Advice on new (old/second hand) car

[kasavien]

Hi all

Well today, my trusty old astra 1.4 Merit (L Reg) failed it's MOT and it will cost too much to repair so i'm going to be in the market for a new car (read second hand and cheap )

I have a small budget of upto £500, the car will only be for a short commute to work because i live in the sticks and the only other way for me to get to work would be to bike 6 miles to get the nearest bus!! Also it's handy if i need to meet people in town.

The car needs to be economical if possible and as reliable as possible given it's age, i'm not fussed about aesthetics, it's just going to be to get me from A to B.

So the question is what kind of car should i be looking for and where should i be looking? I'm not that clued up when it comes to car so any help will be much appreciated although the garage i go to has offered to check any purchase out if possible before i buy.

One other question, i'm insured for my astra, what should i do about the insurance when i scrap the car, obviously i don't want to lose the no claims bonus, is there any way to keep it whilst i don't have a car or could i just wait until i have a new car before i tell my insurer?

Many Thanks

Andy

[hitman67]

106, Petrol or Diesel.

All are cheap to run, all are go karts. £500 will EASILY get you a phase 2 1.1/1.5d or any of the Phase 1s. So much fun for a little car!

[staffsMike]

I'd try and get a 1.25 fiesta (around 1998 R reg eire). Good little engines in those, tend to stand the test of time and they are far easier to fit in and drive comfortably than the 106 if you are anything over 6'.

Just call the insurance company to transfer the policy, not sure what to do if there is a big gap between scrapping the old one though..

like this one without the damage though if you can
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/555171.htm

[Rave]

With £500 burning a hole in your pocket the world is your oyster TBH. Just make sure that whatever takes your fancy has at least 10 months MOT and you should be laughing. Even if you sell it for scrap for £100 a year down the line that's only £40 a month depreciation.

I second the recommendation of the 106 seeing as I've just bought one but really you can buy all manner of excellent cars for £500 nowadays.

[kasavien]

Thanks for the advice, i'll be keeping an eye out a 106 or something similar.

Does anyone else have any more information regarding what to do with insurance?

Thanks

Andy

[Rave]

Just phone your insurance company up after you've bought the new car and ask them to change the policy. If the car you end up with isn't any more of an insurance risk than the old one then there shouldn't be any extra to pay.