Total newb needs hive mind for family car recommendation

[Slinkywizard]

In three months' time, my company is giving me a Nizzan Leaf 2. Problem is, I need a car now. Needs to be suitable for family of four with plenty of room for kids in the back, safe etc. Since it's just filling time I don't want to spend more than £2,000. But I have literally no idea to start. There are tons of cars around within this budget and I have no idea what the best choices are. Someone on my Twitter recommended a 2008-2010 Zafira. I would love to hear the thoughts of those who know. Thanks in advance.

[shtu]

I'd go for either,

Buy something very cheap and local with enough MOT to see you through.
or
Speak to local (not chain) car hire places and do a deal on a long term rental.

I'd also see what your company can do - if that's a company car as part of the T&Cs of your job, they really should be putting you in something now.

[Slinkywizard]

Yeah, I think the rental would be a non-starter as I would be losing money then. The idea is to buy a car that's old enough, within budget, so it won't depreciate much/at all during the next three months or so. So I get the value back once I have the company car.

As for my company, well they're great, but they are also verrrrrrrrry slooooooooooow when it comes to sorting things like this out.

Any recommendations of make and model? That really is my biggest problem; knowing where to start. I have no idea what cars would offer me the best value or be likely to cause me the fewest problems.

[flatso]

What is your driving profile?

[Slinkywizard]

What's a driving profile? I just Googled it and got nothing. When I said total newb, I meant total newb. Last car I owned as w van and that was five years ago. Bought it, used it to move halfway across the country, sold it again. Before that I hadn't had a car for 10 years.

[ZX10R NIN]

Go for the nicest Mondeo you can find locally & you'll be fine.

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

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

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

Mazda6

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

Vectra

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

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

[Summit_Detailing]

Avensis or Mondeo should see you through the 3-months.

cheers,

Chris

[browna]

something boring, hatchback, petrol, pref Japanese with a new MOT will give you least grief and be easiest to sell on after. mazda 3, civic or a focus id say. you'll always loose some money if you buy from a car dealer. do you know anyone whos good with cars? best bargains are on facebook/gumtree/ebay but its also a bit of a minefield at this price.

Edited by browna on Wednesday 5th June 15:28