| What's your go to... when looking at your next car 10:46 - Jan 14 with 1461 views | FrimleyBlue |
Any recommended websites that shows the best cars per approx annual spends, repair costs,
I know there's auto trader, but just wanted other peoples thoughts on how they chose their cars.
I was told by my current garage to stay clear of newer models as they contain all the electric gadgets that go wrong and become costly to repair etc, and told older cars are more reliable, yet this morning had a collegue talking about how he feels newer models are the go to.. so im really caught with what route to go.
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| What's your go to... when looking at your next car on 10:50 - Jan 14 with 1427 views | _clive_baker_ |
Go Japanese if you want reliability. |  | | |
| What's your go to... when looking at your next car on 11:26 - Jan 14 with 1314 views | EJP |
I replaced my car this time last year, settling on a '21 plate Volvo XC90. I used Autotrader primarily, as well as the used option on the Volvo website. I also looked at the used section of any other manufacture we were considering. We ended up buying from Saxon 4x4 in Chelmsford, via AutoTrader.
From experience, steer well clear of Land Rover (Especially Lookers in Colchester - I had to instigate a consumer retail act 2016 refund from them as they had my '70 plate Discovery Sport for 3.5 months, with no movement on repairing it).
Every dealer I spoke to said to avoid electric cars if I was spending my own money! They stated in a couple of years, batteries would be able to provide more mileage, meaning cars with older batteries would be less attractive due to the diminished distance.
One thing to keep in mind is the used market for cars from 2020 plates onwards often offer less on the "gadgets" due to the COVID instigated chip shortage. I was looking at the Mercedes GLB and struggled to find ones with electric seats - If I'm buying a Merc, I don't want a manual handle to adjust my seat! (First world problem I know ...!) |  | | |
| What's your go to... when looking at your next car on 11:26 - Jan 14 with 1307 views | Churchman |
There’s no substitute for legwork or ‘tyre kicking’. Dealers, independents, you need to get to know the type of car you are after. Auto Express, internet including sites like Carwow are good. I’ve never used Autotrader but plenty of people obviously do. Cars cost, so know the car and the values. Parker’s guides will give you an idea on a specific cars value from a dealer or private. This is useful.
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/car-finance/buying-used-car/
When it comes down to it, it depends what you are after.
I’ve just ordered another car with all the toys on it. In fact I am hoping I can just sit in the back and let it do everything. It’s an unnecessary spend. Frippery. But I don’t care. It’s what I want. Personally, it’s not a large car (it’s another Audi A3) - as long as it’ll take two plus luggage, skis or golf clubs, goes like hell and is fuel efficient (55 to the gallon), that’ll do me. It’s an extravagance.
Mrs Cs car, a Toyota Yaris is the workhorse. Had since new in 2019, rock sold mechanicals (more robust than the Audi), big enough for the open road and perfect round town, drives fine, comfortable. Fits in parking spaces, over 50 to the gallon and about as reasonable as it gets to insure. She loves it.
Tried an electric car. A big one. Borrowed it while mine was being serviced. Costly, heavy, un involving though wickedly fast. You actually cannot tell how many miles you have before you are stranded. It’ll ‘gain’ miles going down an incline with light accelerator pressure and lose miles like water down a drain if you go up hill or boot the accelerator. I was told that they are developing all the time (reducing ECUs etc) and the range is improving all the time. Second hand values? Heard they plummet but don’t know. I certainly wouldn’t touch that Chinese rubbish.
Best petrol cars? Makers - you cannot go wrong with Japanese. I’ve owned a lot of Toyotas and a couple of Hondas and they’re bullet proof. Don’t like the ride on Renault and the build is iffy. Italian? Stylish but made of cardboard and glue. Would have loved a Lancia Delta Integrale though. Korean etc? Hired a few and they seemed ok. German? Yes, like them. Owned a couple and borrowed a few more.
Careful with the driving position. Some years ago now, BMWs had offset pedals and that killed my back. Same with Audi and Mercedes but Audi seemed to have solved that and my current car is the most comfortable I’ve ever owned. Fits like a glove.
Most cars are good these days, so it’s not like the good ole days.
A couple of mates have a selection of Fords and they’re alright though on long journeys I find the seats a bit uncomfortable. Oh, and the gearbox has just gone on my mate’s 70 plate 17000 mile Focus. Colours? Depends on the car but ‘fashion’ colours like lurid green or purple tend to be worth less than primary colours.
So, my go to priority wise in the following order is what do I want it for so size. Performance. Comfort. Practicality (I like BMW Minis but they’re pretty impractical). Running costs. And my own prejudice on makes. Others will have different views and what suits one person will not necessarily suit another [Post edited 14 Jan 16:36]
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| What's your go to... when looking at your next car on 11:39 - Jan 14 with 1230 views | baxterbasics |
I'm strict about only spending what I have available in cash and avoiding any finance or debt arrangements.
This means I'm always at the low budget end of things, £800 to £2K spend. Usually find them in FaceBook marketplace or Gumtree, or just private sales I notice in the streets in my locality. Which means it's a lottery as to how long it lasts. I tend to run them into the ground and sell as scrap to Whip Street motors for £400 or thereabouts. Some have managed a few months, some a couple of years, but on balance it's the cheapest way to motor if you can stomach the risk of breaking down (and I always have breakdown rescue cover!).
In this price range, beggars can't be choosers, but I try to find German or Japanese given the reputation for reliability. Avoid French.
I do check the MOT history, insurance group and fuel efficiency, that's about it. |  |
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| What's your go to... when looking at your next car on 11:41 - Jan 14 with 1209 views | WicklowBlue |
Honestjohn.co.uk, Parkers and reviews on sites like carwow are my go to. Also search around for user reviews on reddit and dedicated forums. |  | | |
| What's your go to... when looking at your next car on 14:44 - Jan 14 with 987 views | OldFart71 |
I suppose the main thing about buying a car is what you can afford whether that be a bank loan, car finance or readies. Then within your price range the needs required. Size, comfort, reliability, running costs including road tax, insurance, fuel and servicing plus MOT if older than 3 years. I for instance have a Ford Kuga. I had a 1 seies BMW prior to that, but because it was two door if someone had to sit in the back it was a case of sliding the front seats forward. My wife found it difficult as like myself aren't as flexible as we used to be. It took me a while to find the model I wanted. Two litre, automatic, leather seats and panoramic sun roof. I searched all online websites for several weeks also taking into account service history, number of previous owners and mileage. Found one I liked, rest drove it and bought it. It came with 6 months breakdown cover and the same amount of cover should any problems arise. No one can really tell you what car to go for. It's an individual choice based on needs and costs. You can get a new car that breaks down and an old one that doesn't give you any problems or visa versa. Give yourself time as in my lifetime I have had endless cars from Mercedes x 3, to BMW's x 4, Audi's, Fords, a mini, Hillman Avenger, Mitsubishi Outlander and Shogun, Vauxhall Astra a 1.3 and a 2 litre, Saab cabriolet, Suzuki Vitara. I may have missed a few and some I wish I had. What would I like ? Porsche 911 and a Bentley Mulsanne Turbo. Will I get either ? I very much doubt it. |  | | |
| What's your go to... when looking at your next car on 15:00 - Jan 14 with 937 views | SaleAway |
Really depends what you want.....
First thought is size and type.
i.e. do you need 2/4/5/7 seats
do you want a high driving position ( SUV) or a sports car/coupe?
are you interested in low up front costs, or low monthly costs...
are you going to pay for it upfront, or are you committting to a regular monthly cost.
What's your budget...
then work out of all of that, what is available....
then test drive a few....
then spend a few weeks/ months monitoring the markets... work out what is a good price for what you want.
it all comes down to research, and also, how much it matters to you...
We currently have 2 cars.... a 60 plate Honda Civic Diesel with 130k miles on it, which has been pretty much bombproof. Was the most expensive car I'd bought when we got it, but its paid for itself in its reliability over the 11 years of ownership. I've also got a 59 plate MX5 which is my fun car, but was also used as a daily commuter when I was in the office regularly pre-covid. Also been hugely reliable.
As others have said. Japanese cars for reliability, but exactly what car you need depends massively on your situation. | |
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| What's your go to... when looking at your next car on 15:03 - Jan 14 with 931 views | Chondzoresk |
My missus has a 2024 Ioniq 5. EV. We studied many, many reviews on YouTube from professionals and the public at large of different vehicles and they definitely helped us choose correctly. |  | | |
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| What's your go to... when looking at your next car on 15:14 - Jan 14 with 881 views | NewcyBlue |
A few pointers for looking at used cars
-MOT History check. This can be a good indication of many things. You can also do a safety recall check.
-Open the bonnet when you get there. Have a feel of the radiator hose. If it is hot they may have run the car up to cover up cold start problems, engine noises, etc
-Look for any oil on the engine block, pull the dipstick out and check the colour of the oil. Open the oil filler cap and see if there is any sludge / mayonnaise looking stuff. The mayonnaise stuff may just be condensation, or it may be something more sinister.
-When starting the car look for excessive exhaust fumes, different coloured smoke means different things.
-Bodywork, is it all the same colour. Does any of the paint look like orange peel? The orange peel effect is from a poor paintjob, and could be a sign of a previous accident.
-Are there any differing gaps between any of the panels? Does it look the same on both sides?
-Are the door and window seals in tact?
-Does the condition of the interior match the mileage? A worn interior is an obvious sign of higher mileage.
-Check to see all warning lights come on when turning the ignition on, ensure they extinguish upon starting the engine.
-Does the clutch feel ok? Is there any noise at any point of depressing the clutch pedal?
-When driving is there any excessive play in the steering? Do the brakes work adequately? Are there any unusual noises? Does the steering wobble at speed or under heavy braking? When braking does the car pull to one side?
-Check all equipment is working, lights, wipers, washers, ventilation, windows, mirrors, central locking.
-Check the wheels and tyres. Are locking wheel nuts fitted? If so is the locking wheel nut key with the car?. Check the tread on the tyres. Check the sidewall for bulges
-Paperwork, check service history. Anything 60k plus and you want to be checking if the cambelt has been changed. Check the V5C for spelling mistakes, does the address match the one of the seller. Is the seller the registered keeper? If not, why? |  |
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| What's your go to... when looking at your next car on 15:21 - Jan 14 with 857 views | SaleAway |
and another thing... if you're getting it as a company car, or through a salary sacrifice scheme then the BiK cost is the key value here, and that will drive you straight towards EVs. | |
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