Help to find a used car for under 2.5k

[fendertele]

Hey folks, not been driving for a few years as wasn't required in old job, new job will require some commuting and need to get myself a cheap little runner but I'll be honest I have no idea when it comes to cars other than how to drive them and change a tyre.

I've been putting off buying something through fear of buying a banger/lemon so any help with this would be much appreciated and I will go with your good judgment.

Thanks

[fendertele]

Forgot to mention I'm near Glasgow if that helps to point me in direction of something.

[dontlookdown]

If you just want a cheap and reliable runabout, something Japanese and petrol is the answer. Small Toyota or Honda. Buy on condition as much as age.

Bought a 2004 Yaris for my daughter to learn to drive in about 9 months ago. It's required nothing but fuel and 1 new tyre (puncture) in that time, despite being as old as she is;) it's even OK to drive, in its own way.

Not ideal on the motorway though.

[fendertele]

dontlookdown said:

If you just want a cheap and reliable runabout, something Japanese and petrol is the answer. Small Toyota or Honda. Buy on condition as much as age.

Bought a 2004 Yaris for my daughter to learn to drive in about 9 months ago. It's required nothing but fuel and 1 new tyre (puncture) in that time, despite being as old as she is;) it's even OK to drive, in its own way.

Not ideal on the motorway though.

Hi thanks funny enough the two cars I had in mind were toyota yaris and honda civic but my main issue is not being able to tell if what im buying has any problems and is likely to fall to pieces within a month or two...and when you say not ideal for motorway is this consumption wise or the ability to build up speed ? as my work involves motorway driving daily around 15 miles.

thanks

[soad]

Check MOT history (online), will tell a lot if the advisories were/are taken care of.

Check if all tyres match, usually enough photos.

[scoey1001]

Check mot history, check service history (Has it been well looked after? Oil changes, Cambelt etc.)

Take it on a decent test drive and listen for any unwanted noises.

Check everything works e.g Aircon, don't trust a seller who says it 'just needs a regas'. Also don't take someones word that a cambelt/clutch etc. has been replaced if they don't have the paperwork to back it up and factor this into what you are willing to pay. There are some dodgy sellers out there but use your instinct and hopefully you will find a genuine car from a genuine seller.

[fendertele]

scoey1001 said:

Check mot history, check service history (Has it been well looked after? Oil changes, Cambelt etc.)

Take it on a decent test drive and listen for any unwanted noises.

Check everything works e.g Aircon, don't trust a seller who says it 'just needs a regas'. Also don't take someones word that a cambelt/clutch etc. has been replaced if they don't have the paperwork to back it up and factor this into what you are willing to pay. There are some dodgy sellers out there but use your instinct and hopefully you will find a genuine car from a genuine seller.

Regarding the cambelt/clutch is there a average amount of miles this should be getting replaced ? If I check a cars MOT and it looks good in each one is this enough to go on ?

[fendertele]

Also I know its highly recommended to test drive but due to not having a car and the distance that some of these vehicles are from me, would you suggest against them dropping it off and paying for it without one ?

[dontlookdown]

fendertele said:

Also I know its highly recommended to test drive but due to not having a car and the distance that some of these vehicles are from me, would you suggest against them dropping it off and paying for it without one ?

On your budget a test drive would be much better. Ideally also take a mate who is more knowledgeable if you can.

Advice above 're MOT history check and HPI check also impt.

Try and buy local if you can. Makes life much simpler.

Good luck!

[andyalan10]

At that sort of budget I would be looking around for a friend, family member, neighbour, work colleague who had more knowledge than you seem to have.

I absolutely wouldn't be saying to someone "Please deliver whatever you like to my house, I'll give you the money...."

At that sort of money, indeed any sort of money, I think it is really important to judge the seller as much as the car.

Ideally you would be buying locally and privately from a nice guy with a nice house, or maybe a local trader/dealer who has a choice of cars at that sort of money, and a decent reputation locally to maintain.

[andyalan10]

You don't have to follow my advice, you can follow dontlookdown's if you like...

[dontlookdown]

andyalan10 said:

You don't have to follow my advice, you can follow dontlookdown's if you like...

Indeed. Agreement on PH, whatever next!

[Scootersp]

You say you've not had a car for a few years, so first thing at your budget would be to check insurance..........you might have lost all no claims and so depending on your age etc it might be pricey.

Are you near G32 8HH ?

[Seattaken]

fendertele said:

Forgot to mention I'm near Glasgow if that helps to point me in direction of something.

Search in London for non ULEZ compliant cars, some great bargains to be had ATM

[ZX10R NIN]

What do you need the car to do would a small hatch be okay?

Something like an Astra is a very good pick:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107295...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109207...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109137...

Do a VCheck/M.O.T History Check & make sure that the seller has receipts for any work carried out, if they don't have them then it never happened.

Check everything works & DON''T ever buy a car without a Log Book.

[juice]

soad said:

Check MOT history (online), will tell a lot if the advisories were/are taken care of.

Check if all tyres match, usually enough photos.

I bought my Jazz (07 - with 70K) on the strength of

Full Honda history and matching Goodyears all round with loads of tread. It was only 1700 quid. If someone was prepared to do that for what was basically a shed (in monetary terms) then it was more than likely to be a good 'un

[georgeyboy12345]

I believe Glasgow are in the process of introducing a clean air zone (if they haven't already), so you'll need something compliant - you don't want to be paying £5-£10 per day just to drive your car!

Just had a look on autotrader, it might be worth checking out this JMC Cars place, they have a few decent things in that look solid

Honda Civic 1.8 i-VTEC SE - this is what I'd pick
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108316...

Hyundai i20 1.4 Style
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108246...

Suzuki Swift 1.5 GLX
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108116...


Then these are also worth a look

Mazda 2 1.3 TS
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108196...

Seat Ibiza 1.4 Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107074...

[Terzo123]

georgeyboy12345 said:

I believe Glasgow are in the process of introducing a clean air zone (if they haven't already), so you'll need something compliant - you don't want to be paying £5-£10 per day just to drive your car!

Correct, although i believe it's been delayed a year.

There is currently a deal being offered to folk on benefits in the Glasgow area, £2500 to scrap their car. There are certain other stipulations, but that's the gist of it. This could have an impact on cars available.

As another poster said, id look to family members, neighbours or other people you know at that budget.

Failing that, and if you know how to cut the wheat from the chaff, then Facebook market place has some hidden gems, but you need to wade through a lot of dross to find them. Interrogation of the pictures, ad wording and MOT history checks can help with this, prior to any visual inspection.

[fendertele]

Hey everyone thanks for all the replies unfortunately I don't have anyone that's any more knowledgeable than myself.

With this change about to come into play in a years time and my limited budget would I maybe be better opting for a lease deal ? one that comes with insurance as I know I no longer have any no claims bonus.

Open to any suggestions.

Thanks

[nobrakes]

If you’re in Glasgow I wouldn’t worry if the AC doesn’t work.

It will put others off buying the car but at your stage - just roll the windows down.

Focus on the basics. Don’t be put off if it’s an awful colour or basic spec.