I have £2000 to spend on a second hand car?

Question

Any advice on makes and models to go for and what to avoid. Also the max mileage and age. I need a car to last about 3-5 years.

Answer 1

Buy what YOU like, for reliability try and stick with either German or Japanese makes, don't worry too much about the mileage as long as the service history is as intact as possible and all up to date. Make sure that if the one you buy has a 'cam-belt', that it has been replaced recently before you buy it. Buy positive (up-beat) colours, red etc, silver is 'in' at the moment and therefore worth slightly more, avoid gold and beige etc as they are harder to sell (but can be a bargain to buy if you need a car to 'run into the ground').

Most important of all do NOT spend your entire £2000 on the car; keep at least 20% (£400) in reserve for the 'unforeseen', used cars inherently need something (normally the reason they are being sold), either way accessories and servicing will be required so you need some cash in reserve.

Hope this helps, good-luck.

Answer 2

Small car - look at a Daewoo Matiz. There's something about those cars they just go on and on forever, nothing blows them up except a fight with a train!!! And their more fun than a Fiesta or Ka

Normal car - look for Ford Mondeo (99-01) or Honda Accord(97-98). Mondeo is a far superior drive t the Honda but the Honda won't ever let you down.

Fun - Look at an early 90's Lexus, especially Soarer Twin Turbo which is as fun as a Ferrari 348 and as reliable as a wood-burning stove, or a straight 6 engine Jag (93-96). Straight 6 engine Jag is superb ride, surprisingly cheap fuel economy and again almost indestructible as long as you keep oil pump maintained.

Answer 3

Just done the same thing myself. Get yourself on ebay, limit search to 20-30 mile radius (filter out words like spares, repair, failure, etc), don't consider mileage above 60,000, unless diesel. You want to check seller's feedback. VW hold their value and last, I'd avoid citroen and fiat - too tinny and don't hold their value. I just bought a 93 Golf with low mileage, very solid, reliable and good value. Also make sure you check for MOT and TAX - new MOT and full service history very important. Check lines - doors closing neatly etc, if not could be sign of an accident. If you can view the vehicle and test drive it before bidding - Great. If you're a technophobe - go to a friendly used car salesman, but use criteria above - at least then you'll get a warranty. Good luck! (not bad for a girl eh?) - Jo

Answer 4

ahhhh you can do a lot with 2000 pounds. stay away from any korian makes. if you want a good second hand car, reliable, then consider any sort of renault that is pre 1997. later models just dont have the built quality. If you want a little car, then the old peugeots are perfect. and toyota. You can pick up lovely little toyota yaris for that price.

Answer 5

I'd check out Skodas - you should be able to get a decent Fabia for that, and they're great little cars. Take a look at the prices on parkers guide - http://www.parkers.co.uk/ for example, you can get a Fabia Classic 5 door with a 1.4 engine for just over 2 grand.

Answer 6

Avoid French and Rovers. Think Japanese for reliability, Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa have proved reliable, good for spares and servicing. The biggest question is buy private or from a garage?

Answer 7

I am going to second the Corolla recommendation. Solid cars that last.

The Skoda is also worth considering, in my opinion, if you go with one of the brilliant TDI diesels.

Personally I would avoid most French cars and all Korean makes.

Answer 8

A Ka of that age is barely nicely worth six hundred on a good day! i could have walked away then - yet having spent that, i could shop it now! ANY vehicle can fee you, by using throwing a great fix invoice at you - you may desire to be certain in case you're dedicated adequate to tension a vehicle, and in case you're, then do not scrimp on risk-free practices. working a vehicle in a risky situation, and having extensive expenditures come MOT time, isn't the thank you to flow! six hundred of welding? you've got have been given 3 qoutes for that paintings, and in case you may desire to not get it carried out for 3 hundred, walk away!

Answer 9

I agree also, skoda is great now. £2k might even get you an early diesel octavia.

Avoid french, expensive parts and hell to work on.

I will say I'd go for a car with higher miles and service history than one with low miles and without.

Answer 10

Go with VW/Audi group, even post 1998 Skodas (got my Felicia GXi for £1600 3.5 years ago and still going strong, VW engine and chassis)