First car suggestions with longish commute

[markirl]

Hi folks,

Looking for some guidance as I'm not really sure of this end of the market. Having moved from London, my sister is looking to buy her first car. Will be starting from scratch insurance wise but is 29 with her licence for over 10 years so hopefully that will help. Current requirements:

- Under £2k
- Reasonably respectable
- Insurable
- Comfortable and decent economy
- Capable of doing a 70-80 mile/day commute for a while

I know that she'd enjoy having something that's a good steer too but the main priority is cost to run & comfort.

A few suggestions I've thought of:
- 06-08 Mazda 3 https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
- 06-08 Civic 1.4/1.8: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
- 06 Corolla: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Any thoughts?

[andy118run]

Think you've hit the nail on the head already with those 3.

Jap and relatively low mileage. Didn't read the finer details though I did note the Honda has MOT until 1st July so you would want to be sure there's no big bill looming.
The Honda would be the best drive - I think the other two were sub-100bhp cars which would be hard work on a lengthy commute.

I can't really better three low mileage Japanese cars but other ideas might be -

Mini Cooper/One - have seen a few of these well under 2k with decent miles.
Mondeo 1.8 - used to have one, pretty simple/reliable engine, comfortable commuter car.
Focus 1.6/1.8 petrol - as above, uninspiring but largely reliable/comfy.
Also seen the odd 2.0 petrol Rav4 and Honda CRV floating around on Gumtree/ebay if she doesn't mind the size.

[Jag_NE]

The 2k mark is a pretty bad price point as you risk buying someone elses lemon but its that bit too expensive to scrap and just put down to experience like a 500 quid shed if something blows up 2 months in.

Assuming you wont be travelling far to buy a cheap car, id forget about make and model and find something that is super honest (ideally 1 owner), top condition, full history, ideally lower mileage etc, from a credible private seller.

Alternatively, it may be worth considering getting a bank loan for c,10k and buying something nearly new. No hassle and take a long term view. No bills for the first 3 years or so, modern engines so better fuel economy, and safer.

[markirl]

Thanks for advice so far, not looking at exactly those 3 cars, more the idea for models - I always stick to the 1/2 owner, full service history rule and have found in the past that it's reasonably easy to find a decent gem if you're patient. I immediately thought Mondeo/Focus but concerned re insurance.

Bank loan is a no-go, totally counterproductive, debt is a terrible idea for this purpose.

Any hints re insure-ability or good cars for first time insurance candidates that aren't 17?!