How should I buy my next car?

[gtwilliams]

NOTE: This is NOT a "what car" thread!

I need a new car but I don't have a huge amount of money saved away. So, what are my options? I've investigated all sorts of loans, leases and the like, but being as indecisive as I am and with some much choice, it's hard to know what to do!

I am looking at purchasing a reliable, economical compact car (I live in Bristol) that's cheap to insure, tax, service and maintain. I've considered various options - from buying a used, high-mileage Vauxhall Corsa for about £1000 to HP on a nearly-new Fiat 500. But, I need some help deciding what's best. Any help would be much appreciated. Cheers!

[alfabadass]

Stop being a pussy.

£4k. Audi A3 3.2 Quattro with DSG.

DO IT. Save the difference for the fuel!

[frosted]

You need a compact car because you live in Bristol ?

[Killer2005]

Or do you really need a car?

Thought about a motorbike?

[gtwilliams]

frosted said:

You need a compact car because you live in Bristol ?

Yes. I've concluded that as many of the roads in Bristol are either narrow or lined with cars (also narrow), this would be the best option. Also, small cars are cheaper to tax, fuel and insure generally, are they not?

[surveyor]

gtwilliams said:

frosted said:

You need a compact car because you live in Bristol ?

Yes. I've concluded that as many of the roads in Bristol are either narrow or lined with cars (also narrow), this would be the best option. Also, small cars are cheaper to tax, fuel and insure generally, are they not?

Crap reasoning. I've done E65 BMW, Pug 607, W210 & W211 E class Merc in Bristol no prob with width. Bit more of an argument if your talking about length and parking in Clifton etc though....

[gtwilliams]

Killer2005 said:

Or do you really need a car?

Thought about a motorbike?

I have indeed considered a motorbike but, as lame as this might sound, I just wouldn't feel safe. I will be buying a bicycle though. For sunny days. And days when I can be ad to cycle 16 miles!

[gtwilliams]

surveyor said:

gtwilliams said:

frosted said:

You need a compact car because you live in Bristol ?

Yes. I've concluded that as many of the roads in Bristol are either narrow or lined with cars (also narrow), this would be the best option. Also, small cars are cheaper to tax, fuel and insure generally, are they not?

Crap reasoning. I've done E65 BMW, Pug 607, W210 & W211 E class Merc in Bristol no prob with width. Bit more of an argument if your talking about length and parking in Clifton etc though....

Crap reasoning? Every car you've mentioned there would cost me much, much more to run, tax and insure than a "compact car". And yes, I consider the vehicles length and parking to be an issue too, especially as I live near Clifton.

[davepoth]

gtwilliams said:

Yes. I've concluded that as many of the roads in Bristol are either narrow or lined with cars (also narrow), this would be the best option. Also, small cars are cheaper to tax, fuel and insure generally, are they not?

Not necessarily. It depends on the type of driving and the driver. If you are doing a lot of motorway miles and you are a young man, a large car may well be cheaper overall. Bristol's not so narrow; you should try Bath.

-edit-

Anyway, back to your question. Buying a very cheap car can be fraught with difficulties if you don't know what you're looking for. I'd go for spending somewhere in the £2-3K region and you should get a tidy motor that will last a few years without major work.

Edited by davepoth on Wednesday 12th September 00:58

[surveyor]

gtwilliams said:

surveyor said:

gtwilliams said:

frosted said:

You need a compact car because you live in Bristol ?

Yes. I've concluded that as many of the roads in Bristol are either narrow or lined with cars (also narrow), this would be the best option. Also, small cars are cheaper to tax, fuel and insure generally, are they not?

Crap reasoning. I've done E65 BMW, Pug 607, W210 & W211 E class Merc in Bristol no prob with width. Bit more of an argument if your talking about length and parking in Clifton etc though....

Crap reasoning? Every car you've mentioned there would cost me much, much more to run, tax and insure than a "compact car". And yes, I consider the vehicles length and parking to be an issue too, especially as I live near Clifton.

But all you complained about was the width... I was just pointing out that Bristol streets are not so limiting. And the above did get parked occasionally in Clifton. Prior to that I had a Laguna II and a Pug 406, both of which I parked daily in Clifton. I think you can open up your search on size grounds, should you want to.