What Car?

[Hibby70]

After 20 years of not needing a car I'm about to start a new job where I'll need one.

I've a budget of £15k and I'll be buying outright. Any recommendations, do I go for a new one or a nearly new with slightly better spec.

Was thinking of maybe getting a Focus or Fiesta and 1.0 Ecoboost Petrol engine rather than diesel.

Be doing about 60 miles a day. Any dealers to avoid.

Appreciate any tips on car buying.

[blaikie]

After 20 years of not needing a car I'm about to start a new job where I'll need one.

I've a budget of £15k and I'll be buying outright. Any recommendations, do I go for a new one or a nearly new with slightly better spec.

Was thinking of maybe getting a Focus or Fiesta and 1.0 Ecoboost Petrol engine rather than diesel.

Be doing about 60 miles a day. Any dealers to avoid.

Appreciate any tips on car buying.

15k is a healthy budget, you will be doing approx 15,000 miles per year as well .... personally I’d go for a diesel, I had a Passat CC that was diesel a few years back and it was amazing on fuel, the mrs had a Seat Leon recently as well but it was petrol and quite thirsty if it had the Diesel engine the Leon would have been perfect.

I’m sure you could pick up an new diesel Seat Leon or a pre-registered Golf for around 15k!

[Wembley67]

Focus ecoboost is a great car, would thoroughly recommend it.

[JeMeSouviens]

After 20 years of not needing a car I'm about to start a new job where I'll need one.

I've a budget of £15k and I'll be buying outright. Any recommendations, do I go for a new one or a nearly new with slightly better spec.

Was thinking of maybe getting a Focus or Fiesta and 1.0 Ecoboost Petrol engine rather than diesel.

Be doing about 60 miles a day. Any dealers to avoid.

Appreciate any tips on car buying.

If you know what you want, then don't be afraid to look across the whole UK for it. It only costs a couple of hundred quid to get a car delivered and you are much more likely to get a really good deal. Get a video tour of the car and check online feedback about the dealer as you would for other online purchases. Or go for the manufacturer approved used schemes. With my last 3 purchases I've gone down the <1 year old with just a few thousand miles.

I've had a focus ecoboost as a hire car. Pretty nice but I personally prefer the golf for the bigger boot and (imo) better quality materials etc. The Match edition comes with a load of goodies at good value.

[McSwanky]

If you're buying new and outright, highly recommend carwow.co.uk - I ended up buying my present car through them but even if you don't it gives you a good bargaining tool for taking to the dealers.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using Tapatalk

[GlesgaeHibby]

I'd buy nearly new, massive saving over a brand new car. I bought a 1 year old diesel golf 1.6 4 years ago, great car. Cheap to run, zero road tax. Still only done 54k miles - plan to keep it another 4/5 years.

[Hibbyradge]

Try this site.

They're currently offering brand new Ford Focus Zetecs from £14500.

(Click on"New Search" at the bottom of the page to check out other makes etc.

http://www.broker4cars.co.uk/Buy/New_Car.jsp?selectedManufacturer=FORD&selectedModel=FOCUS+HATCHBACK&selectedVariant=1.0+EcoBoost+100+Zetec+Nav+5dr

[Hibbyradge]

This is a better engine and it has satnav, still for less than £15k.

http://www.broker4cars.co.uk/Buy/New_Car.jsp?capID=83645&dt=FORD+FOCUS+HATCHBACK+1.0+EcoBoost+125+Zetec+Nav +5dr

There are other online brokers so you it might be worthwhile looking around.

Drive the deal and broadspeed, ukcarbroker etc etc.

I've bought this way before so if you need any more info, give me a shout.

Good luck.

PS I currently drive a diesel, but they're getting such a bad reputation these days, I'll be moving to petrol with my next car. There's a lot of frugal petrol cars these days, the Focus ecoboost being a good example.

[McSwanky]

I'd buy nearly new, massive saving over a brand new car. I bought a 1 year old diesel golf 1.6 4 years ago, great car. Cheap to run, zero road tax. Still only done 54k miles - plan to keep it another 4/5 years.

I think that's largely dependent on the make and model you're looking at buying, and the timing of your purchase.

I was going to do exactly the same as you, buy a year old car, but checked on carwow to see new prices out of interest. I was surprised to see how little the difference was in price between a brand new model and one that was a year old.

Ended up getting a brand new Ibiza FR 1.5 TSI (150bhp) for a shade more than £13k (incidentally, that's a good bit less than Hibbyradge's site quotes for a 115bhp model, so worth shopping around different sites too).

IIRC that was one of the better discounted cars (looked at Fiesta, Yaris, Polo etc too) so like I say, the savings on new vs used can vary wildly on different makes/models/times of year.

Definitely worth keeping both options in mind when looking for value.

[Hibby70]

Thanks everyone, now got some good ideas albeit a lot more to think about!

I can sense a spreadsheet coming this evening!

[Billy Whizz]

Thanks everyone, now got some good ideas albeit a lot more to think about!

I can sense a spreadsheet coming this evening!

Have you looked at leasing instead of buying?
Keep the cash in your pocket

https://www.kgvs.co.uk

[heretoday]

Get a small car and do us all a favour.

[Hibbyradge]

I think that's largely dependent on the make and model you're looking at buying, and the timing of your purchase.

I was going to do exactly the same as you, buy a year old car, but checked on carwow to see new prices out of interest. I was surprised to see how little the difference was in price between a brand new model and one that was a year old.

Ended up getting a brand new Ibiza FR 1.5 TSI (150bhp) for a shade more than £13k (incidentally, that's a good bit less than Hibbyradge's site quotes for a 115bhp model, so worth shopping around different sites too).

IIRC that was one of the better discounted cars (looked at Fiesta, Yaris, Polo etc too) so like I say, the savings on new vs used can vary wildly on different makes/models/times of year.

Definitely worth keeping both options in mind when looking for value.

That's a good point. The Ibiza model you bought was being replaced, hence its low price, so that might be the way to go.

Research "new car models UK 2019" and see what you find. If something you fancy is due to get a facelift or be replaced, there could be great offers on the current version.

I love buying cars! :greengrin

[Jones28]

Got a like new BMW X1 for less than 15k - there are some great cars for that kind of money if you shop around.

2L diesel with loads of poke and usually get about 50 MPG going to Edinburgh and back.

[McSwanky]

That's a good point. The Ibiza model you bought was being replaced, hence its low price, so that might be the way to go.

Research "new car models UK 2019" and see what you find. If something you fancy is due to get a facelift or be replaced, there could be great offers on the current version.

I love buying cars! :greengrin

Agree with all that, except substitute 'replaced' with 'quietly discontinued' :aok: The 1.5 EVO engine is in short supply across the whole VAG group, so they have dropped the Ibiza 1.5 platform for now.

You can't get one for love nor money now, they were only available for a short time. Looks like ex-demo ones are priced a good bit higher than what I paid.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?sort=sponsored&radius=1500&postcode=eh22eq&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&make=SEAT&model=IBIZA&year-from=2017&fuel-type=Petrol&minimum-badge-engine-size=1.4&maximum-badge-engine-size=1.6&keywords=1.5&retryCount=1

I also love buying cars, I just don't do it that often. For bargains like this one, I'm happy to make an exception. :wink:

[Hibbyradge]

Agree with all that, except substitute 'replaced' with 'quietly discontinued' :aok: The 1.5 EVO engine is in short supply across the whole VAG group, so they have dropped the Ibiza 1.5 platform for now.

You can't get one for love nor money now, they were only available for a short time. Looks like ex-demo ones are priced a good bit higher than what I paid.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?sort=sponsored&radius=1500&postcode=eh22eq&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&make=SEAT&model=IBIZA&year-from=2017&fuel-type=Petrol&minimum-badge-engine-size=1.4&maximum-badge-engine-size=1.6&keywords=1.5&retryCount=1

I also love buying cars, I just don't do it that often. For bargains like this one, I'm happy to make an exception. :wink:

:agree: The boy done good!

[Hibbyradge]

After 20 years of not needing a car I'm about to start a new job where I'll need one.

I've a budget of £15k and I'll be buying outright. Any recommendations, do I go for a new one or a nearly new with slightly better spec.

Was thinking of maybe getting a Focus or Fiesta and 1.0 Ecoboost Petrol engine rather than diesel.

Be doing about 60 miles a day. Any dealers to avoid.

Appreciate any tips on car buying.

Any closer to a decision? :taxi

[Hibby70]

Any closer to a decision? :taxi

Yes, 1.0 Ecoboost 125bhp Focus Titanium, 200ish miles 18 Reg

£15200 price tag so I'm going to try and get them down to £14.5k, no idea if that's possible but there's plenty out there so we'll see.

Although I'm tempted by a 1.4 Tsi Golf for a bit more with 10k on the clock at Western Fort Kinnaird...

Not going to rush it on the days I actually go.

Id rather deal with a dealer this time rather than online.

[Hibbyradge]

Yes, 1.0 Ecoboost 125bhp Focus Titanium, 200ish miles 18 Reg

£15200 price tag so I'm going to try and get them down to £14.5k, no idea if that's possible but there's plenty out there so we'll see.

Although I'm tempted by a 1.4 Tsi Golf for a bit more with 10k on the clock at Western Fort Kinnaird...

Not going to rush it on the days I actually go.

Id rather deal with a dealer this time rather than online.

The Focus sounds like a reasonable price compared with new.

One benefit of buying online is that you are legally entitled to return the vehicle if you don't like it, up to 14 days after you take delivery of it or with a max of 100 miles, whichever is first.

Also, as long as you use a credit card to pay for some of it, it also gives you Section 75 protection.

So what is this? Basically, that means the card company is jointly liable with the seller. So if it's faulty or you don't get the service, you can go to the card firm for your money back.

Plus if retailers dispute your claim, you need go to court. With a card firm you can go to the free Ombudsman. It doesn't just look at the law, but also if you're 'being treated fairly'.

[Hibby70]

The Focus sounds like a reasonable price compared with new.

One benefit of buying online is that you are legally entitled to return the vehicle if you don't like it, up to 14 days after you take delivery of it or with a max of 100 miles, whichever is first.

Also, as long as you use a credit card to pay for some of it, it also gives you Section 75 protection.

So what is this? Basically, that means the card company is jointly liable with the seller. So if it's faulty or you don't get the service, you can go to the card firm for your money back.

Plus if retailers dispute your claim, you need go to court. With a card firm you can go to the free Ombudsman. It doesn't just look at the law, but also if you're 'being treated fairly'.

Are you saying that I should use a credit card as part payment with a dealer as well? Is there a minimum I need to part pay to get this protection?

[Hibbyradge]

You could just walk into your nearest Dacia dealer, test drive a Dacia Duster, and get yourself a whole lot of car for not a lot of money and keep the rest for a holiday. Dacia has a no haggle policy so buying direct from them online is as good as going to the dealer, possibly more straightforward too. (And you'll have more consumer rights).

Dacia is Renault in disguise, but they're incredibly cheap, and the diesel is extremely frugal to run with very low insurance costs.

As long as you don't add anything like a spare tyre or choose an expensive colour, you'll get a brand new one with a decent spec (I'd suggest the "Essential" spec) for about £13500!

You can get an entry level petrol one for £10K!

They all come with a 3 year warranty. 3 years worry free motoring for less than £14 grand and it depreciates very slowly so you'll have a huge deposit for your next on in 2021,

No brainer really! :greengrin

https://www.dacia.co.uk/

[Hibbyradge]

Are you saying that I should use a credit card as part payment with a dealer as well? Is there a minimum I need to part pay to get this protection?

Yes, pay for at least part of the car by CC.

There's no minimum needed for S75 protection, so literally even £1 would give you protection. However, now that dealers are not allowed to charge for using credit cards, often they will have a maximum amount or refuse to accept them at all.

Even offering to pay the deposit by CC would do it and you can pay your card off immediately to save you any interest. :thumbsup:

[Hibby70]

Yes, pay for at least part of the car by CC.

There's no minimum needed for S75 protection, so literally even £1 would give you protection. However, now that dealers are not allowed to charge for using credit cards, often they will have a maximum amount or refuse to accept them at all.

Even offering to pay the deposit by CC would do it and you can pay your card off immediately to save you any interest. :thumbsup:

I'll definitely do this. Cheers. Not sure about a Dacia mind you :)

[Hibbyradge]

I'll definitely do this. Cheers. Not sure about a Dacia mind you :)

I'd be having a look, seriously.

I know 2 people who swear by them and the new model gets a 4 star review from top gear.

They make a joke about it being slow, but actually, it's as fast as a focus 0-60 and you'll never need it's top speed.

https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/dacia/duster

[lord bunberry]

Those 1 litre ford engines are remarkable. To get 125bhp from an engine that size is pretty impressive. Previously you would be looking at a 2litre engine to get that sort of power.

[Peevemor]

Those 1 litre ford engines are remarkable. To get 125bhp from an engine that size is pretty impressive. Previously you would be looking at a 2litre engine to get that sort of power.In formula 1 they get over 950bhp from a 1.6 litre.

[lord bunberry]

In formula 1 they get over 950bhp from a 1.6 litre.
Yeah but that’s a hybrid engine and formula 1 is always around 5 years ahead of what you might get in a performance car and double that for a run of the mill road car.

[RyeSloan]

In formula 1 they get over 950bhp from a 1.6 litre.

It’s about 700bhp for the ice which is pretty impressive considering they are restricted to 15,000rpm and one turbo!

[Hibbyradge]

Any white smoke yet?

Not literally, I hope! :greengrin

[Hibby70]

Sorry for the late reply. Ended up getting a 1.0 Ecoboost Focus ST-line.

Tried a Hyundai 1.4 i30 which was very nice and was a tough choice between the two, but the focus looks did it for me.

[Hibbyradge]

Sorry for the late reply. Ended up getting a 1.0 Ecoboost Focus ST-line.

Tried a Hyundai 1.4 i30 which was very nice and was a tough choice between the two, but the focus looks did it for me.

Very good choice.

You'll enjoy that. :thumbsup:

[patch1875]

Doesn’t that engine have known issues?

[heretoday]

Get a Toyota. They're bomb-proof.