Used car recommendations

M

Montjeu

Member
Hi all,

I've changed jobs meaning it's only a 6 mile round trip, and parking in a public car park. I don't really think this will be good for the zed. So I guess this is what many people want but looking at a used car for the 'commute' and pootling locally.

So looking at something reliable, low running costs and maintenance for circa £1500. Not bothered about the badge, power or space, just something that can be reasonably guaranteed to start reliably on the colder mornings!

Cheers
 
I was thinking along the lines of a little Yaris like this:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201403212696122/sort/pricedesc/usedcars/postcode/mk107bh/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/model/yaris/price-to/1500/make/toyota/page/1/radius/20?logcode=p
 
I used to drive my mums ford Ka when I first passed my test - great little car - fun to drive too.

Bit more character than a Japanese beige box... :wink:
 
Was it very reliable Nick? I've driven a few Fords down the years, with varied reliability. Latest being 2002 Focus Zetec which didn't give me too much trouble at all tbh. New Cat required was the biggest cost iirc.
 
http://www.reliabilityindex.com

honda jazz
but I don't know if you can get them old enough to be cheap.
 
Found an interesting and probably very reliable shed. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201404173406174/sort/default/usedcars/radius/1500/quicksearch/true/page/1/price-to/1500/make/mazda/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/postcode/pl124ty?logcode=p
 
My 2003 ford focus 1.6 i sold to a friend is still going strong, just sailed through its MOT yesterday.
 
First thing to decide is what class you're looking for:

City Car
Supermini
Small Family Hatch

Good to see you have a budget, all cars will have various yearly costs and its good to predict them like so:



Lastly I would use:

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=61877&hilit=+factors

To make your final decision. Based on what you want I would recommend the Yaris, Jazz, Polo, Fabia, Ibiza, Getz, Rio, lots of great small cars available...
 
Another vote for a Fabia. I'm on my second 100k car. Both Tdi models and both flawless. £1500 might be pushing it for one, but you never know.
 
Cheers bluestreak56. The main thing for me is to reduce the unknown costs ie garage repairs, and minimize the risk of a non start or breakdown. This is a decent forum so thought I'd ask for some real life user experiences. So in order of priority:

Reliability
Low running costs
Comfort
Poke
Style/image

I live in MK, so it's 3 miles of 40-50mph sections interspersed with roundabouts twice five days a week, and the odd pootle to the shops/post office. As I'll be parking in public car park it will get dings so I don't need something I'll love!
 
Montjeu said:
Hi all,

I've changed jobs meaning it's only a 6 mile round trip, and parking in a public car park.
Click to expand...

Cycle. Get exercise and upset Z4 owners. :wink: However in MK there are loads of off road cycle ways. Save on car parking charges which won't be cheap for all day parking in a Council owned car park. Win win.
 
An old VW Polo... they seem to go on forever & the 12 year old one my mum had just went on & on
 
I considered cycling, but it some of the journey is not red route and I am a scaredy cat. Already purchased parking two months for £60. Due to working in the centre it's heavily discounted :thumbsup:
 
Montjeu said:
I considered cycling, but it some of the journey is not red route and I am a scaredy cat. Already purchased parking two months for £60. Due to working in the centre it's heavily discounted :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

I wasn't joking. So many journeys that are made are less than 5 miles so your 3 mile commute in MK makes perfect sense. You would soon gain confidence, hi vis clothing, good lights, helmet and courtesy shown to all Z4 users. Have you a bicycle to work scheme at your firm? If so a tax free purchase can be made under this scheme saving many £££'s and you'll have the bike for leisure use. Do the math comparison with a £1500 car plus running costs.
 
Thinking out the norm

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201404213491334/sort/default/usedcars/radius/1500/page/1/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/postcode/de78wq/make/smart?logcode=p

Or for a little more

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201404243651962/sort/default/usedcars/make/smart/radius/1500/postcode/de78wq/model/roadster/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/page/1?logcode=p
 
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