£5,000.00 Car Buying Advice
Discussion
Hello folks,
In the market for a first car, I am 28 and have 2 kids, so need enough space for 2 child seats, at a minimum. Been looking at family hatchbacks generally, VW Golf, Ford Focus, Mazda 3, Seat Leon, etc. I want to buy this car with cash, with it being my first one (don't want to damage one on PCP, etc). I have £5,000.00 to spend, which is not a lot in the current market, but should hopefully be able to find something suitable. I would like to run it for a few years at least whilst I build up driving experience. I'd like to not lose loads in a few years, but given the market, think this is inevitable!
I am looking for good reliability, decent tax, and good MPG. A lot of my driving will be commuting to work, on A & B roads (plus 2 miles of city driving) for a total of 36-38 miles a day. I was also not sure if this could warrant a diesel car - my annual mileage will be around 10,000 to 12,000 I would expect. The other journeys will likely be quite short, but with some motorway driving occasionally.
I do really like the look of VW Golfs, which at this price are MK6. I seem to be able to get a 2.0 TDI (140) or 1.4 TSI (122). I am looking for ones with FSH and the timing belt/chain (in the TSI) changed/revised where necessary. The mileage varies between 80-110K at this price.
What I am asking is therefore:
1. Would you get a diesel for the above usage - when would you? I don't live in ULEZ area, but changes in regulation would likely affect them more.
2. Are there any other models I should consider?
3. When buying, is there anything I should take particular note of? Is there a way to differentiate between independent dealers? i.e online reviews etc.
Thanks!
In the market for a first car, I am 28 and have 2 kids, so need enough space for 2 child seats, at a minimum. Been looking at family hatchbacks generally, VW Golf, Ford Focus, Mazda 3, Seat Leon, etc. I want to buy this car with cash, with it being my first one (don't want to damage one on PCP, etc). I have £5,000.00 to spend, which is not a lot in the current market, but should hopefully be able to find something suitable. I would like to run it for a few years at least whilst I build up driving experience. I'd like to not lose loads in a few years, but given the market, think this is inevitable!
I am looking for good reliability, decent tax, and good MPG. A lot of my driving will be commuting to work, on A & B roads (plus 2 miles of city driving) for a total of 36-38 miles a day. I was also not sure if this could warrant a diesel car - my annual mileage will be around 10,000 to 12,000 I would expect. The other journeys will likely be quite short, but with some motorway driving occasionally.
I do really like the look of VW Golfs, which at this price are MK6. I seem to be able to get a 2.0 TDI (140) or 1.4 TSI (122). I am looking for ones with FSH and the timing belt/chain (in the TSI) changed/revised where necessary. The mileage varies between 80-110K at this price.
What I am asking is therefore:
1. Would you get a diesel for the above usage - when would you? I don't live in ULEZ area, but changes in regulation would likely affect them more.
2. Are there any other models I should consider?
3. When buying, is there anything I should take particular note of? Is there a way to differentiate between independent dealers? i.e online reviews etc.
Thanks!
Didn't you make almost the same thread a month ago?
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
A whole bunch of cars were recommended to you then. When do you think you'll be able to buy a car?
Anyway, I'd avoid the Mk6 Golf, especially the TSI petrols. The TDI isn't too bad as long as it has been serviced properly. Mk6 Golfs have problems with water ingress, so try and check the car out after it has been raining, lift up the mats and check for damp carpet. Same goes for Audi A3s, Seat Leons and Skoda Octavias of the same age.
Autotrader is the safest way to buy cars, much more so than ebay, gumtree or facebook, as they perform more checks and Cat C/D/S/N cars are usually flagged. It's still not perfect though. At £5000, I'd be looking at both trade and private sellers.
For trade sellers, check the reviews - I normally avoid any with no reviews or with less than 4 stars. Also check google maps reviews and facebook. Search the trader name on Companies House, avoid any traders less than a year old; check they haven't changed the company name, google the name of the company owner, if they seem dodgy, avoid. Avoid traders that don't have a landline number, a company website and proper trading premesis. For private sellers, use your judgement - if they seem scummy, avoid them.
Search the reg on the govermnent MOT checker website, check the car has been MOT'd every year and the mileages make sense. Avoid anything where there is a year missing, or if there are discrepancies in the mileage. MOT fails for consumables like bulbs, tyres, brakes, etc are ok, but be wary of things like oil leaks, corrosion and emissions test fails. Also, if something like the rear pads needed changing at only 20,000 miles, that could suggest the mileage isn't true! Also a good idea to search the reg on the Facebook Dodgy Cars page, it's quick and free and could save you from having bought a car with unrecorded damage, etc.
Finally, when you have found a car that you are ready to buy, purchase a VCheck or HPI check on the car to check for things like outstanding finance.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
A whole bunch of cars were recommended to you then. When do you think you'll be able to buy a car?
Anyway, I'd avoid the Mk6 Golf, especially the TSI petrols. The TDI isn't too bad as long as it has been serviced properly. Mk6 Golfs have problems with water ingress, so try and check the car out after it has been raining, lift up the mats and check for damp carpet. Same goes for Audi A3s, Seat Leons and Skoda Octavias of the same age.
Autotrader is the safest way to buy cars, much more so than ebay, gumtree or facebook, as they perform more checks and Cat C/D/S/N cars are usually flagged. It's still not perfect though. At £5000, I'd be looking at both trade and private sellers.
For trade sellers, check the reviews - I normally avoid any with no reviews or with less than 4 stars. Also check google maps reviews and facebook. Search the trader name on Companies House, avoid any traders less than a year old; check they haven't changed the company name, google the name of the company owner, if they seem dodgy, avoid. Avoid traders that don't have a landline number, a company website and proper trading premesis. For private sellers, use your judgement - if they seem scummy, avoid them.
Search the reg on the govermnent MOT checker website, check the car has been MOT'd every year and the mileages make sense. Avoid anything where there is a year missing, or if there are discrepancies in the mileage. MOT fails for consumables like bulbs, tyres, brakes, etc are ok, but be wary of things like oil leaks, corrosion and emissions test fails. Also, if something like the rear pads needed changing at only 20,000 miles, that could suggest the mileage isn't true! Also a good idea to search the reg on the Facebook Dodgy Cars page, it's quick and free and could save you from having bought a car with unrecorded damage, etc.
Finally, when you have found a car that you are ready to buy, purchase a VCheck or HPI check on the car to check for things like outstanding finance.
dcoa1993 said:
Hello folks,
In the market for a first car, I am 28 and have 2 kids, so need enough space for 2 child seats, at a minimum. Been looking at family hatchbacks generally, VW Golf, Ford Focus, Mazda 3, Seat Leon, etc. I want to buy this car with cash, with it being my first one (don't want to damage one on PCP, etc). I have £5,000.00 to spend, which is not a lot in the current market, but should hopefully be able to find something suitable. I would like to run it for a few years at least whilst I build up driving experience. I'd like to not lose loads in a few years, but given the market, think this is inevitable!
I am looking for good reliability, decent tax, and good MPG. A lot of my driving will be commuting to work, on A & B roads (plus 2 miles of city driving) for a total of 36-38 miles a day. I was also not sure if this could warrant a diesel car - my annual mileage will be around 10,000 to 12,000 I would expect. The other journeys will likely be quite short, but with some motorway driving occasionally.
I do really like the look of VW Golfs, which at this price are MK6. I seem to be able to get a 2.0 TDI (140) or 1.4 TSI (122). I am looking for ones with FSH and the timing belt/chain (in the TSI) changed/revised where necessary. The mileage varies between 80-110K at this price.
What I am asking is therefore:
1. Would you get a diesel for the above usage - when would you? I don't live in ULEZ area, but changes in regulation would likely affect them more.
2. Are there any other models I should consider?
3. When buying, is there anything I should take particular note of? Is there a way to differentiate between independent dealers? i.e online reviews etc.
Thanks!
Your budget will land you a smart nicely spec'd car either Focus or Insignia sized car all 2011 or newer with 80k or less.In the market for a first car, I am 28 and have 2 kids, so need enough space for 2 child seats, at a minimum. Been looking at family hatchbacks generally, VW Golf, Ford Focus, Mazda 3, Seat Leon, etc. I want to buy this car with cash, with it being my first one (don't want to damage one on PCP, etc). I have £5,000.00 to spend, which is not a lot in the current market, but should hopefully be able to find something suitable. I would like to run it for a few years at least whilst I build up driving experience. I'd like to not lose loads in a few years, but given the market, think this is inevitable!
I am looking for good reliability, decent tax, and good MPG. A lot of my driving will be commuting to work, on A & B roads (plus 2 miles of city driving) for a total of 36-38 miles a day. I was also not sure if this could warrant a diesel car - my annual mileage will be around 10,000 to 12,000 I would expect. The other journeys will likely be quite short, but with some motorway driving occasionally.
I do really like the look of VW Golfs, which at this price are MK6. I seem to be able to get a 2.0 TDI (140) or 1.4 TSI (122). I am looking for ones with FSH and the timing belt/chain (in the TSI) changed/revised where necessary. The mileage varies between 80-110K at this price.
What I am asking is therefore:
1. Would you get a diesel for the above usage - when would you? I don't live in ULEZ area, but changes in regulation would likely affect them more.
2. Are there any other models I should consider?
3. When buying, is there anything I should take particular note of? Is there a way to differentiate between independent dealers? i.e online reviews etc.
Thanks!
2.0d Giulietta Veloce 170
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112100...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111159...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111149...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112150...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112100...
1.4T Veloce 170
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112110...
2.0d Insignia Elite 160
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110128...
SRI 160
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111300...
1.8i SRI 120
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111300...
2.0i Mazda6 150 based on the Mondeo not quite as good a steer but you get a newer car then the Mondeo, also don't go for the 2.2d of this era it has some inherent issues:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107145...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110138...
1.6T Focus Titanium 150 the best steer in class & a very good car on top of that:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102048...
2.0d VW Jetta SE at your price point these are the better VW to buy
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110268...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111069...
1.6d Kia Ceed 3 good cars but there are better cars listed above
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112170...
Leftfield
MG6 GT TSE 160 well under budget don't really have any issues & they're cheap.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111159...
I forgot to say with your usage a diesel will be fine, one thing I will disagree with George about is reviewing the dealer it really has no bearing on the car.
You buy the car on it's condition/spec/mileage & receipts even the best dealers get pups, by all means do your checks but buy on condition.
You buy the car on it's condition/spec/mileage & receipts even the best dealers get pups, by all means do your checks but buy on condition.
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