Need a new car. What shall we buy?

impster

Good MPG = turbo diesel these days mate. Don't narrow it down to petrol only.

If you wanted a diesel then the car you've descirbed in your first post is a Peugeot 306 or 307 Turbo Diesel. 60+mpg. Quick. Cheap to insure. Reliable if looked after by someone with common sense. Fairly stylish. Rugged interiors. Easy to maintain.

Go for the 306 mate. Cheap to buy now too.

Impster

quickstepqueen

I've got a Skoda Fabia 1.4. I absolutely love it but personally wouldn't recommend it as a large family car that pulls away quick. For that I'd recommend the Skoda Octavia. My OH has the 1.9 tdi (diesel, I know) but it has HUGE boot space and very comfortably fits 4/5 people without feeling cramped.

People have cottoned onto Skodas reputation and price. In fact, my OH went to the scrapyard the other day and he saw only one skoda in the whole yard...they are very reliable and just go and go. I wouldn't consider anything else now. Reasonably priced. Do look around. We live in Lincolnshire and our nearest skoda dealerships were £1000 more expensive that dealerships down south, so we bought our Octavia from Brighton and saved £1,000 (minus travel costs to get down there!)

Good look and it seems that the same names keep cropping up as recommendations so defo worth a look.

pinkzebra

I would recommend the Nissan Micra. I bought my Micra from new, I had it ten years, and drove over 120,000 miles in it. It never went wrong - the only thing I bought for it was new tyres, and it was still on its first exhaust. We only sold it as my husband 'had' to have a better looking car for his job.

jaz_2

unsure wrote: »

The Skoda Fabia is a a great little car ( and actually roomier than it's Volswagen cousins). It's not quite the bargain it was few years ago as the world is cottoning on to the fact that Skoda make decent cars that are reliable, comfortable and good to drive. No good for label loonies or badge-addicts but perfect for anyone looking for a good small car at a good small (ish) price.
My wife has had her's for 3 years ( 1.4 estate) it's surprisingly comfortable and a good drive as its awards testify.
We've driven across France in it and done regular long trips in the UK without any problems. It's more comfortable and a better drive than my Vauxhall Zafira (admittedly older model!).
Almost the perfect MSE car, I reckon!

Good for Skoda, it sounds like they've raised their game somewhat. I've currently got a Felicia and I wouldn't recommend it to my worst enemy.

Kez100

Been to Honda tonight and looked at a few used Jazz and old Civic. Civic too big. Jazz is looking good. I just don't like the price...oh, it'swithin budget, that's not the point. I'd like it cheaper!

Car select have one which would be 2k cheaper.

I'd have to get rid of my Avensis then and it's too old to P/E via Car Select.

Mmmmmmmm decisions, decisions.

Off to have a gander at the Mazda and Toyota tomorrow.

harz99

Kez100 wrote: »

That sounds great. Husband likes the Mazda 3 but I think it's a bit big for what we need.

For part exchange we have an Avensis CDX Or we could try and give it away and bag a cash discount.

Hi, you look as though you will keep the motor for a number of years - with that in mind I would suggest looking at either the Hyundai or Kia ranges due to their 5 or 7 year warranties. Both manufacturers have a variety of models, many of which would suit your needs.

A tip, if you live outside of an area that uses London style taxi's, is to look at what cars the Taxi (not mini cab) drivers are using and be guide by which model dominates.

Finally, visit the "Honest John" website for reviews of all cars you may be thinking of buying. www.honestjohn.co.uk

Skeksis

Definitely don't buy a Citroen, my sister bought a brand new Picasso and mum a brand new C4 over the past couple of years and both had to go back for repairs within the first 6 months of ownership and are still going back now for niggly little things. Trim, fittings and bodywork are as cheap as chips, absolute c**p for £11,000 to £14,000 'brand new' cars. You also lose a bundle buying them brand new as all those 'cashback' deals + VAT come off the second-hand book price!

Kez100

harz99 wrote: »

Hi, you look as though you will keep the motor for a number of years - with that in mind I would suggest looking at either the Hyundai or Kia ranges due to their 5 or 7 year warranties. Both manufacturers have a variety of models, many of which would suit your needs.

A tip, if you live outside of an area that uses London style taxi's, is to look at what cars the Taxi (not mini cab) drivers are using and be guide by which model dominates.

Finally, visit the "Honest John" website for reviews of all cars you may be thinking of buying. www.honestjohn.co.uk

Yes, we like to keep cars for years - minimise the cash we pay on depreciation and usually buy 18 months old to get the benefit of the major initial losses. The Avensis we bought from 18 months old and have had it 7 years this month. We also tend to buy a good spec so we are remain happy with it for a long time - hence the Avensis being a CDX.

davek1

not sure if its new or used you are looking for but you could do a lot worse than check out daewoo or chevrolet their smallest car the matiz has a 1litre engine and the next model up starts at a 1.2 excellent warranty and spec at an economical price

harz99

davek1 wrote: »

not sure if its new or used you are looking for but you could do a lot worse than check out daewoo or chevrolet their smallest car the matiz has a 1litre engine and the next model up starts at a 1.2 excellent warranty and spec at an economical price

In that size of car, the Kia Picanto and Fiat Panda are much, much better choices.