No idea which used car to buy - advice pls!

not_tonight_josephine_2

Hi everyone, I need to replace my current car as it has a few problems and I'm sick of it! I considered buying a new car, but have come to my senses and realised it's silly to take out a finance deal as I currently have some uncertainties about my job (although I think it's unlikely I'll actually end up unemployed). I only really have some vague ideas about what I want, so really hoping for some suggestions from the car experts on here!

I'm thinking of spending about £5k and paying cash. I don't really have a particular make or model in mind, but want something at least fiesta/corsa type size but no bigger than focus/astra type as I have to drive about town and park a lot. I really want something that is going to be reliable and not cause me problems as I've had 2 bangers up til now and I hate the stress and hassle of them going wrong. I'd prefer something under 5 years old and with a relatively low mileage. I do like the little "luxuries" such as air con and a decent stereo.

Can anyone help me narrow down the possibilities at all? Is my budget sensible?

Thanks

anewman

Very sensible budget - bear in mind even cars £1000 can be a good buy. You could even consider a luxo barge like an oldish mercedes, BMW, Lexus etc for £2k and use the remaining £3k for extra cost of fuel, insurance, and repairs just one thought

At the £5k price range definitely get an independent inspection from AA or RAC etc to make sure everything is as it should be

stevel1973_2

have you concidered a seat ibiza they are the same size as a fiesta/corsa. They are a part of the volkswagen group so quality is high, for a little more money have you concidered a late used car maybe up to a year old, its not far from your price? that you get the balance of manufactures warrenty which is woth more than used car dealer warrenties.

not_tonight_josephine_2

thanks for the replies guys. I had thought about buying an older "fancy" car like a BMW, but just been concerned about having something that's going to be in and out of the garage - I hate that feeling of going out to the car in the morning and never being quite sure whether it's going to start (I've been scarred by my first 2 cars)!

I'll have a look at the Seats on Autotrader and see what's available in my area - I don't really know much about them to be honest,didn't realise they were made by VW, but I assume that means they'd be quite good quality?
I had thought about buying nearly new, but have decided that as long as I can get something reliable that will last a few years I want to avoid the heavy depreciation with new/nearly new.

BillScarab

What about a Skoda Fabia? Also part of the VW group, it uses the same chassis as the Polo, it's well made and always got decent reviews. They're also reasonably priced new so you should be able to get a good one for £5000.

Have a look at Whatcars customer satisfaction survey from last year, the Fabia was 2nd behind the Honda Jazz. The Polo was sixth.

C_Ronaldo

not_tonight_josephine wrote: »

thanks for the replies guys. I had thought about buying an older "fancy" car like a BMW, but just been concerned about having something that's going to be in and out of the garage - I hate that feeling of going out to the car in the morning and never being quite sure whether it's going to start (I've been scarred by my first 2 cars)!

I'll have a look at the Seats on Autotrader and see what's available in my area - I don't really know much about them to be honest,didn't realise they were made by VW, but I assume that means they'd be quite good quality?
I had thought about buying nearly new, but have decided that as long as I can get something reliable that will last a few years I want to avoid the heavy depreciation with new/nearly new.

Seats are spanish, yes the quality will be good as its VW parts in the seat

wallbash

Ok:j will not give you my ideas

WILL tell you what I bought for £5250 , saw it Sunday , took it home yesterday

Putting my money where my mouth is .... I bought a Fiesta

I wanted a 3.0 litre top of the range Mondeo, but car tax and Fuel
(and wife , who would have done a J , Bobbit :eek:) made it a Fiesta.