Chevrolet Aveo - When to call it quits?

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Tue 17 Dec 2019 12:54
Chevrolet Aveo - When to call it quits? - Darren Cook

Advice very much needed regarding an ongoing issue with a 09 Chevrolet Aveo.

The above car was purchased 15 months ago, while I was in fairly urgent need of something, anything, that would do a monthly long distance journey between Liverpool and Bath, alongside city driving at either end. I'm fairly certain I overpaid for the car (1.5k), and minor fixes (fuel filler cover, broken boot latch among others) promised by the AutoTrader seller were not resolved despite 6 months of repeated contact on my part. The car managed 12 months of event free driving, but a monster MOT (over £700) in September this year, alongside a recent misfiring issue (likely coil pack problem, possible bigger engine problem) have meant that I have spent close to 2.5k on a car that is unlikely to resell at more than £700 (We Buy Any Car estimate). As a result I am strongly considering a new vehicle.

As a non-car person in all but the most basic sense, I rely wholly on mechanics/other experts to guide my decision-making. That said, my confidence in the the car's ongoing suitability is reducing almost daily.

I am hoping someone out there can provide some advice/thoughts on how much longer i persevere with a car that admittedly I have never liked, and is starting to look like more hassle than it is worth. My driving requirements are still the same, but having to continuously pay out for not insignificant fixes, I am wondering if I will have better luck putting that money towards a more reliable brand/newer model.

I could perhaps stretch to 3.5k on a secondhand car if necessary. Is this sufficient for my needs? What brands/models are better at this price range? Should I only consider cars with 12 months MOT and/or full service history and/or below a certain mileage and/or a certain number of previous drivers?

I could go on with a list of questions. As I have only ever bought two cars I am keen to hear from someone more experienced in this area. Thanks.

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Tue 17 Dec 2019 13:47
Chevrolet Aveo - When to call it quits? - SLO76
No point in knowing it now but yes you did overpay for it, £700-£800 was enough to get the best at that age. These were disposable cars, I recall negotiating a deal on one in 2006 and it was £5555 new with 3yrs warranty and tax cover. As a new car it made sense and with simple Vauxhall engines and running gear they were quite robust if a bit horrid to drive.

I would upgrade if funds allow and £3-£3.5k would get you a good Japanese petrol engined model like a Honda Jazz, Toyota Yaris or Mazda 2. A Ford Fiesta with the Yamaha 1.25/1.4 engine is good news too but watch for failed steering racks.

Look for something that’s been owned longterm, preferably 3yrs plus and look for full service records. Otherwise these are all reliable little cars. If you need more room the next size up Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Toyota Auris and ford Focus are again good if you avoid the diesels.

The best cars are usually to be found in private sales at good well off addresses with longterm owners selling due to bereavement or giving up driving but as there’s no comeback on a private sale caution has to be observed. Take someone with you when viewing.

Edited by SLO76 on 17/12/2019 at 13:49

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Tue 17 Dec 2019 14:59
Chevrolet Aveo - When to call it quits? - Darren Cook

Thanks, that's really helpful, I really appreciate the suggestions regarding Japanese models. I've heard good things about the Yaris in particular so I'll keep my eyes open.

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Tue 17 Dec 2019 15:29
Chevrolet Aveo - When to call it quits? - nellyjak

I would recommend the Yaris without hesitation.

My wife is on her third consecutive Yaris and all have been utterly reliable and trouble free.

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Tue 17 Dec 2019 15:47
Chevrolet Aveo - When to call it quits? - barney100

Auto trader is easy to search. I would put in a maximum price of 2.5 k and you'd be surprised at the choice, Volvos, Mercs, Toyotas etc etc. Hundreds of them on there. A careful look could find you a bit of a warranty and you've a grand to spare.

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Tue 17 Dec 2019 16:18
Chevrolet Aveo - When to call it quits? - thunderbird

I am wondering if I will have better luck putting that money towards a more reliable brand/newer model.

You need to be realistic and accept that even if you spend £3500 on another car you are not in anyway guaranteed trouble free motoring even if you buy one of the models much favoured by this forum. Its always going to be a lottery at that price and any guarantee you get will only be as good as the dealer is willing to make it.

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Tue 17 Dec 2019 16:40
Chevrolet Aveo - When to call it quits? - bazza

In fact this site has links to a brand new Dacia Sandero for £5800. Worth considering surely with a cheap loan.

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Wed 18 Dec 2019 06:37
Chevrolet Aveo - When to call it quits? - daveyK_UK

Get a brand new Dacia Sandero 1.0 essential model on a PCP.

Cheap hassle free motoring

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Wed 18 Dec 2019 11:36
Chevrolet Aveo - When to call it quits? - SLO76

Get a brand new Dacia Sandero 1.0 essential model on a PCP.

Cheap hassle free motoring

A perfectly decent little car but the base model is now £6995 and on a 4yr PCP at the current rate of 6.9% APR it’ll cost just under £8,200. I can think of better cars for that money that’ll be far cheaper to run thanks to vastly superior residual values. A personal loan at 3% APR would be cheaper and a good used Japanese supermini would lose far less money, be much nicer to drive and almost certainly will be more robust in the longterm. Dacia’s as with all budget brands struggle on the used market where the benefits of the new car package aren’t available. They sell on price alone and few takers will be throwing money to get it where a nice but older Yaris will sell easily.
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Wed 18 Dec 2019 14:02
Chevrolet Aveo - When to call it quits? - Andrew-T

My only comment is that as you are looking towards the lower end of the market you ought to be able to get a better 'bargain' from a private seller, as a trader will usually expect about a grand more to make a profit and cover himself against non-warranty repairs. But that may not appeal to someone inexperienced in buying. Phone a friend who could take you shopping and act as a second pair of eyes. There are plenty of cheap used cars out there but you need to be selective. A trustworthy private seller should tell you more about his/her car than a trader who has hardly seen it before.

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