Octing out

What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Octing out

I am the second owner of a 1997 Vauxhall Astra 1.6, which is still a good car but has become very expensive to run, especially as I have reached my 80th year. I am unsure whether to go for old, like 12 years, or newer, say 7. I can only spend up to £4,000, and would like it to be in the A, B, or C road tax groups. What would you suggest?

Asked on 19 September 2011 by AP, via email

Answered by Honest John

The cars are all listed here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/co2-tax/ But obviously the older you go the fewer cars fall into the low tax groups. I'd worry less about that and more about getting a decent small car. For example a Toyota Yaris Mk II 1.3.

Tags: buying ved small cars

Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:

Select a few terms below

Similar questions

Gear stickler

I am considering downsizing. Do you regard the 2010 model Toyota Yaris auto a best buy or do you recommend something else?

Yaris twee

Last September I bought a Yaris diesel 2-door. Almost immediately I wished I had bought a 4-door version that, then, was only £500 dearer. Friends advised me against the 2-door but my husband thought it...

7-year switch

I own a 2002 Yaris 1.3 auto from new, which has now done 26,000 miles. I thought should change my motor for a new Yaris. I am 77 - maybe five more road years left in me (not the car).

Related models