Woman clueless about cars please help! Desperate!
Discussion
Hi as title suggests I'm a woman 2 kids. Desperately searching for a new car as my old one has been sold. Had a golf before. Have 8k cash to spend.
Been looking at 1 series (14/64 plates) or maybe quashquai spelling) but not sure what's a good price etc and I'm literally desperate at this point as like i say im currently without a car.
Would be so grateful if anyone could please help!
I'm in Manchester but can travel a little!
Been looking at 1 series (14/64 plates) or maybe quashquai spelling) but not sure what's a good price etc and I'm literally desperate at this point as like i say im currently without a car.
Would be so grateful if anyone could please help!
I'm in Manchester but can travel a little!
Girl12345 said:
Hi as title suggests I'm a woman 2 kids. Desperately searching for a new car as my old one has been sold. Had a golf before. Have 8k cash to spend.
Been looking at 1 series (14/64 plates) or maybe quashquai spelling) but not sure what's a good price etc and I'm literally desperate at this point as like i say im currently without a car.
Would be so grateful if anyone could please help!
I'm in Manchester but can travel a little!
Hello woman 2 kids,Been looking at 1 series (14/64 plates) or maybe quashquai spelling) but not sure what's a good price etc and I'm literally desperate at this point as like i say im currently without a car.
Would be so grateful if anyone could please help!
I'm in Manchester but can travel a little!
How did you buy the Golf? Have you tried repeating the same process?
Work out what sort of car you want first. The 2 you've mentioned are quite different.
If you buy from a dealer you'll pay more, but probably get some sort of warranty with it, which may be important to you. If you buy privately you have little come back if there's a fault with it.
As for pricing, you need to be specific with model, engine size, spec etc to get any useful advice. Or just do lots of research on Autotrader and other classified ads, to see what the going rate is.
Make sure you get something with service history, make sure it's been looked after, and make sure you do an HPI check on the vehicle to ensure it's not been written off stolen or still on finance. www.hpi.co.uk (other sites are available)
Do you have anyone with any car knowledge that can help you, someone who isn't a random internet stranger?
If you buy from a dealer you'll pay more, but probably get some sort of warranty with it, which may be important to you. If you buy privately you have little come back if there's a fault with it.
As for pricing, you need to be specific with model, engine size, spec etc to get any useful advice. Or just do lots of research on Autotrader and other classified ads, to see what the going rate is.
Make sure you get something with service history, make sure it's been looked after, and make sure you do an HPI check on the vehicle to ensure it's not been written off stolen or still on finance. www.hpi.co.uk (other sites are available)
Do you have anyone with any car knowledge that can help you, someone who isn't a random internet stranger?
Edited by cbmotorsport on Thursday 13th December 13:50
Do you have friends at work who might be able to help. Or other parents where the kids go to school/creche that might be able to advise.
It would be good if you could find a friend to help, rather than asking on here. You will get loads of advice here, but at the end of the day, you will have to go and view any prospective purchases and it is always better to go with someone if you are unsure yourself.
For the money you have I would be looking at maybe another Golf, Skoda Octavia, Ford Focus, Toyota Auris? Something that there will be plenty of choice around.
The only general tip I can give is, don't buy the first one you see, go and see a few so you can compare them yourself and then you start building up your own knowledge of what is good and bad and what you like and don't like.
Oh, and have fun while you are looking, don't treat it like a chore.
It would be good if you could find a friend to help, rather than asking on here. You will get loads of advice here, but at the end of the day, you will have to go and view any prospective purchases and it is always better to go with someone if you are unsure yourself.
For the money you have I would be looking at maybe another Golf, Skoda Octavia, Ford Focus, Toyota Auris? Something that there will be plenty of choice around.
The only general tip I can give is, don't buy the first one you see, go and see a few so you can compare them yourself and then you start building up your own knowledge of what is good and bad and what you like and don't like.
Oh, and have fun while you are looking, don't treat it like a chore.
HI.
a dad here with 2 boys and a 1 series bmw. (120i petrol 2015 174hp 1.6 turbo)
.
don't get one...my other half drives a Toyota Avensis estate...the bmw is not really a family car, the boot is far to small.
.
if you really want the bmw check the cam chain...they can rattle on cold start...common on petrol and diesels.
auto 8 speed gear box, is the one to get, the manual 6 speed is very clunky
.
pre 2015 cars are also undergoing a recall to do with the main battery cable falling off the fuse box. (check for any outstanding recalls)
.
also lack of front and rear leg room due to being rear wheel drive
a dad here with 2 boys and a 1 series bmw. (120i petrol 2015 174hp 1.6 turbo)
.
don't get one...my other half drives a Toyota Avensis estate...the bmw is not really a family car, the boot is far to small.
.
if you really want the bmw check the cam chain...they can rattle on cold start...common on petrol and diesels.
auto 8 speed gear box, is the one to get, the manual 6 speed is very clunky
.
pre 2015 cars are also undergoing a recall to do with the main battery cable falling off the fuse box. (check for any outstanding recalls)
.
also lack of front and rear leg room due to being rear wheel drive
Edited by PAUL RUN on Thursday 13th December 15:58
1series is too small in the back and the boot. Look beyond the badge - apart from the cooking versions, they are quite mediocre for the money.
Quasqai (or similar small suv type thing)is a good family car. Slightly higher so more visibility and easier to get kids in and out (how old?).
Look at Ford Smax as well. Good space inside, loads of dealers, good range of engines, running costs are reasonable for size of car.
Quasqai (or similar small suv type thing)is a good family car. Slightly higher so more visibility and easier to get kids in and out (how old?).
Look at Ford Smax as well. Good space inside, loads of dealers, good range of engines, running costs are reasonable for size of car.
daddy cool said:
Girl12345 said:
Hi as title suggests I'm a woman 2 kids. Desperately searching for a new car as my old one has been sold. Had a golf before. Have 8k cash to spend.
Been looking at 1 series (14/64 plates) or maybe quashquai spelling) but not sure what's a good price etc and I'm literally desperate at this point as like i say im currently without a car.
Would be so grateful if anyone could please help!
I'm in Manchester but can travel a little!
Hello woman 2 kids,Been looking at 1 series (14/64 plates) or maybe quashquai spelling) but not sure what's a good price etc and I'm literally desperate at this point as like i say im currently without a car.
Would be so grateful if anyone could please help!
I'm in Manchester but can travel a little!
How did you buy the Golf? Have you tried repeating the same process?
Hi thanks everyone for the help. The golf was brand new on lease so I had no worries about faults etc.
I dont have any family or friends with much knowledge of cars hence posting here.
Like I said I'm really clueless and really not that fussy what car I have i just need obviously reliable and ok size for me and 2 kids (6 & 4).
Was just looking if anyone could suggest any.
Thanks again
I dont have any family or friends with much knowledge of cars hence posting here.
Like I said I'm really clueless and really not that fussy what car I have i just need obviously reliable and ok size for me and 2 kids (6 & 4).
Was just looking if anyone could suggest any.
Thanks again
hi
.
not cool, not trendy...get a Toyota avensis estate.
ours is a 2010, now owned for 5 years, 78,000 on the clock apart from tyres and a battery when one of my lads left the interior light on...its been amazing, not even a headlight bulb. it takes the family of 4, plus our cocker spaniel.
.
cost 8k from a Toyota dealer at 3 years old with 30k on the clock, satnav, alloys, reversing camera, cruise control, as its not cool they are good value for money
and insurance is also cheap.
.
not cool, not trendy...get a Toyota avensis estate.
ours is a 2010, now owned for 5 years, 78,000 on the clock apart from tyres and a battery when one of my lads left the interior light on...its been amazing, not even a headlight bulb. it takes the family of 4, plus our cocker spaniel.
.
cost 8k from a Toyota dealer at 3 years old with 30k on the clock, satnav, alloys, reversing camera, cruise control, as its not cool they are good value for money
and insurance is also cheap.
Edited by PAUL RUN on Thursday 13th December 16:08
They are pretty different, it depends a bit on what age your kids are as well, we have 2 under 3 and both need a bit of help getting into their car seats a low roof and or 3 doors isn't great for this, if you're kids are older then it won't matter so much. The 1 series is size wise on a par with the Golf so if you managed with it you'll be fine.
We've just had a Qashqai as a courtesy car and my wife loved it but they don't do well on the JD power car survey for faults so make sure you are getting some warranty.
Here are a few that I would recommend to family in a similar situation -
Civics will come in on budget and are pretty bulletproof
https://www.arnoldclark.com/used-cars/honda/civic/...
Focus are also good with a decent spec but the residual value isn't great
https://www.arnoldclark.com/used-cars/honda/civic/...
Kia Ceed are good value and you will still have warranty left which is a bonus
https://www.arnoldclark.com/used-cars/kia/ceed/1-4...
You'll need to figure out whats important
space
fuel economy
badge - are you fussed about a bmw or woud a dacia make more sense
features manual / automatic etc
once you know these you'll be less easily swayed by someone selling you the wrong car!
We've just had a Qashqai as a courtesy car and my wife loved it but they don't do well on the JD power car survey for faults so make sure you are getting some warranty.
Here are a few that I would recommend to family in a similar situation -
Civics will come in on budget and are pretty bulletproof
https://www.arnoldclark.com/used-cars/honda/civic/...
Focus are also good with a decent spec but the residual value isn't great
https://www.arnoldclark.com/used-cars/honda/civic/...
Kia Ceed are good value and you will still have warranty left which is a bonus
https://www.arnoldclark.com/used-cars/kia/ceed/1-4...
You'll need to figure out whats important
space
fuel economy
badge - are you fussed about a bmw or woud a dacia make more sense
features manual / automatic etc
once you know these you'll be less easily swayed by someone selling you the wrong car!
Millions of people buy a used car every year and only a very small percentage of buyers would regard themselves as experts. A smaller number still actually know what they are talking about, and yet the overwhelming majority seem to manage it satisfactorily.
I imagine that part of your dilemma is that the car you are considering buying will be older and possibly higher mileage than the car that you are handing back.
Best advice if you are unsure what to look for is to use a reputable dealer. Car Supermarkets such as Motorpoint, Fords of Winsford and yes, Arnold Clark each sell tens of thousand of cars like these every year. Because of the large numbers sold you will read of some dissatisfied customers but the cars are competitively priced , prepared to an adequate standard and the companies have a proper complaints procedure if it all goes badly wrong.
If you want an easy transaction look for a car from one of these places. No one can guarantee that any used car won't go wrong at all but you won't get stuck with something stolen, written off or dangerous.
If you see a car that you like anywhere else then you can always arrange to have the car independently inspected. Places like the AA or RAC can do this even if you are not a member. Cost is typically £1-200 depending on the level of checks, and can be carried out within 2-3 days of booking. It's good value if you want reassurance about the car you are buying.
The 1 series is a little smaller than your Golf inside, but if you want one then go and sit in one and decide for yourself whether it's big enough rather than taking someone elses word for it.
I imagine that part of your dilemma is that the car you are considering buying will be older and possibly higher mileage than the car that you are handing back.
Best advice if you are unsure what to look for is to use a reputable dealer. Car Supermarkets such as Motorpoint, Fords of Winsford and yes, Arnold Clark each sell tens of thousand of cars like these every year. Because of the large numbers sold you will read of some dissatisfied customers but the cars are competitively priced , prepared to an adequate standard and the companies have a proper complaints procedure if it all goes badly wrong.
If you want an easy transaction look for a car from one of these places. No one can guarantee that any used car won't go wrong at all but you won't get stuck with something stolen, written off or dangerous.
If you see a car that you like anywhere else then you can always arrange to have the car independently inspected. Places like the AA or RAC can do this even if you are not a member. Cost is typically £1-200 depending on the level of checks, and can be carried out within 2-3 days of booking. It's good value if you want reassurance about the car you are buying.
The 1 series is a little smaller than your Golf inside, but if you want one then go and sit in one and decide for yourself whether it's big enough rather than taking someone elses word for it.
Wooda80 said:
.....Car Supermarkets such as Motorpoint, Fords of Winsford and yes, Arnold Clark each sell tens of thousand of cars like these every year. Because of the large numbers sold you will read of some dissatisfied customers but the cars are competitively priced , prepared to an adequate standard and the companies have a proper complaints procedure if it all goes badly wrong.
If you want an easy transaction look for a car from one of these places. No one can guarantee that any used car won't go wrong at all but you won't get stuck with something stolen, written off or dangerous.
They buy a lot of ex company lease cars, which is a good thing, as they've been serviced and generlly looked after. We have used a couple of these places for my wifes cars due to finding them competitive and a good selection when she wasn't really sure what she wanted. We've had no problems, and cars were good and well prepared. Good advice, worth a look. If you want an easy transaction look for a car from one of these places. No one can guarantee that any used car won't go wrong at all but you won't get stuck with something stolen, written off or dangerous.
if you have previously owned a golf and liked it i would recommend a Seat Leon, it's essentially the same car with a different badge and much cheaper. How many miles do you do? If you get a diesel and do little miles i.e sub 10,000 you can run into mechanical problems and the fuel saving is not worth it. Here are a few to look through https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?sort=spons...
Honda CRV, 2008 or newer and ideally the EX spec. 2.2 diesel would be best rather than the petrol. Ideal car for family and very easy to drive. My pal (female) who has two girls just got one, she only spent £3k and got a slightly low spec but absolutely loves it. She used to always get Renault MPVs etc but they kept breaking down.
CRV EX:
High driving position but seats are at perfect bum height for sliding in (no climbing or falling into seats)
Big spec including heated seats, HID lights, dual zone climate control etc
Loads of rear legroom (rear seats slide as well)
Huge boot
Reversing camera plus all round parking sensors
Very reliable and inexpensive to maintain
AWD for slippy conditions
Rear privacy glass - no sun shades needed
Doors open almost 90 degrees for easy access
The only difference between the CDTi (older ones) and the i-DTEC is that the latter has a Diesel Particulate Filter but your annual mileage should be fine for this. Loads of car for the money.
This one looks good but there are signs of a tow bar so make sure the clutch isn't slipping: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
If you don't mind the colour this one is nice: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
More here: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?sort=price...
CRV EX:
High driving position but seats are at perfect bum height for sliding in (no climbing or falling into seats)
Big spec including heated seats, HID lights, dual zone climate control etc
Loads of rear legroom (rear seats slide as well)
Huge boot
Reversing camera plus all round parking sensors
Very reliable and inexpensive to maintain
AWD for slippy conditions
Rear privacy glass - no sun shades needed
Doors open almost 90 degrees for easy access
The only difference between the CDTi (older ones) and the i-DTEC is that the latter has a Diesel Particulate Filter but your annual mileage should be fine for this. Loads of car for the money.
This one looks good but there are signs of a tow bar so make sure the clutch isn't slipping: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
If you don't mind the colour this one is nice: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
More here: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?sort=price...
I'd say your biggest limitation in buying a car will be dependent on how far you can travel most modern cars are reliable as long as they've been looked after.
So do your (HPI MOT Check etc) checks even pay for an inspection & you should be fine, as others have said a Kia Cee'd is a great shout because you'll have some Manufacturers Warranty left & you'll be able to extend it for added piece of mind.
I'd look for one of those in 3/4 trim levels as they'll pretty much come with everything you need:
3 with Nav Camera etc
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
3 Auto Estate this one has all the options make sure it has full service history or the warranty won't be valid.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
The other VFM option is the Vauxhall Astra you'll get a lot of well spec'd reliable car for your money, just make sure that they flush the oil every other service:
Astra Elite (the first one although it's slightly over budget is worth a good look at & the extra expenditure just for the low mileage) these come very well spec'd & should see you right for a good few years.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
The Focus in Titanium Navigator Spec is a good shout
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
So do your (HPI MOT Check etc) checks even pay for an inspection & you should be fine, as others have said a Kia Cee'd is a great shout because you'll have some Manufacturers Warranty left & you'll be able to extend it for added piece of mind.
I'd look for one of those in 3/4 trim levels as they'll pretty much come with everything you need:
3 with Nav Camera etc
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
3 Auto Estate this one has all the options make sure it has full service history or the warranty won't be valid.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
The other VFM option is the Vauxhall Astra you'll get a lot of well spec'd reliable car for your money, just make sure that they flush the oil every other service:
Astra Elite (the first one although it's slightly over budget is worth a good look at & the extra expenditure just for the low mileage) these come very well spec'd & should see you right for a good few years.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
The Focus in Titanium Navigator Spec is a good shout
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
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