Need to buy a car, know nothing about them, help!

Chris_121

One thing i don´t understand is why is low mileage on an old car a negative? What does that mean for the car?

foxy-stoat

Chris_121 wrote: »

One thing i don´t understand is why is low mileage on an old car a negative? What does that mean for the car?

It means the car hasn't traveled very far. Depends on the car and service history, wouldn't make it a negative.

AdrianC

Chris_121 wrote: »

One thing i don´t understand is why is low mileage on an old car a negative? What does that mean for the car?

It means it could well have only been pootled locally, never getting properly warmed through. Cars benefit from proper use.

A petrol is much less of an issue at low mileage than a modern diesel, which will clag up several parts of the emission control gubbins with low use.

jimbo6977

Bag o' sand for this beauty!

https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1177167

But in reality you're probably better off with something small-engined, petrol-powered, and Japanese or Korean. Nissan Micra, Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto, Toyota Yaris, et ainsi de suite.

noclaf

jimbo6977 wrote: »

But in reality you're probably better off with something small-engined, petrol-powered, and Japanese or Korean. Nissan Micra, Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto, Toyota Yaris, et ainsi de suite.

I think this is the blueprint for cheap and reliable cars; Small (simple) petrol engines, manual gearbox and of a Jap/Korean persuasion.
However as an alternative suggestion I drive a 15 yr old ford focus, owned 10 years and in that time the biggest issue has been the alt needing replacement. Otherwise has been cheap to run and maintain. I wouldn't recommend buying a 15 yr old car (unless the service history is decent) as at that end of the age spectrum there will be more chance of things going wrong and potential big bills but the key here is my car had a full dealer service history and 1 owner prior to my ownership. I've also had the car serviced on the button and parts changed when needed. Considering it only ever does short stop start journeys I can't complain..so far

flashg67

How about having an RAC or AA inspection on a car yuo like? It will cost you, but should highlight any major concerns.

My 2 SD's have had good service from their 2 cars - one Toyota Aygo, full service history, around 50k miles and a Nissan Pixo 2010 with 30k (also sold as a Suzuki Alto) - both under 2.5k

Don't worry too much about MOT fails unless there is corrosion mentioned, or oil leaks that ar mentioned year after year, so never fixed

peter_the_piper

Also bear in mind that a 207vti sport will be a fair price to insure with such a new driver. Consider the other cars mentioned above, some will also have free or very cheap tax.

couriervanman

OP.......Does your budget of £2-3k include the insurance because if your a young driver you might get a shock when you see some quotes

DD265

To put your mind at rest a bit, I've an '05 Golf and it is mechanically and structurally sound - confirmed by my mechanic today! There's a dent on a door, and some corrosion on the sills (typical old Golf) but as both are just cosmetic I don't deem it worth paying to fix them. Benefit of an older car that I own outright.

It has always been well maintained, and whilst I had a big bill earlier this year, it just happened that the full service coincided with brakes needing doing and a cambelt change.

waamo

jimbo6977 wrote: »

Bag o' sand for this beauty!

https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1177167

But in reality you're probably better off with something small-engined, petrol-powered, and Japanese or Korean. Nissan Micra, Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto, Toyota Yaris, et ainsi de suite.

I had a Metro once. It was an MG though. I think MG stood for Might Go.