All petrols.

Craig1981

alan_d wrote: »

Personally, i'd avoid Vauxhall. I live in the land of Vauxhall (Luton) where there are more than average, but the amount I see with rattling engines, smoking and rust is alarming. My local friendly garage loves them however as they represent most of his business!!.

i have had all sorts of vauxhalls and never had any issues with them - could be is because they were always serviced and not driven like a boy racer!!

Puegot, renault, i would stay clear off, as always had issues with these, friends of mine have had issues with vauxhalls... comes down to own preference i would say

worried_jim

Sensible money goes Japanese every time. £2k should easily sort you out, although I do like your idea of an older Volvo. I have a 20 year old Merc it has caused me more issues (although nothing for a while) than any other car I've had in 28 years of driving, I would have another one as my heart rules my head.

Zero_Gravitas

The answer to this question is always a Skoda Octavia.