Car advice. (6 Viewers)

[stupot07]

The missus car just had a service and mot. It's a mk1 focus 2004, 1.6 petrol with 90k miles. Had to get the brakes sorted to get it through the MOT, but it really needs the timing belt doing, new battery, fuel filter, and some other stuff, circa £500 on top of the £420 I've just spent.

We're just trying to weigh up if its worth it or whether it's best to get rid and get a new used car circa £2-3k as the current car is only worth about £700. I'm a bit worried that after 4-5 years of being lucky with it, its now going to be one thing after another and be a right drain ££££.

Would welcome your advice. I'm a bit rubbish with cars.

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[Astute]

If you want reliable go Japanese. Get a car with a timing chain instead of a timing belt. Chains rattle well before failing. You get no warning with a belt. And most chains last the lifetime of the car. It would be a guess saying how the present car will go in the future. But with the age comes more of a chance of problems. I run 2 cars older and one that is 2008.

The car I put most of our mileage on is now on 168,000. Just passed the MOT first time for 6 years consecutive. Only ever failed on small things. Japanese reliability.

 

[duffer]

The missus car just had a service and mot. It's a mk1 focus 2004, 1.6 petrol with 90k miles. Had to get the brakes sorted to get it through the MOT, but it really needs the timing belt doing, new battery, fuel filter, and some other stuff, circa £500 on top of the £420 I've just spent.

We're just trying to weigh up if its worth it or whether it's best to get rid and get a new used car circa £2-3k as the current car is only worth about £700. I'm a bit worried that after 4-5 years of being lucky with it, its now going to be one thing after another and be a right drain ££££.

Would welcome your advice. I'm a bit rubbish with cars.

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It's always a tough call this, imho mate. Although you might be at the point where you're going to get progressively more niggles to sort on the old one, it's also a bit of a gamble buying a motor for 2/3k, again, imho. You'll probably be looking at something a few years newer than yours, but maybe with 20/30k less on the clock.

Obviously I don't know your financial situation, but there are some pretty cheap lease deals on new/nearly new cars, especially if you're looking at less than 8000 miles/year and you're ok with a small to mid sized hatchback. Of course you're effectively renting the car for a few years here, so there's no resale when you chop it in.

Or if you could stretch to a bit more up front then when you get to the 6k mark you're looking at a newer model Focus with 50ish k and FSH, that would look lower risk to me.

Let us know what kind of thing you're looking for in terms of size and use, and I'd be happy to throw some thoughts your way.

Alternatively, it might be worth seeing if you can get a better deal on fixing up the old one; gut feel is that the prices you're being quoted there are a bit on the high side, o know some reasonably decent garages, could be worth another quote or two?

 

[skybluetony176]

The missus car just had a service and mot. It's a mk1 focus 2004, 1.6 petrol with 90k miles. Had to get the brakes sorted to get it through the MOT, but it really needs the timing belt doing, new battery, fuel filter, and some other stuff, circa £500 on top of the £420 I've just spent.

We're just trying to weigh up if its worth it or whether it's best to get rid and get a new used car circa £2-3k as the current car is only worth about £700. I'm a bit worried that after 4-5 years of being lucky with it, its now going to be one thing after another and be a right drain ££££.

Would welcome your advice. I'm a bit rubbish with cars.

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You’ve got to weigh up how much longer the car is going to last. Did it have any advisories on the MOT? If has corrosion warnings, emission warnings or any other major advisories it probably isn’t worth spending too much money on if it’s looking like it won’t pass its next MOT without spending a load getting corrosion sorted or if it’s so near to failing emmisions it probably won’t pass again. If it’s solid and we’ll within it’s emissions threshold then I’d be of the opinion that it’s probably worth spending some money on, if you can make an educated guess that you’re going to get the value of the money you spend on it back over a couple of MOT’s and therefore years then it’s probably worth the risk regardless of the sales value of the car.

 

[Grendel]

Some lease deals are out there. £130 a month on a Citroen C3 with £130 down

 

[stupot07]

Thanks for the advice, yeah it's a toughy, its been a solid car for the last 3-4 years, but we seem to have a spent a lot on it in the last 12 months or so.

I've attached the advisory notes and emissions. Seems to be quite within range.

You've definitely given me some food for thought, I'd definitely go down the leasing route as I lease mine, but she does far too much mileage to make it worth while.

Really point Duffer, about the risks of spending £2-3k. I'm definitely going to get a few quotes for the other works. If we we're to replace we'd probably be looking size wise fiesta or bigger, as she does a lot of mileage taking our eldest to school every day.

I just feel a bit nervous about it, as I had a mondeo had to replace the turbo, then within 18 months the flywheel went. Plus other bits with the brakes,etc..

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[stupot07]

If you want reliable go Japanese. Get a car with a timing chain instead of a timing belt. Chains rattle well before failing. You get no warning with a belt. And most chains last the lifetime of the car. It would be a guess saying how the present car will go in the future. But with the age comes more of a chance of problems. I run 2 cars older and one that is 2008.

The car I put most of our mileage on is now on 168,000. Just passed the MOT first time for 6 years consecutive. Only ever failed on small things. Japanese reliability.

My Grandad always used to swear by Honda, he had 2-3 civics, never a problem.

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[fernandopartridge]

My Grandad always used to swear by Honda, he had 2-3 civics, never a problem.

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Any mechanic will tell you to buy Japanese (albeit often made in England). I used to have a Hyundai that was exceptionally reliable so they're worth looking at too, an i30 second hand you could get for £3k

 

[skybluetony176]

Thanks for the advice, yeah it's a toughy, its been a solid car for the last 3-4 years, but we seem to have a spent a lot on it in the last 12 months or so.

I've attached the advisory notes and emissions. Seems to be quite within range.

You've definitely given me some food for thought, I'd definitely go down the leasing route as I lease mine, but she does far too much mileage to make it worth while.

Really point Duffer, about the risks of spending £2-3k. I'm definitely going to get a few quotes for the other works. If we we're to replace we'd probably be looking size wise fiesta or bigger, as she does a lot of mileage taking our eldest to school every day.

I just feel a bit nervous about it, as I had a mondeo had to replace the turbo, then within 18 months the flywheel went. Plus other bits with the brakes,etc..

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Might be time to wave it goodbye on the corrosion. Only surface at the moment but there’s no way of knowing how fast it takes hold and if we have a harsh winter before your next MOT and they chuck loads of salt on the road it could be the final nail in the coffin.

 

[SBAndy]

Out of interest, what do you deem “far too much mileage”?

 

[Sick Boy]

My parents bought a new Hyundai and within two months the handbrake gave way on a hill.

 

[fernandopartridge]

My parents bought a new Hyundai and within two months the handbrake gave way on a hill.

I had mine from new in 2011, had it 7 years with no problems at all. I suppose they've probably got electronic handbrake now mind

 

[Paxman II]

I don't agree reliability is a Japanese thing. I have a old Jag S Type (2003 model) that is in superb condition and passes MOT every time.
I simply look after it and replace anything that needs doing using jaguar parts and not after market crap. Saying that I have never had to do a lot over the 8 years I've owned it.
Will be sad to see it go in all honesty but I have reasons for needing a 4x4. Message me if you are interested. It's got all the toys and exrtras plus SatNav etc etc.
1200 but will knock 200 off for a fellow supporter. Absolute bargain tbf.

 

[Grendel]

Out of interest, what do you deem “far too much mileage”?

I assume it’s done 20,000 in a year looking at the image

 

[SBAndy]

I assume it’s done 20,000 in a year looking at the image

Helps if I look. Albeit I notice previous years were lower. New job including travel or an anomaly?

 

[Astute]

Thanks for the advice, yeah it's a toughy, its been a solid car for the last 3-4 years, but we seem to have a spent a lot on it in the last 12 months or so.

I've attached the advisory notes and emissions. Seems to be quite within range.

You've definitely given me some food for thought, I'd definitely go down the leasing route as I lease mine, but she does far too much mileage to make it worth while.

Really point Duffer, about the risks of spending £2-3k. I'm definitely going to get a few quotes for the other works. If we we're to replace we'd probably be looking size wise fiesta or bigger, as she does a lot of mileage taking our eldest to school every day.

I just feel a bit nervous about it, as I had a mondeo had to replace the turbo, then within 18 months the flywheel went. Plus other bits with the brakes,etc..

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I paid £1,500 For my Toyota. Got a right bargain. DVD player with screens in headrest. 7 seater but looks more like a car. Only did 28,000 in it in the last year. This is low for me. Think nothing of driving from Cumbria to South central France to visit family.

Most important is to get one with a full service history if you don't know about cars. You will pay a little more but it is worth it. I would prefer a high mileage Japanese car with FSH over an average mileage anything else without FSH. Only takes one owner to run a car on a tight budget to cause damage.

Leasing is OK if you don't mind paying for something that will never be yours. You can buy a decent reliable car for one years lease payments.

 

[Astute]

I don't agree reliability is a Japanese thing. I have a old Jag S Type (2003 model) that is in superb condition and passes MOT every time.
I simply look after it and replace anything that needs doing using jaguar parts and not after market crap. Saying that I have never had to do a lot over the 8 years I've owned it.
Will be sad to see it go in all honesty but I have reasons for needing a 4x4. Message me if you are interested. It's got all the toys and exrtras plus SatNav etc etc.
1200 but will knock 200 off for a fellow supporter. Absolute bargain tbf.

You can get other cars that are reliable. But if you get a Japanese car the odds are it will be reliable.

 

[stupot07]

Helps if I look. Albeit I notice previous years were lower. New job including travel or an anomaly?

A school move, my eldest is autistic and can't cope in a taxi, so we have to drive him there and back (roughly 125 miles a school day for 2 round trips)

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[Astute]

A school move, my eldest is autistic and can't cope in a taxi, so we have to drive him there and back (roughly 125 miles a school day for 2 round trips)

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I can understand why a taxi is no good. A long way for school each day. One of my lads is autistic so have an idea of the issues you face. You wouldn't even have got my lad in cars of certain colours.

 

[Deleted member 5849]

A school move, my eldest is autistic and can't cope in a taxi, so we have to drive him there and back (roughly 125 miles a school day for 2 round trips)

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That's a hell of a school journey!

 

[stupot07]

That's a hell of a school journey!

Its roughly 31 miles away, so there and back to drop him off, and same again to pick him up. Bloody nightmare, but you have no choice.

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[dancers lance]

You can get other cars that are reliable. But if you get a Japanese car the odds are it will be reliable.

Agree, the wife git rid of her Toyota Aygo and bought a Fiat 500, worst mistake she has ever made. we never had a wink of trouble with the Aygo, the Fiat has been non stop shit, horrible little cars.

 

[Deleted member 5849]

Its roughly 31 miles away, so there and back to drop him off, and same again to pick him up. Bloody nightmare, but you have no choice.

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Ah, tbf it's not as bad as I thought, because I forgot you have to go back home twice

Still not great though. That puts the school in... Leicester? Stratford?

 

[stupot07]

Ah, tbf it's not as bad as I thought, because I forgot you have to go back home twice

Still not great though. That puts the school in... Leicester? Stratford?

Bishops Tachbrook, takes about 45 mins each way on a decent day

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[Astute]

Ah, tbf it's not as bad as I thought, because I forgot you have to go back home twice

Still not great though. That puts the school in... Leicester? Stratford?

Not a journey I would like to make all the time. It takes me 8 minutes to get to work but15 in rush hour traffic. That is enough for me.

 

[Sick Boy]

I’m currently driving a methane-powered Fiat, €8 for 250kms...can’t complain

 

[Deleted member 5849]

I’m currently driving a methane-powered Fait, €8 for 250kms...can’t complain

Powered by all the guff you spout?

 

[Sick Boy]

Powered by all the guff you spout?

Haha I’ve only had to fill it up once thanks to that!

 

[Houchens Head]

I've placed an order for a new Suzuki Vitara AWD. Collecting in May.

 

[shmmeee]

I know fuck all about cars, but have had far less trouble with my Lexus than previous cars of a similar age, so another +1 for Japanese reliability.

 

[Gazolba]

I drive a 1983 Chevrolet Celebrity. I bet no-one knows what that is. It's got no airbags, no ABS, no GPS, wind-up windows, you open the doors with a key, the engine is fed fuel by a carburettor. It has absolutely zero rust since it comes from places where it rarely rains and never snows.
I've had it about three years and have replaced the tires, brakes, shocks, radiator, thermostat and water pump. I consider all of those normal wear items.
Whenever I go on a really long journey (several hundred miles) I rent a newish car.
This photo is not my car but looks exactly like it, same colour.

 

[stupot07]

Still looking for a car but have looked at the finances and can stretch to £5.5k. She said she wants something focus sized, been scouring with 25 miles. Seen 2 potentials. A 2012 Leon (VW engine but needs the cambelt changing) or 2012 astra . Been looking at the Hondas and other Japanese cars but they seem to be a year or 2 older. The missus is also worried about diesel given all the environmental stuff in the news, but doing 20k per annum it seems a no brainer to me. Bloody minefield! Any other recommendations 25/30 miles from cov more than welcome!

Used Seat Leon Hatchback 1.6 Tdi Cr Ecomotive Cr S 5dr in Tamworth, Staffordshire | Kinsall Green Garage

Vauxhall Astra 1.7 CDTi 16v Active 5dr



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[skybluetony176]

Still looking for a car but have looked at the finances and can stretch to £5.5k. She said she wants something focus sized, been scouring with 25 miles. Seen 2 potentials. A 2012 Leon (VW engine but needs the cambelt changing) or 2012 astra . Been looking at the Hondas and other Japanese cars but they seem to be a year or 2 older. The missus is also worried about diesel given all the environmental stuff in the news, but doing 20k per annum it seems a no brainer to me. Bloody minefield! Any other recommendations 25/30 miles from cov more than welcome!

Used Seat Leon Hatchback 1.6 Tdi Cr Ecomotive Cr S 5dr in Tamworth, Staffordshire | Kinsall Green Garage

Vauxhall Astra 1.7 CDTi 16v Active 5dr



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Have a look at Kia’s. Pretty well put together, good value for money and they come with a 7 year warranty from new so you’ll possibly be able to get something still with a manufacturers warranty within your budget.

 

[vow]

Have you looked at any KIA motors? C'eed or RIO, they have the added bonus of the 7 year warranty, which can be transferred I believe?

Also, Hyundai, KIA's sister company?

 

[vow]

oops, tony beat me to it!