New cars...

[annwfyn]

As of today the chances of my clio being recovered drop from 50/50 to (in the words of a nice policeman) 'unlikely'.

I'm going to give it another couple of weeks before I write it off and put in a claim, but I probably need to start poking around for a new car. As always, the temptation to get a mini is rearing its head. I look at minis on the internet. They smile at me provocatively. They want me. They do. Little minxes.

Ahem.

Yes.

Anyway, after a cold shower and a bit of a calm down, I find myself pondering what criteria I should use in buying a car. I want a fairly small car (having spent a week in the company of vilenspotens's jag - she's gorgeous, but a bit hard to park and always worries me in terms of how much space I need to leave myself) which will do a fairly good number of miles to the gallon and not fall apart too soon. What other things should I take into consideration?

Should I just take the insurance money (around £1000) and see what I can get with that?

Would I be better off putting some Inheritance Money (tm) into getting a better car which will probably be in better condition and might cost me less in the long term?

What brands of cars are sensible buys? Is the mini idea so very outlandish?

How old a car should I be looking at? What kind of rare do cars depreciate at?

Car owners out there - let me know your opinions.

Comments

[lanfykins.livejournal.com]

Have you ever actually driven a mini?

[puddingcat.livejournal.com]

Mimis are extortionately expensive, cos they're so popular atm. They do hold their value though, and my AA man says he's never seen one feeling ill at the sid of the road, but then BMW have their own breakdown service so he doesn't get called out to them anyway.

For the same price as a 2-3 year old Mini, you could get an almost-brand-new Mercedes A-class, or a brand new Yaris. And AA Man claims that he's *never* been called out to a Toyota.

Mum loves her Honda Jazz - it's small, high up and does Hitchin - Edinbugh on one tank.

[twicedead.livejournal.com]

A recent second hand car is usually your best bet, they do a lot of rapid depreciation by being sold, and then the rate slows down, so a recent (2 years) small care with low mileage is generally your friend.

£1000 of insurance money will not buy you reliability.

I can recommend the Ford Ka for reliability and economy, but you may want something larger.

[annwfyn.livejournal.com]

I'm putting more than the insurance money into it! I need a decent car.

[davywavy.livejournal.com]

Brother, who is an automotive design engineer and a very good one to boot, says the Toyota Yaris is the best small car money can buy by a fair margin.
It's a subject I'd certainly take his advice on.

[lilitufire.livejournal.com]

Ditto - great reviews all over the net. What I'd replace Natalie (my Ford Fiesta) with if I wasn't potentially emigrating.

[twicedead.livejournal.com]

OK, Comparisons: 3 Years old cars

2002 Ford Ka (6,000 Miles) £3300 What Car; 3 stars

2002 Mini (64,000 Miles) £8300 What Car: 4 Stars

2002 Toyota Yaris (14,000 Miles) £4300 What Car: 3 Stars + davywavy's brother's recommendation

[(Anonymous)]

The car I love is The Beattle, we had a light blue one with a green bonnet.
Blue Pixie (LJ being picky again)

[jo-english-bint.livejournal.com]

A mini is very you! But the new ones are quite expensive from what I've seen. I saw one for £17000 new and on the road.

I've always managed on second hand cars till my present car, and as long as you have someone look over it who knows something about cars you should be ok. Buying my car new was a dream. I got exactly what I wanted with all the specs I wanted. But the service from the dealership (Fiat) since handing them my money has been appaling.
If you do go for a brand new car, take either myself or Elliott with you, we are well experienced on getting good deals from car dealers (when I bought my car the dealership actually lost £300! Fiat had to reinburse them!!!)

Oh don't by an MG or a rover!

*hugs*

[annwfyn.livejournal.com]

I am tempted to do a trip up to the Brum area and see if you or Elliott can come and help me car shop. Twould be lovely to see you guys too.

[jo-english-bint.livejournal.com]

Cool! It would be so lovely to see you!

Just give us a week or so in notice so we will be in!

& car shopping will be all cool and fluffy, especially with a Scottsman haggling!!!

*hugs*