Advice on Car

[PNN]

Hiya all. I've just started working for myself self employed.
I have had to give back my company car which was a Golf.
I need to replace it with something that is quite reasonable, good reliability (I won't be using it too much - maybe only 10k per year) that gives a statement to my clients of assurance, reliability, etc.
Any ideas please - cheaper the better - around 2K ideal but would go to 3K.
Thanks for anyones help,.
w

[johnpeat]

I've said this 1000 times but I'll say it again - if you're spending under £4Kish then what you buy depends on what's available locally (no point in travelling) and the actual condition of those cars.

No point in deciding you need a mint green Polo 1.3GLXW 'Sailer' edition with the optional split tailgate if there are none available locally at the right price eh?

Then there's the other issue - and it's a BIG one - the issue of your car as part of your professional image. There are many views on this - if you're a high-priced consultant/contractor then you need to drive something which reflects that but not always something flashy as that can give the wrong message (that you're an overpriced flash prick, basically).

Fortunately, with your budget we don't need to worry about that too much - and so with much ado I give you

BMW 750

NEXT!!

[PNN]

Thanks for that. A BMW or something like that is the type of look I wanted to portray.

How many miles on a BMW engine is too much.

Alternatively what about Merc, Saab 93 or VWs??

[anonymous-user]

My money would go on one of the following:

- a very tidy MX-5 for that budget, reliable, great to drive, fairly neutral image & nice ones should have bottomed out in terms of depreciation.
- a 3\5 series of some flavour, reliable, decent image IMO, smart and loads to choose from.
- Volvo of some description (S60, V70, 850, C70), for the same reasons as the 3 series, dependable & projects a safe if a little dull image.

[anonymous-user]

I think most Mercs in that budget range are likely to have ropey bodywork with regards to rust - sub £3k you are straying into the era of Merc's cost-cutting.

[sparkythecat]

PNN said:

I have had to give back my company car which was a Golf.
I need to replace it with something that is quite reasonable, good reliability (I won't be using it too much - maybe only 10k per year) that gives a statement to my clients of assurance, reliability, etc.

In only two sentences you've mentioned reliability twice.
So, believe it not, what you really need is ............ a Golf.

The tag line to all the high profile adverts for the Golf was " If only everything in life was as reliable as a Volkswagen"

It's what you know and what you're used to and shouts steady and reliable. So just go and get one.

Not sure?

Then just watch these classic ads

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LW5ey3_bvVo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZ4OkL0l7xU&fea...

Paula Hamilton was gorgeous wasn't she?

Edited by sparkythecat on Wednesday 18th January 18:49

[marka239]

i was in the same position a little while ago and was torn between a 3 series and a saab 93.....the saab was a bit cheaper for a a newer vehicle but the bmw seemed more solid.

the mercs for that price are not good value for money.

stick with a bmw 3 or 5 series is my advice....but worth having a look at a golf or a saab 93.

think image!