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Should I buy a new car or a good year-old model?

I'm retired, and my mileage annually is approx. 5,000. Do I purchase a new car (keen on a Focus or Astra) with usual discounts, or select a good year-old model? I have looked at Motorpoint as a dealer, but I'm not certain if I had a problem with the car, that I would have to go back to Peterborough to correct it, or go for a local dealer?

Asked on 15 February 2011 by AC, East Grinstead

Answered by Honest John
Depends what you want. Do you want a new model Focus (launched early 2011) or a new shape Astra (launched late in 2009). Or do you want the old models? If the old models then Motorpoint might be cheaper than a Ford dealer. But Ford is continuing to build the old model Focus at Valencia with 1.6 petrol or diesel engines in 'Sport' trim and those cars are heavily discounted. For example, Focus 1.6 Sport 5dr £12,228, saving £4,602 (includes Sat Nav, Bluetooth) via www.drivethedeal.com

Buying nearly new, I'd go for the Astra 1.4T. That's a nice looking, good car. Test and video: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/vauxhall/vauxhall-.../

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