What £2k car for a relative....? (yawn)
What £2k car for a relative....? (yawn)
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C.A.R.

Original Poster:

3,983 posts

205 months

Tuesday 10th July 2012
quotequote all
Right, after talking a relative out of getting a motorbike with the money he received recently and into changing the family car, I need to suggest something sensible (and least-boring!)

The current steed is a ropey, old Picasso 1.6. He gets about 450 miles from a tankful (apparently) which is close to the manufacturers' claim of 37mpg. The old Citroen has had it, the starter motor has gone, the interior is destroyed and the exterior is like that of a car that may have survived the end of the world once already.

Realistically the budget is going to be about £2,000. He does around 15,000 miles a year (commuting and ferrying people about) but the most important part is there are 3 young children, aged 5, 2 and 6 months, hence the big car.

He's looking at old BMW 3-series. Very PH. Unfortunately with his budget and the money he puts towards maintenance, this is probably a very bad idea.

My first suggestion was a frugal-if-dull Vauxhall Zafira. Meant to be a bit more dynamic in the driving department than a Ford Galaxy or similar.

What would your suggestions be?

Matt777

566 posts

224 months

Tuesday 10th July 2012
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A clean Zafira would be a good choice as mentioned - or perhaps a Focus estate, but not to sure how these are in terms of room/space.

For me personally, safety would be the top of my agenda for transporting young un's on a budget - the driving expereince would not be too much of a priority for me.

CoopsTurbo

27 posts

158 months

Tuesday 10th July 2012
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My mams had a zafira for about 7 years now and its been a very reliable, safe and comfy vehicle, if he can pick one up in the 2 grand budget then rock on. my mams is the 2.0 turbo diesel and its done 130k now I think and its just about run in, rock solid engine :-)

C.A.R.

Original Poster:

3,983 posts

205 months

Tuesday 10th July 2012
quotequote all
That's my argument, the Zafira is supposedly quite safe. He's also a lanky bloke, so a tall seating position might benefit him.

What engine though? He has a 1.6 now, the Zafira's in his budget have either a 1.6 petrol or 1.8, or a 2.0 DTi.

Krikkit

27,574 posts

198 months

Tuesday 10th July 2012
quotequote all
Matt777 said:
A clean Zafira would be a good choice as mentioned - or perhaps a Focus estate, but not to sure how these are in terms of room/space.

For me personally, safety would be the top of my agenda for transporting young un's on a budget - the driving expereince would not be too much of a priority for me.
Me too - a Renault (although b0rk is high) or Volvo would be my shortlist.