Need help finding a new car

[Domestic_Ginger]

Our W reg car has failed its MOT and is going to need 700 quids worth of repairs to pass. I think its time we got rid of it.

Keeping in mind I know nothing about cars and I can't drive how do I go about finding a new family car for a reasonable price; there will be four of us and we don't do that much travelling. The wife will be doing 15-20 minute comutes to get a lift to work everyday in it. How do I know:

What models to look out for. I think the criteria are reliable (biggest), okay drive and spacious for four (but open to advice).
How much the car is actually worth and expected markup etc.

[roachcoach]

What's the budget? One mans reasonable is another mans left arm

Any boot space requirements? I see there are four of you - are buggies a concern?

Edit: I'll personally refrain from actual ideas until after the budget this afternoon, who knows what will happen there

[Domestic_Ginger]

Budget; The wife seems to think 6k. I'm thinking 3k tops.

From what I can gather you find an advert and then check auto trader for a rough price. Is there a better guide. Xsara Picasso 75k miles 2002-2004 for about 2k?

[kalniel]

There are guides online and in handy book form - parkers (www.parkers.co.uk) and glass (www.glass.co.uk) are the ones I think are most well known. Various review places also have used price guides (which/what car etc).

[MaddAussie]

Honest John is always a good place to start
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/

[mycarsavw]

What are you replacing? That would give "us" a starting point from which to work.

3k on a car to transport 4 is easily done.

[Domestic_Ginger]

We're replacing a Saxo; no. 4 should appear in a couple of weeks. the wife is keen to get a reasonably/normal sized car. My partner (who will be driving it) is barely 5' tall so I'm not sure if this is goin got be a problem.

Xsara Picasso looks ideal but I know very little and was hoping for a few golden nuggets.

Not being funny or anything but with the boot open and the back seat out there is a suprising amount of space in a saxo (okay not for any passengers).

[mycarsavw]

Hatchback or an estate if only for the large opening (fnar), avoid saloons because the boot opening will drive you insane.

3k gets you the usual; Skoda Octavia, Ford Focus/Mondeo, Vauxhall Astra/Vectra etc. All normal family cars with lots of room for everything.

Me, I'd avoid anything French, but as you've had a Saxo already...

[Aimvpr]

Personally, with fuel prices going through the roof, go for something economical.

[Domestic_Ginger]

Me, I'd avoid anything French...

I wish you'd told me that before we got married!

[mycarsavw]

<removes foot from mouth>

[Phage]

We have had a KIA Cee'd for the last two years. I can recommend them. Cheap and cheerful, very reliable.

[roachcoach]

Did I read that right? your wife wants <car> and your partner is driving it?

You lucky bastard


Fiesta boot is surprisingly large for a small car, at least the new shape.

Focus boots are like the farking tardis and try as I might I've never found anyone say a bad word against them.

[DanceswithUnix]

Was going to suggest a Focus, but having a look they seem a bit expensive for what you get to me. Perhaps a Fiat Punto Grande?

You want something mass produced though, if every street has a bunch of them then every garage is an expert in them, so parts and labour should be easy & cheap.

Check prices on Pistonheads as well, lots of cars on sale there and given it is a car enthusiast site the prices tend to be realistic.

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/

Final thought, if spending £700 gets you a reliable car then it might well be the cheapest way forward. If you are sick of it, or you know that £700 is just the start of your worries then yes best rid of the thing.

My family runabout is an Alfa 166. Glorious car, lots of space, wonderful to drive, drinks like a fish, servicing costs about 800 every year. OTOH it is only worth 1500, so no depreciation worries and no tied up capital so overall I consider it a cheap car
...and every time I start up that V6 I smile, so the service costs seem worth it.

[Domestic_Ginger]

Thanks for all the help. I keep forgetting to finish off these threads where people have been so kind to help out.

About a month ago we picked up a Citroen Xsara Picasso I think its a 2009 for alot more than I was hoping to pay! It had low mileage and seems to be in very good condition. The child seats fit very well and we have enough space for our family of four. We'll be making our first long trip in it this weekend so hopefully everything its going ot be a smooth ride.