Reliable second hand car for around 3k

[Matt11]

Is it possible to pick one up from this price point? Trying to avoid buying one that will need a couple of 2k putting it to repairs or something straight away

[brillomaster]

Japanese, naturally aspirated. Honda, Toyota or maybe mazda. Perhaps hyundai too.

Let us know what kind of car you're after, get this moved to car buying and the suggestions will start flooding in.

[ARH]

Yes, but in my experience cars at that price point will have been sold on as they are going to need expensive repairs quite soon. Most who own cars of that vintage only want a cheap car that works and is going to cost peanuts to run. So as soon as the costs look like adding up a bit they buy something else. Which I guess is why you might be looking for a car.

So be very careful, and it can be done, but unless you can fix it yourself or you really aren't fussy then i'ts probably very difficult.

[Dog Star]

I’d try and get hold of a Merc C class W204 salon or S204 estate with a petrol engine.

I bought one of these 3 years ago at auction and it’s simply fantastic car - very easy to work on. Cheap as chips parts and well made.

Loads of them about. Mines got 207000 on the clock and still looks great.

[Hoofy]

brillomaster said:

Japanese, naturally aspirated. Honda, Toyota or maybe mazda. Perhaps hyundai too.

Let us know what kind of car you're after, get this moved to car buying and the suggestions will start flooding in.

I agree. Something simple like a Toyota Yaris. Boring but cheap to maintain, tend to be reliable.

[Joel1988]

Mazda 2 2007-2015

Petrol engine

Check for oil sump leak and rust / broken rear suspension check mot history

[Matt11]

I'm not fuzzy I probably need something abit bigger than a Yaris. Anything up from that size really. Not bothered about looks or any fancy spec. I previously had a 2001 plate Suzuki swift for 12 years but rust has just about brought it to an end.

[v8notbrave]

Can you be more specific? What didn't take your fancy in the last 4 pages of input folk gave 4 weeks ago?

[Matt11]

Just release there isn't many legitimate private sellers any more with WBAC etc

[Matt11]

Dog Star said:

I d try and get hold of a Merc C class W204 salon or S204 estate with a petrol engine.

I bought one of these 3 years ago at auction and it s simply fantastic car - very easy to work on. Cheap as chips parts and well made.

Loads of them about. Mines got 207000 on the clock and still looks great.

An estate one of those would be good

[Lester H]

ARH said:

Yes, but in my experience cars at that price point will have been sold on as they are going to need expensive repairs quite soon. Most who own cars of that vintage only want a cheap car that works and is going to cost peanuts to run. So as soon as the costs look like adding up a bit they buy something else. Which I guess is why you might be looking for a car.

So be very careful, and it can be done, but unless you can fix it yourself or you really aren't fussy then i'ts probably very difficult.

Not sure about that, there on lots of elderly ladies who have their cars serviced and then move them on at four or so years old, because that’s what they, or their deceased husbands always did. As mentioned, you will need to do a bit of looking around, but these cars do exist. Think Yaris, Jazz, Mazda2, Polo , possibly a low mileage Panda.

[M.F.D]

Avensis or Accord with minimal rust. Job jobbed.

[Matt11]

Lester H said:

Not sure about that, there on lots of elderly ladies who have their cars serviced and then move them on at four or so years old, because that s what they, or their deceased husbands always did. As mentioned, you will need to do a bit of looking around, but these cars do exist. Think Yaris, Jazz, Mazda2, Polo , possibly a low mileage Panda.

Thank you

[Doesitdrive]

As always, the best 1.6 Focus you can find for the money.

[ARH]

Lester H said:

Not sure about that, there on lots of elderly ladies who have their cars serviced and then move them on at four or so years old, because that s what they, or their deceased husbands always did. As mentioned, you will need to do a bit of looking around, but these cars do exist. Think Yaris, Jazz, Mazda2, Polo , possibly a low mileage Panda.

you would be lucky to get anything 4 years old for £3k.

[Matt11]

Doesitdrive said:

As always, the best 1.6 Focus you can find for the money.

One of those would fit size wise. Is there any age group of these to try and avoid?

[Doesitdrive]

ARH said:

Lester H said:

Not sure about that, there on lots of elderly ladies who have their cars serviced and then move them on at four or so years old, because that s what they, or their deceased husbands always did. As mentioned, you will need to do a bit of looking around, but these cars do exist. Think Yaris, Jazz, Mazda2, Polo , possibly a low mileage Panda.

you would be lucky to get anything 4 years old for £3k.

Not a hope, the trade are paying 3k for good lowish miles 15 year old cars lol.

[ZX10R NIN]

Look locally for a good Astra there are lots out there & they're pretty bulletproof, as well as sensible running cost wise:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202608175...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202607304...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202608155...

5 door:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202608145...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202607174...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202605262...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202605192...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202605202...

Or an Insignia:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606293...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202608205...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606093...

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Sunday 23 August 20:05

[POIDH]

v8notbrave said:

Can you be more specific? What didn't take your fancy in the last 4 pages of input folk gave 4 weeks ago?

^ this

[Matt11]

ZX10R NIN said:

Look locally for a good Astra there are lots out there & they're pretty bulletproof, as well as sensible running cost wise:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202608175...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202607304...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202608155...

5 door:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202608145...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202607174...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202605262...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202605192...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202605202...

Or an Insignia:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606293...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202608205...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606093...

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Sunday 23 August 20:05

Thanks is there anything to look out for on the Turbo on these