Recommendation for first time buyer

[StephenRet]

Me and my wife, we moved to UK about 11 years ago and lived in London for first 10 of those. We recently moved to Kent. In London we never felt the need to buy a car. But with two toddlers and lack of decent public transport means we want to buy our first car now.

I am thinking to get a used hatchback for first 3-5 years and later switch to something new. I don't expect to drive more than 2.5-3K miles per year. More details:

• Budget up to 8K.
• Petrol, automatic.
• 5 seater
• Two previous owners at most (not sure how much this matters).
• Looking for something reliable
• Low maintenance (very little time with jobs and kids).

From my research Toyota Auris, Ford Focus and Audi A3 look good. But to be honest, I am feeling a bit overwhelmed at the moment. Would pros please have some suggestions for me? Roughly what can I expect to get in terms of brand/model, mileage etc. Anything particular you would recommend?

Thanks so much for helping!

[loskie]

Do you have an appropriate licence?

Toyota Corolla or Auris

or Honda Civic

[samoht]

loskie said:

Toyota Corolla or Auris

or Honda Civic

+1

Reliable, petrol auto = Japanese

Watch for rust but otherwise should be low maintenance and reliable.

Could also look at a Mazda 3.

[66HFM]

It would depend what your budget was, you should also look at some insurance quotes on one the comparison websites as they may be a shock to you with not having driven in the country,,,

[StephenRet]

loskie said:

Do you have an appropriate licence?

Toyota Corolla or Auris

or Honda Civic

samoht said:

+1

Reliable, petrol auto = Japanese

Watch for rust but otherwise should be low maintenance and reliable.

Could also look at a Mazda 3.

Thanks both for replying. I have a provisional license, still need to pass the practical test

I will look at all three. Started with Auris, I can see 2013/14 models with 80K miles quoted around 5K on auto-trader. Is something like this recommended? I also see 2008/9 models quoted for around 4K. But I am not sure how reliable a 15year old car will be. Any particular Auris models to recommend/avoid?

Edited by StephenRet on Tuesday 23 July 07:32

[loskie]

Perhaps pass your test first