Cars and that

So, the time has come to renew my car insurance and having recently just purchased a new iphone, I thought I'd go the whole hog and get a new car too. I'm not exactly in to cars, but I do want to treat myself. Unfortunately, I have to bare in mind I use my car for work, so will probably do 20,000 miles a year in total, so want to remain a little cautious when buying something so I don't reduce the value over night.

I am looking at spending somewhere between 3-4k. I have looked at Astra's and Golf's so far. Has anyone got a suggestions?

 

Personally if I was to be spending £3-4k on a car I'd also lean towards an Astra or a Golf, but Seat Ibiza's and Leon's are also well worth a look.

 

what sort of driving to you do? if it's long commutes then diesel would be the way to go, but I imagine you are driving around town between places from your stories of your job, in which case petrol.

Do my favorite thing and make a spreadsheet, to work out your running costs of insurance, fuel and depreciation.

 

Is depreciation really the biggest concern with a car bought for £3-4k? I'd just be looking for something reliable and economical. Look on websites like www.whatcar.com for reviews.

 

Focus or Mondeo diesel for that sort of mileage and budget. Unless its all short journeys then you need to go petrol.

If your budget is cash then consider it as a large deposit on a new car. Servicing, running costs and the general improvement overthe past few years means it's worth it. Personally I'd consider a Polo Bluemotion for high mileage. The dsg box is sweet and a worthwhile addition as is cruise controll if its motorway miles.

 

I had a Polo when I lived in the UK. I had a great time with mine, no issues at all doing 50 miles a day, for 2 years.

 

Don't get a Diesel, they are killing us with particulate emissions. Sure they drive nicely, but they smell.

If I was going to spend that much time in the car I'd be looking for something better and older, comfortable and reliable. Either an Accord or a Mondeo, or even a cheap old 3 series. I'd be less concerned about 80k miles on these than I would for 40k on a supermini. If you want smaller Golf, Civic or Focus.

You'll have limited choice and high miles, but I would stick to the best brands.

 

You will get a half decent Astra for that money, very basic reliable car, not too bad service, stay away from main dealers when servicing though, loads of them about

 

Don't buy a car at all, as they all pollute. Instead add the journey to your fitness regime and run it. Far more environmentally friendly. Mind you, you may still smell a bit.

 

Hire a small Chinese man and a rickshaw for 5p a day

 

I've had a checkered car history.

Mums old Metro
Classic Mini Cooper, the first car I bought
Jaguar - X Type 2.5 Sport (Loan for a year)
Rover 111 (Metro) Dad's old car and free.

The current meistermobile is a Polo GTI. Best Car I've ever had, almost as much fun as the Mini cooper, far more comfortable and practical than the Jag. It's a testament to how cars have come on in the last 10 years that a car half the price can be twice as good.

 

**** practicality, buy a car you'll enjoy

 

But then you have to run through everyone else's diesel fug. Better to swim using our fine canal system.

 

I drive a 2 litre cliosport, but I doubt that'll be practical for the driving you do. Very fun to drive though.

I agree with some of the above, if you're going to spend a lot of time in it, go for something that is at least comfortable, and puts a smile on your face.

 

If your job is driving around town you really need a 4x4 as there are often challenging puddles around. For that sort of budget an 03-05 RAV4 2.0 petrol should be within budget, plus its a Toyota so will go on forever, and the swb 2 door has a cool chunky jeep feel to it.

 

Can you link me to one please? Sounds interesting. I've always wanted to go off roading!

 

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-ca...gx-5dr-dagenham-fpa-201404103232470?logcode=p

 

No that's an earlier one, this one.... the later model 2 door

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Toyota-Ra...8080683?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2c801f112b


just picked at random, I'm not suggesting you buy THIS car

 

"
Item location:
Taunton, Somerset, United Kingdom"

Hmmmm!!

 

May just be me, but i've always thought of RAVs as womens cars.

 

LOL is it really! Honestly its not mine.. my missus has one and I wouldn't mind getting another as a second car, might go and look at that one myself.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EfW9znJYjw

 

This. Although sometimes I question why I bought an Alfa

 

Other end of the spectrum, BMW Z4. I spotted a tidy 03 3.0l the other day for £4k.

 

I've been thinking about buying a Z4 (albeit newer than 03). Nice looking motors and not that many around.

 

You're probably entering GTR money there though Nas, I don't think there are many cars I could justifiably choose over that!

 

Decent, cheers! Giving me something else to consider! Seems cheap though!!

 

Maybe buy something that isn't a girl's car

 

Well why would you buy a boring vauxordw hatch ..:notimpress:

See lots of Alfa GT's cheap and within the £4k budget

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...esearchad/used,nearlynew,new/page/1?logcode=p

 

Define a girls car to a boys car?

 

All the cars you are considering buying = girl's cars

Thanks for the nibble

 

What do you ride now SM?

 

An astra? Never!

 

My missus drives an Astra.