Second hand car suggestions needed!

first78

So, my Honda Jazz is on its last legs and I need to start looking for my next car. At the moment I have no deposit (hoping to save maybe £1k). I need a car for me and my wife and our two kids (aged 4&5 so still in car seats. Also my Mum is coming to live with us so I want a car which will accommodate the 5 of us.

I do around 10k miles per year and my current commute to work is only a few miles so I'm guessing a petrol car would be the best? I'd really like a car that doesn't cost much to tax...anything under £100 a year if that's possible.

I can't really afford to pay more than £100 a month in repayment costs.

I would appreciate any advice on make/model of cars or anything else really. Thanks in advance.

ShandyAndy_2

Not going to get much for that, what’s wrong with the jazz?.

AdrianC

At that end of the market, buy on condition, not on price.

Don't bother with finance - just use your £1k savings. And buy privately, not from a dealer. Make sure you take somebody to view potential purchases who knows about cars - and do not be afraid to walk away. Better to view a dozen cars before buying one, than buy the first you see and find it's a pup.

Don't get hung up on tax. It's a very small part of your overall cost - especially when it comes to repairs. And, at this end of the market, you need to expect them. Basic maintenance might cost money, but it's cheaper than neglect. So with that in mind, as Andy asks, what's "last legs" about the Jazz?

marlot

first78 wrote: »

...
I can't really afford to pay more than £100 a month in repayment costs.

I would appreciate any advice on make/model of cars or anything else really. Thanks in advance.

If you want a reliable car a little bigger than a Jazz, the obvious choice would be a Civic. The 1.8 petrol engine will go on forever with regular maintenance.


But as others have said, Jazzs tend to go on forever. What's the issue with yours? It may well be cheaper to repair it than to spend money on another car which may well be even worse.

first78

ShandyAndy wrote: »

Not going to get much for that, what’s wrong with the jazz?.

It's done 170k miles, has various oil leaks, needs welding work, lock on passenger side doesn't work, starting to rust in patches and won't be big enough once my Mum moves in. It had an MOT 3 months ago and the mechanic said it would be wise to get rid of it before it needs testing again.

marlot

first78 wrote: »

It's done 170k miles, has various oil leaks, needs welding work, lock on passenger side doesn't work, starting to rust in patches and won't be big enough once my Mum moves in. It had an MOT 3 months ago and the mechanic said it would be wise to get rid of it before it needs testing again.

Sounds like you've had your money's worth out of it! I guess you have 9 months to find something.

noclaf

I think another Jap car would be your best bet..Civic, Mazda 3 etc
As an alternative....MK1 Ford Focus if you can find a well maintained one. They handle well, cheap to maintain (petrol) and in my opinion are absolute tanks that can take a beating! Mine is 15 years old..mileage low as I don't drive much but one.of.the best all round cars I've driven..whatcar didn't give them 5 stars for no reason! If rust is a worry then maybe consider a Mk2 focus.

first78

noclaf wrote: »

I think another Jap car would be your best bet..Civic, Mazda 3 etc
As an alternative....MK1 Ford Focus if you can find a well maintained one. They handle well, cheap to maintain (petrol) and in my opinion are absolute tanks that can take a beating! Mine is 15 years old..mileage low as I don't drive much but one.of.the best all round cars I've driven..whatcar didn't give them 5 stars for no reason! If rust is a worry then maybe consider a Mk2 focus.

Will the Ford's accommodate 5 people?

AdrianC

Hey, first78 - get thee to this thread...
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5993269/selling-car-privately-vs-car-dealers-main-dealers

noclaf

first78 wrote: »

Will the Ford's accommodate 5 people?

Hmm..a 5 door or estate may do but there might be better suggestions from others which will provide more room to carry 5 in comfort

ShandyAndy_2

Toyota Avensis 1.8 or a Skoda Octavia 1.6, both petrol and reasonably economical for the size of vehicle.