I have a decision to make....help me make it

[GregWhelan]

My crappy old car is dying....literally only days left on it really. It broke down again on the way to work this morning

I am stuck between searching out another old banger for ?400-700 quid and hoping it works for a while, or just going to get a brand new car on HP. I've had 18 months of breakdowns, problems etc and i'm thoroughly sick of it.

Advice and direction needed please!

[res0nat0r]

Re: I have a decision to make....help me make it

do like im going to do next summer and buy this beauty!

[day_for_night]

Re: I have a decision to make....help me make it

go with something used, but low mileage so that it still has a warranty. i'm guessing the car in the above pic might be out of your price range, but something like a civic is a good idea. reasonably affordable, and they last forever. and buying it used saves you alot of money, as cars depreciate as soon as you drive them off the lot.

[picklemonkey]

Re: I have a decision to make....help me make it

new car. you'll thank yourself for it later

[toasty]

Re: I have a decision to make....help me make it

My crappy old car is dying....literally only days left on it really. It broke down again on the way to work this morning

I am stuck between searching out another old banger for ?400-700 quid and hoping it works for a while, or just going to get a brand new car on HP. I've had 18 months of breakdowns, problems etc and i'm thoroughly sick of it.

Advice and direction needed please!

I used to be in this situation as well, now I never drive anything that's out of warranty. If you're looking to do it kinda on the cheap, you can get a car that's 1 yr old coming off a lease and save a bunch, but still have a car that is like new and under warranty.

When you've got a car that is a piece of shit, even if your monthly payment is low/non-existent, you end up spending a bundle for repairs -- perhaps more importantly, though, who knows when it will require these repairs -- you have a need for a couple of repairs in quick succession, and you can be up the creek. At least with a car payment, you know exactly what you're going to be paying each month and can budget for it. That peace of mind is well worth the premium, IMO.

[KinKyJ]

Re: I have a decision to make....help me make it

go with something used, but low mileage so that it still has a warranty. i'm guessing the car in the above pic might be out of your price range, but something like a civic is a good idea. reasonably affordable, and they last forever. and buying it used saves you alot of money, as cars depreciate as soon as you drive them off the lot.

If you're on a tight budget, I second that. Buy Japanese: they're not the most luxurious cars, but they are the cheapest in maintenance and have less "bugs" than most European/US cars. Downside: they lose their market value a lot faster than EU/US models.

If you're driving longer distances than home - train station on a daily basis, buy a diesel. On longer distances you'll be off a lot cheaper plus the engines last longer. Just beware of the fact that at (I think) 100.000 km the distribution belt needs to be replaced and that's pretty expensive.

I bought a Golf IV TDi 110 HP two years ago with 80.000 km on the counter (?9.000 incl airco). Two weeks ago I had my first real cost (mechanism of the gear stick busted for 3 gears), even though I drive an average of 40.000 kms per year. Golf III and IV diesel engines can take up to 200.000 kms with ease.

If you're buying a new car, DON'T go for the Golf V. They look nice, but maintenance costs a fortune (expensive spare pieces and the engines are constructed in such a way that it takes 2 hrs to change a bulb of the headlights, I kid you not). Same goes for new models of the Polo and the Fox.

[Lorn]

Re: I have a decision to make....help me make it

18 months of breakdowns. That sucks royally dude.

[Miguel]

Re: I have a decision to make....help me make it

new,, lease

[GregWhelan]

Re: I have a decision to make....help me make it

Funnily enough the car I have that has just died is a VW Golf Ryder Mk II, 1991. Only done 105,000 miles. I got it for free but it's cost me £1500 in maintenance so far. I can't go on like that.

I need to decide if the comfort and reliability of a new car is worth the extra cash, that I realistically don't have. Or can I take the risk and get a 2nd hand car and hope for the best.

My best mate has offered me his Vauxhall Astra, 1997 i think, for £1100 - payabale in instalments. Might go for that?

[thesightless]

Re: I have a decision to make....help me make it

at this point, just grab some lube and whore your asshole out in chelsea.

[Lorn]

Re: I have a decision to make....help me make it

at this point, just grab some lube and whore your asshole out in chelsea.

[Kobe]

Re: I have a decision to make....help me make it

why can't you find a solid used car? In USD, you can find solid used cars for $5k all day every day.

[day_for_night]

Re: I have a decision to make....help me make it

^
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thats exactly what i'm saying. get a used honda, cheap, reliable, and if the mileage is low, a warranty.

[GregWhelan]

Re: I have a decision to make....help me make it

Lube is pretty pricey round these parts mate so I will pass this time I think!

Been on ebay all night, lots and lots of cars on there, I may have a few more options!

I cannot really afford to get a very good 2nd hand car on HP at this point in time unless I really have to.

[DIDI]

Re: I have a decision to make....help me make it

Do you need a car????? I got rid of mine 4 years ago . I restore furniture so I do need a vehicle at times. I did a cost analysis over five years hiring vehicles every two weeks and buying a vehicle and I came out about 10 grand in front by hiring. And, I get the added benefits of haaving the vehicle that suits the occasion . A huge plus for me though is the environmental benefits. Plus I've lost weight