Buying advice

[Flanker37]

Hi folks. I just passed my driving test yesterday and now I'm looking for my first car. I've had a full motorbike license for 8 year's. I've been riding 9 years. But it's time for 4 wheels. I've learned auto because of nerve damage in wrist

I'm 43, and need a car that can carry a pair of kayaks. Whilst not breaking the bank. I'll have about £3k to play with

[Rovinghawk]

There's many cars that would fit what you've said.

A little more information would probably get you a better answer: do you do high mileage, do you carry many passengers, is fuel consumption a major issue, is size an issue (narrow roads, parking spaces, etc), do you have facilities & ability to do your own maintenance?

[Flanker37]

I won't be doing high mileage to start with. Leicester to Newcastle occasionally. And Skegness occasionally. Probably only one passenger. Parking space not really a problem

[WarrenB]

Would you consider a van, rather than a car? Ideal for chucking kayaks in the back or getting changed.

[hornmeister]

Given budget I'd be looking at an estate with roof bars as SUVs may be a bit leggy. Possibly Volvo.
Theres's a few XC90s with 4WD knocking around for that price.

[ilikejam]

Volvos with the D5 engine are generally are a good shout, but at your budget I'm aware of the auto box potentially causing expensive problems. A few that I'd be considering with no real knowledge of the auto box reliability...

Saab 9-3
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Citroen C5
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

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

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

[Trevor555]

For £3,000 I'd probably be looking at an auto Astra estate, or a Focus, in petrol.

Carrying Kayaks like I do, I'm sure the extra space of the estate will come in handy for all the other kit.

But check the Focus underneath, I've seen some proper rusty ones at that price point.

[Riggadig]

Not sure if this answer is allowed on the forums to be honest but in about 5 weeks I will be selling a 2012 Astra Elite 5 door, it's a 2.0 diesel, automatic, full leather, heated seats, parking sensors, auto headlights and wipers and is in great condition.

Also has a set of OEM roof bars I use for fishing rods which will be ideal for Kayaks also, you can just get the attachments for them

https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/4x-Universal-Heavy-Duty-S...

I'll be looking for about £4k if you can stretch to it.

[Flanker37]

Thanks for your replies guys, plenty to think about

[ZX10R NIN]

If you're not doing big miles then one of these is a great VFM:

Cadillac CTS

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

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

The Mondeo 2.5T is the obvious & very good choice:

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

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

2.0T Insignia

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

Mazda6 Sport Estate

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

Mazda5 Sport more practical for the Kayaks & getting changed out of your gear but you'll still need roof bars like all the carts above.

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

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