£1500 to spend...

[Jess22]

Hello

I know nothing about cars or care about them (sorry in advance) but I need to get one. I have about £1500 to spend and because I don't really have a preference it's difficult to know what to go for. I know it's not a lot of money but there seems to be quite a bit of choice at this price? I would drive anything. I don't have any kids, dogs. I'll be using it to get shopping, away trips around the UK (so motorway driving) and carting stuff about! That's it.

Any advice welcomed.

Thank you

[hacksaw]

At that price and without needing to fulfil any set criteria, I would simply buy based on condition alone. Forget any preconceptions on premium brands etc., go look at a few cars and check out the condition. You'll find a huge range in variance, from abused snotters to family owned for 10 years plus and loved cars. If you're not sure what to look at, take along someone who does.

[eybic]

Have a look on autotrader or similar and instead of entering make, model etc. Just search on price and distance, this will bring up everything in your price range.

[Willy Nilly]

Petrol and Japanese is a safe bet. Cars in the Mondeo size will be slightly better value because there is less demand. Condition, MOT and MOT history, evidence that it has had some maintenance. If you have a tame mechanic that you trust speak to them about what they find reliable at this age.

[Jess22]

Thank you, this is really helpful. What about an Audi A2 1.6 FSI - they are coming up in my price range and I've just been reading reviews which are all positive? Age ranges between 2003-2006?

[Jimmy Recard]

They’re not bad cars, but given your criteria I’d be looking for something Japanese. Have you looked at a Honda Jazz?

[Jimmy Recard]

Or get up early on Friday morning with a gambling mindset and buy whatever Shed of the Week is

[strath44]

The A2s are getting old and tired now more so from your point of view, buy petrol and Japanese as everyone else has said and you won’t go wrong!
What drew you to the A2?

[Jess22]

Okay I will look at Japanese cars as you have all suggested.
I was drawn to the A2 because it looks really cute?! Am I going to be banned for that comment?! The one I found was £850 https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[eybic]

Jess22 said:

Okay I will look at Japanese cars as you have all suggested.
I was drawn to the A2 because it looks really cute?! Am I going to be banned for that comment?! The one I found was £850 https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

It's had a chequered history MOT wise: https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/

[Jess22]

Omg! Thank you, I didn’t know that search tool existed. Car buying is a pain! Back to ‘Japanese’ drawing board...

[eybic]

Jess22 said:

Omg! Thank you, I didn’t know that search tool existed. Car buying is a pain! Back to ‘Japanese’ drawing board...

It's very useful and also gives you an idea of common issues.

[TurboBlue]

Quite a few low milage Mitsubishi Colt's on autotrader within budget.

Son of an old friend has had one since gifted it by a departed aunt; don't think it has been serviced for three years but it still keeps going. Obviously, I don't recommend the lack if services.

Edited by TurboBlue on Wednesday 2nd May 16:05

[funkyrobot]

Something with a V8 in will be perfect.

[SCEtoAUX]

Once again, petrol and Japanese.

Here's the Toyota petrol selection I've owned over the years:

1x Aygo
2x MR2
1X Corolla
1x RAV 4 (Also had a diesel)
2X Yaris
1X Celica

Best part of 500,000 miles in that lot. Not one ever broke down, and the only repair I recall that other than wear and tear was a clutch in the Aygo (juddery, not broken).

[steve-5snwi]

Something like this will do the job perfectly, cheap to run, will run forever if serviced and the seats fold up so you can get lots of stuff in them.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[MissChief]

Autotrader or here, within 50 miles, engine less than 1.8l buy on condition and MOT length.