Help me decide which used car to buy...

MostlyMoss

I'm looking for a small SUV, preferably max 3 years old.  It seems like everything I've shortlisted is wrong for one reason or another - I feel I may be at the stage of 'analysis paralysis' !

For context, I'm a retired female who does mainly town driving, with only an occasional long trip, so low mileage overall.

Currently, I'm favouring the Countryman or the T-Roc. Budget is c.£25K - acknowledge it may need to be nearer £30K...

Any thoughts/suggestions gratefully received.  TIA.

born_again

If you have off street parking. Give a EV a try. Something like a Niro, Kona.

tacpot12

It might help if you list what other models you have looked at and why you have rejected them, or scored them less highly?

It might also help why you feel you need a car that is no more than 3 years old. 

MostlyMoss

Thanks for your suggestions, @born_again.

Tacpot12 - i rejected the X1 as it didn't rate too highly for reliability; the Yaris Cross and Lexus UX as they have battery issues apparently (12v), which would especially be an issue for a low-mileage driver; the Kamiq I think someone else said wouldn't suit; the Audi A2 was rejected because of some apparent fuel system problems (an AA guy told me this but I didn't see it in the reviews I read).  To be fair, a mechanic also warned me off the Mini, and I'm aware some don't like the T-Roc transmission (though not sure if any recurrent issues on newer registrations) - but they've made the cut.  Happy to look at anything else. 

The 3-year thing is because I've never bought a used car before and I'd hope this would be my last car...

Herzlos

You're probably best just going to a large car supermarket place and see which one you like best; they'll all be much the same in terms of specifications, but you might find that some you just hate and hopefully one that you love.

MostlyMoss

Thanks @Herzlos, agreed. Just wondered if anyone with actual ownership/driver experience could sway my decision too.

Stubod

..if you go with Kia / Hyundai at 3 years old, (if proper service history) you would benefit from 4 more years of warranty?? At 3 years or under I would go with a main dealer...I had a Stonic when Itook my Niro in for a service and found it a great car...

MostlyMoss

That's helpful, thanks @Stubod. I'll take a look at those - the additional warranty is valuable.

mgfvvc

MostlyMoss said:

I'm looking for a small SUV, preferably max 3 years old.  It seems like everything I've shortlisted is wrong for one reason or another - I feel I may be at the stage of 'analysis paralysis' !

Why an SUV? Nobody really needs an SUV unless they have mobility issues that make it hard to enter a normal car. If it's just personal preference that's legit but it's worth looking at other options.

MostlyMoss said:

For context, I'm a retired female who does mainly town driving, with only an occasional long trip, so low mileage overall.

Currently, I'm favouring the Countryman or the T-Roc. Budget is c.£25K - acknowledge it may need to be nearer £30K...

It shouldn't need to be £30k for an up to 3 year old small car. If you "have to" go nearly new, then maybe. Minis aren't famed for their reliability and some people who will tell you VWs are overrated. Japanese (excluding Nissan) or Korean cars are usually reliable.

MostlyMoss said:

Any thoughts/suggestions gratefully received.  TIA.

If you can look at a normal car, the Suzuki Swift and Honda Jazz are small, reliable cars, ideal for city driving and still good on motorways. A top spec, 3 year old, main dealer Honda Jazz should be less than £20k.

Bigwheels1111

My Mum just got a Citroen C3 Max, not an suv but higher than a standard car.
Easy to get in and out of for older people .
Brand new for under 20k, she does mostly local driving.
Did a 100 mile round trip on the motorway yesterday and was a pleasure to drive.
She used cruise control for the first time in her life and was thrilled.
The only negatives in my personal opinion are, 1.2 pure tech engines need a timing belt every 6 years.
Plus Citroen only have a 3 year warranty.

MostlyMoss

The SUV is preference - had a Forester which I loved. Plus maybe an attempt to 'future proof'. 

I'm now looking at the Kia and Hyundai too, thank you.  Not sure I'm ready for the Swift or Jazz but really appreciate your suggestions