2.5k which used car should I go for?
2.5k which used car should I go for?
Author
Discussion

problemsallthetime

Original Poster:

84 posts

47 months

Friday 23rd June 2023
quotequote all
My bmw 1 series went pop and was beyond repair. I need a car urgently for work (35 mile commute each way)

What car should I be looking for if I want reliability and cheap insurance? I have 2.5k max.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Xcore

1,485 posts

117 months

Friday 23rd June 2023
quotequote all
Dacia

problemsallthetime

Original Poster:

84 posts

47 months

Friday 23rd June 2023
quotequote all
Xcore said:
Dacia
Thank you. Any particular model?

soad

34,491 posts

203 months

Friday 23rd June 2023
quotequote all
Suzuki Swift GLS/SZ3, Nissan Note (1.6) Tekna. Both chain-driven, go for manual. Only 5 speed gearboxes though, I managed just fine on the motorways.

Headlights are rather poor. It’s fun to spin up the front tyres in a low-powered car, at times. wink

ChrisH72

3,009 posts

79 months

Friday 23rd June 2023
quotequote all
My first thought was Toyota diesel.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023060481...

Surely can't get much cheaper for 70 mile a day commute.

You could look at the Auris or Avensis if it needs to be bigger.

ZX Nin often finds some good cheap diesel Mercs if you wanted to keep a posh badge.

problemsallthetime

Original Poster:

84 posts

47 months

Friday 23rd June 2023
quotequote all
soad said:
Suzuki Swift GLS/SZ3, Nissan Note (1.6) Tekna. Both chain-driven, go for manual. Only 5 speed gearboxes though, I managed just fine on the motorways.

Headlights are rather poor. It’s fun to spin up the front tyres in a low-powered car, at times. wink
Thank you for your suggestions not many Suzuki swifts near me (Nottingham). Wheres the best place to look for cars is it Autotrader?

And I bet - bit scary for me though wink

problemsallthetime

Original Poster:

84 posts

47 months

Friday 23rd June 2023
quotequote all
ChrisH72 said:
My first thought was Toyota diesel.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023060481...

Surely can't get much cheaper for 70 mile a day commute.

You could look at the Auris or Avensis if it needs to be bigger.

ZX Nin often finds some good cheap diesel Mercs if you wanted to keep a posh badge.
Car looks great thank you but Lancashire is a bit far from Nottingham! I’ll have a look at the Auris.

Not bothered about posh badge reliability above all else!

soad

34,491 posts

203 months

Friday 23rd June 2023
quotequote all
Autotrader/eBay, even on Pistonheads. Stock varies by location. Check MOT history online first.

bearman68

4,929 posts

159 months

Friday 23rd June 2023
quotequote all
PM me if you want - I have a business offering help in these circumstances that won't cost you a fortune, and will provide a risk free option.

The right answer is the Yaris 1.4 D4D. Or a petrol one if you feel more comfortable with that.


ChrisH72

3,009 posts

79 months

Friday 23rd June 2023
quotequote all
This one is in Derby, not too far.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023061384...

It's rocking the shed look with the steel wheels and it's very hard to tell how bad the body work is!

But contacting Bearman is a very good plan, he's been around the forums for ages and seems very well respected. Cars that are cheap to buy and run but do the job is his speciality.

problemsallthetime

Original Poster:

84 posts

47 months

Friday 23rd June 2023
quotequote all
soad said:
Autotrader/eBay, even on Pistonheads. Stock varies by location. Check MOT history online first.
Great, thank you will look at all those.

problemsallthetime

Original Poster:

84 posts

47 months

Friday 23rd June 2023
quotequote all
bearman68 said:
PM me if you want - I have a business offering help in these circumstances that won't cost you a fortune, and will provide a risk free option.

The right answer is the Yaris 1.4 D4D. Or a petrol one if you feel more comfortable with that.
Just sent you an email

problemsallthetime

Original Poster:

84 posts

47 months

Friday 23rd June 2023
quotequote all
ChrisH72 said:
This one is in Derby, not too far.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023061384...

It's rocking the shed look with the steel wheels and it's very hard to tell how bad the body work is!

But contacting Bearman is a very good plan, he's been around the forums for ages and seems very well respected. Cars that are cheap to buy and run but do the job is his speciality.
Thanks for this! I went to look at a Mazda 2 which looked immaculate but when I got to the garage it had two flat tyres incredible rust and lots of body damage!

ChrisH72

3,009 posts

79 months

Friday 23rd June 2023
quotequote all
I think I'd go see the Derby Yaris if possible.

The description sounds quite genuine. Being black it's hard to tell from those pics. On first glance it's got some large scratches but they could just be reflections as it seems polished. The bin bag on the seat may be hiding something or could be just to protect it. Long MOT and sounds like it's been maintained pretty well.

SFTWend

1,400 posts

102 months

Friday 23rd June 2023
quotequote all
Anything small and Japanese for reliability.

At this price point mechanical condition and maintenance history more important than cosmetics.

SFTWend

1,400 posts

102 months

Friday 23rd June 2023
quotequote all
Anything small and Japanese for reliability.

At this price point mechanical condition and maintenance history more important than cosmetics.

Vsix and Vtec

1,399 posts

45 months

Friday 23rd June 2023
quotequote all
Honda Civic 1.4. Super reliable and good on fuel too

bearman68

4,929 posts

159 months

Friday 23rd June 2023
quotequote all
ChrisH72 said:
This one is in Derby, not too far.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023061384...

It's rocking the shed look with the steel wheels and it's very hard to tell how bad the body work is!

But contacting Bearman is a very good plan, he's been around the forums for ages and seems very well respected. Cars that are cheap to buy and run but do the job is his speciality.
Nice of you to say Chris - cheque in the post. rofl

Whataguy

1,127 posts

107 months

Saturday 24th June 2023
quotequote all
Vsix and Vtec said:
Honda Civic 1.4. Super reliable and good on fuel too
The 1.4 could be a bargain, people preferred the 1.8 but I've driven the 1.4 and it's actually OK.

More than enough power for normal driving.

biggbn

31,707 posts

247 months

Saturday 24th June 2023
quotequote all
A Toyota, Kia or Hyundai of some flavour. The 'bigger' saloons are always cheap. Dull, worthy, spacious, reliable.