My first car newbie help

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Tue 31 Aug 2021 10:07
My first car newbie help - Honda jazzer

Hi guys

I'm looking to buy my first ever car, i have a budget of around £2,500 max and ZERO idea where to start.

I've looked on auto trader and they have quite a lot in my budget but they could be selling me a write off so i have no idea what to check for, so was thinking of a dealer if they are any good.

I'm looking for a car to go to shopping, meet friends and nip around town. It's just me and maybe a lady friend / daughter

So in short could anyone recommend a direction to head that would be much appreciated

eg is it better to go to a dealer up north, better local deal, better to get it delivered any thoughts greatly appreciated

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Tue 31 Aug 2021 10:44
My first car newbie help - nellyjak

My advice would be to keep it simple....go for petrol, manual and Japanese...forget any fancy stuff.

For me, someting like the Toyota Yaris/Honda Jazz is where I'd start looking...both highly reliable cars...easy and inexpensive to mantain.

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Mon 10 Jan 2022 20:18
My first car newbie help - privateinvestor

Good advice: Toyota Yaris or Honda Jazz both good cars - FSH essential.

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Tue 31 Aug 2021 10:48
My first car newbie help - wantstolearn

I have learnt a lot from this site, still novice but getting better.

First, keep it simple, petrol manual.

Check the MOT history from gov website. It will show if neglected.

Check bills along with service record.

Have an open mind about choice.

It is a risk so see if you can find someone knowledgeable to go with you.

If you can get support buying privately might be a good idea.

More knowledgeable people will come along.

Good luck there is an element of fortune car buying in my view.

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Tue 31 Aug 2021 11:12
My first car newbie help - Xileno

I would definitely be looking at private sales at this end of the market, £2500 at a dealer will be largely rubbish when you work out what their margin is.

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Tue 31 Aug 2021 11:38
My first car newbie help - badbusdriver

In no particular order (all petrol engines),

Honda Jazz,

Toyota Yaris,

Mazda 2,

Suzuki Swift,

Ford Fiesta 1.25/1.4 (definitely not a 1.0 Ecoboost)

Ford Fusion (taller, roomier, squarer version of the Fiesta)

Look up the MOT history to get some idea of how well the car has been looked after. Ideally not too many previous owners. Buying private could be the best option here, but it would help enormously if you had someone knowledgable about cars who could come with you.

Last, where in the country are you?. I'd be happy to have a wee look on Autotrader and Ebay for stuff I'd be interested in were I in your position.

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Tue 31 Aug 2021 17:55
My first car newbie help - Honda jazzer

Brilliant list, thanks so much

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Tue 31 Aug 2021 12:23
My first car newbie help - Andrew-T

I would definitely be looking at private sales at this end of the market, £2500 at a dealer will be largely rubbish when you work out what their margin is.

Absolutely. A dealer's 'profit' will probably be >£1K, a private seller only wants to get what he can for his car; and that price range tends to include some dodgy dealers. Wherever you buy, you will be testing your character-judging abilities, but at least with a private seller you can hope to find out more about the car.

Ask to see all paperwork - if there isn't any, look elsewhere, and as has been said, check the MoT history online. Study the content of the engine compartment, and look knowledgeably at the dipstick (if there is one). Go for a decent test drive to discover whether the seats fit you comfortably; let the seller drive, as he probably won't let you.

Buying well-used cars is a learning curve, so take an experienced mate for backup. Oh - and remember that some 'traders' masquerade as private sellers.

Edited by Andrew-T on 31/08/2021 at 12:24

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Tue 31 Aug 2021 12:31
My first car newbie help - SLO76
The best cars at this money are private sales. You can’t offer much of a warranty on a car at this money and dealers expect a margin of £1k or so so you’d be getting £1200/£1500 worth of car with a forecourt trader typically. Where roughly are you located? I’ll take a look for nearby options worth looking at.
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Tue 31 Aug 2021 12:42
My first car newbie help - Halmerend
We sold our owned from new 1.2 Suzuki Swift at this price 12 months ago with 65k on the clock so there are definitely decent cars about. I’ve just checked and it’s just passed it’s mot with two minor advisories. It’s probably worth more now than what the delighted chap gave us.
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Tue 31 Aug 2021 15:10
My first car newbie help - Terry W

Best advice is to go and test drive a £5000 car of the type you intend to buy for less.

Even if you know little about cars, you will then know what a decent £2500 car should (or could) feel like - eg:

  • state of interior - scuffs, rips etc
  • functionality - windows, seat adjustments, aircon (if fitted), entertainment etc
  • performance - smooth power delivery, gear change fluid, clutch operating normally
  • odd noises - suspension clunks, brakes smooth, balanced and progressive, engine etc

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Tue 31 Aug 2021 17:54
My first car newbie help - Honda jazzer

GUys this is such a great help, i'm located in Dagenham

ok i got it , better to go private.

Do you reckon I'm going to low on my budget for 2.5k I think a VW golf seems to be a good option

potentially i could get a mechanic friend to come along, he's been doing it for years. Although I would have to pay him. but i don't mind TBH

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Tue 31 Aug 2021 18:42
My first car newbie help - badbusdriver

Do you reckon I'm going to low on my budget for 2.5k I think a VW golf seems to be a good option

potentially i could get a mechanic friend to come along, he's been doing it for years.

Depends which engine, there are a few duffers in the Golf (and VW's in general). Personally I wouldn't, VW's are nowhere near as good (on the whole), as their reputation might lead you to believe.

If a car of that size is what you'd rather have, there are many others I'd be looking at before a Golf.

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Tue 31 Aug 2021 19:02
My first car newbie help - SLO76
Forget the Golf at this money, the Mk IV was never a particularly reliable car. I’d go for Japanese and petrol.
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Tue 31 Aug 2021 21:12
My first car newbie help - SLO76
Needs a valet but would a cheap car at £2k

I just found a great car on Auto Trader:

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108276721386

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Tue 31 Aug 2021 21:17
My first car newbie help - SLO76
Robust and cheap to run, negotiate it down to £2500 and it’s a sensible first car.


I just found a great car on Auto Trader:

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105212921027

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Tue 31 Aug 2021 19:04
My first car newbie help - SLO76
www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/citroen-c1-...l


www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/ford-fiesta...l

Edited by SLO76 on 31/08/2021 at 19:06

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Tue 31 Aug 2021 19:13
My first car newbie help - SLO76
www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/2013-suzuki...l


www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/suzuki-spla...l

I just found a great car on Auto Trader:

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108096007842


I just found a great car on Auto Trader:

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107255424171



Edited by SLO76 on 31/08/2021 at 19:19

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Wed 1 Sep 2021 10:43
My first car newbie help - badbusdriver

Robust and cheap to run, negotiate it down to £2500 and it’s a sensible first car.


I just found a great car on Auto Trader:

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105212921027

Can't really see a pink Alto appealing to a young man as a first car, but you never know!.

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Wed 1 Sep 2021 11:04
My first car newbie help - SLO76
“ Can't really see a pink Alto appealing to a young man as a first car, but you never know!.”

I think it looks rather fetching. But the green Mazda 2 in a private sale I linked is the front runner for me. Great wee cars and no timing belt to worry about.
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Wed 1 Sep 2021 11:48
My first car newbie help - badbusdriver
“ Can't really see a pink Alto appealing to a young man as a first car, but you never know!.” I think it looks rather fetching. But the green Mazda 2 in a private sale I linked is the front runner for me. Great wee cars and no timing belt to worry about.

Yes, I did like that one too!.

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Wed 1 Sep 2021 13:36
My first car newbie help - Honda jazzer

The pink one i was errr a bit probably not for me, especially when I turn up to football in it :)

some really nice cars there to be honest, one of th

this advert seems quite comprehensive, do you think thats a good thing , although a fair few repairs

www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/ford-fiesta...l

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Wed 1 Sep 2021 13:46
My first car newbie help - badbusdriver

The pink one i was errr a bit probably not for me, especially when I turn up to football in it :)

some really nice cars there to be honest, one of th

this advert seems quite comprehensive, do you think thats a good thing , although a fair few repairs

www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/ford-fiesta...l

Think you must have missed it, when I clicked on the link it said it was no longer available.

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Wed 1 Sep 2021 14:34
My first car newbie help - SLO76
It’s away. If you’re not fast you’re last. A good cheap used hatchback will sell quickly if priced right. I spotted that wee one too, sounded very decent though I’d want to know what the tow bar was used for.

This one looks good.

I just found a great car on Auto Trader:

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107255424171

Edited by SLO76 on 01/09/2021 at 14:35

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Wed 1 Sep 2021 14:42
My first car newbie help - Ethan Edwards

If your total budget is 2.5k I would suggest you spend no more than 750 on the car and retain the balance for the Insurance. At this level condition is everything. Try cards in newsagents windows or supermarkets. Relatives who may be quitting driving etc. Unpopular makes or models will offer greater value. Best of luck.

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Wed 1 Sep 2021 15:32
My first car newbie help - Pezzer

No 2 son has had an older Mazda 2 for over three years. It has needed some minor suspension work to get through its MOTs but it is a cracking little car which has been treated with very little mechanical sympathy !

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Wed 1 Sep 2021 16:07
My first car newbie help - Honda jazzer

Thanks a lot goes yeah the Mazda sounds like a good one and all those the green is a bit sprightly it does seem like a really good bye can I ask how do you guys decide what a good advert is?

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Thu 2 Sep 2021 02:11
My first car newbie help - expat

Before you do anything get an idea of the cost of road tax and insurance for the various types of cars you are thinking about. Rumour has it that insurance companies track the computers used for quotes and show a higher price when you go back to their site a second time as they guess that their first quote was the cheapest. Get round that by getting first quotes on a public library computer using a false name and a nearby address.

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Thu 2 Sep 2021 10:48
My first car newbie help - Honda jazzer

thats a great idea thanks a lot

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Thu 2 Sep 2021 10:51
My first car newbie help - Honda jazzer

guys can I ask your opinion on these adverts

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103089876781?

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103220466460? something doen't seem right with this one

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108116130791?

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105072310268?

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107094823559?

also some of them say finance available but its from private seller is this normal ?

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Thu 2 Sep 2021 11:02
My first car newbie help - SLO76
Forget the red Corsa. They’re selling it so quickly because there’s something wrong with it, they couldn’t even be bothered to clean the thing.

I spotted that Polo but it’s way overpriced despite the mileage. I’d offer £2k tops for it.

The black Corsa sounds worthy of a look. It’s unusual to find a full main dealer history on an old supermini like this, it suggests an affluent owner. But I’d sooner spend the extra on the Mazda 2 which is several years younger.

Edited by SLO76 on 02/09/2021 at 11:35

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Thu 2 Sep 2021 11:40
My first car newbie help - badbusdriver

The finance isn't being offered by the seller, it is being offered by a finance company (Zuto) who will be paying Autotrader to advertise it.

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Thu 2 Sep 2021 14:40
My first car newbie help - Honda jazzer

Mate that's absolutely brilliant how can you tell all this information from the advert

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Thu 2 Sep 2021 14:46
My first car newbie help - SLO76

Mate that's absolutely brilliant how can you tell all this information from the advert

The Corsa seller states that they’ve only recently bought it but decided they didn’t want it for some reason… it’s broken. The Polo looks tidy but top money for 17yr old Polo is around £1500, I’d add £500 if it’s genuinely such a low mileage and it’s had the timing belt done recently but even at that it’s worth £2k tops. You can tell a lot from the advert but it’s the first contact that will tell you whether it’s worth viewing or not. First questions you ask are… 1/ Is it registered to you at your current address? If not, I’d typically walk away unless they’re selling it for a deceased relative or one who’s unable to talk to you themselves. I’d want proof of this though, meeting them at said relatives address to see the car is the best way to go if at all possible. Mostly it’ll be fly traders pretending to be private sellers to avoid any legal obligations. 2/ How long have you owned it? You’re looking for long term here, two years minimum. If they’ve recently bought it and want to sell on then 99% of the time the car is faulty. Walk away. Sorry for no paragraphs, it was written correctly but the forum doesn’t let it post correctly when you’re using the quote previous message option.

Edited by SLO76 on 02/09/2021 at 14:59

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Thu 2 Sep 2021 15:48
My first car newbie help - Honda jazzer

Thanks so much , is it possible to tell when the last person bought it eg there is an owners log .

So if j see someone bought it and sold it saybless than 2 years it will show up on the checks . I think that's a brilliant list to follow . Noted regarding the polo 17 years old , older than my daughter lol

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Thu 2 Sep 2021 17:29
My first car newbie help - Andrew-T

Thanks so much , is it possible to tell when the last person bought it eg there is an owners log .

You need to see the car's paperwork. The V5 should name the seller, the address and the date the car was bought. Until recently it would have shown the previous seller too, but Data Protection stopped that a few years ago.

If there is a bill of sale, that is clearly another source. If you aren't shown any of that, it will be word of mouth and up to you.

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Thu 2 Sep 2021 11:32
My first car newbie help - SLO76
“ also some of them say finance available but its from private seller is this normal ?”


If they’re offering finance then it’ll be a dealer but I’m not seeing any of the above doing so. It may be autotraders own finance advert flagging up.
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Thu 2 Sep 2021 21:19
My first car newbie help - Honda jazzer

Is ebay a good place to buy

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Thu 2 Sep 2021 22:33
My first car newbie help - SLO76

Is ebay a good place to buy

No, I’ve found too many dodgy types and rough cars there. I favour Gumtree for cars around this money and although pickings are slimmer some good cheap end cars appear also on Autotrader. I’d avoid at all costs Facebook selling pages, the cars are all too often utter garbage. Word of mouth is another good source. If I’m looking for a cheap car for someone I’ll post it on my own Facebook page and quite often a friends or a friend of a friends relatives car will pop up in nice order. I sourced a very tidy 58 plate Mitsubishi Colt 1.3 recently with 34,000 miles, a full history, new tyres, brakes and exhaust for a friend via a Facebook friend. At £1300 it was a bargain. Some local dealers can be worthy of a look also. I have a good local VW/Hyundai/Seat dealership group in town and instead of sending their decent trade-in stock to auction they sell it via a smaller secondary garage they bought for this purpose. All their stock is part exchange and of very good quality. £2500 doesn’t go far here though.

Edited by SLO76 on 02/09/2021 at 22:35

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Thu 2 Sep 2021 23:16
My first car newbie help - Andrew-T

Is ebay a good place to buy

No, I’ve found too many dodgy types and rough cars there. I favour Gumtree for cars around this money

I thought E-bay and Gumtree were opposite sides of the same coin ?? So the dodginess is likely to be similar ?

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Fri 3 Sep 2021 00:29
My first car newbie help - SLO76
eBay seems to attract the dodgier more opportunist seller from past experience.
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Fri 3 Sep 2021 06:13
My first car newbie help - Bolt

Is ebay a good place to buy

No, I’ve found too many dodgy types and rough cars there. I favour Gumtree for cars around this money

I thought E-bay and Gumtree were opposite sides of the same coin ?? So the dodginess is likely to be similar ?

There are as many bad cars on ebay as is on gumtree, most (not all) owners tend to look at there cars with rose tinted glasses, calling them immaculate when they are nowhere near, with mechanics that to the owner are perfect yet haven`t had a service for years yet alone had a polish, when some are asked a question its quickly avoided if there is a problem

I was surprised how many cars had been neglected and most owners can`t even be bothered to cover it up, but then I doubt some even care, they just want to sell!

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Fri 3 Sep 2021 09:56
My first car newbie help - Honda jazzer

Thanks mate I hear you

Basically need to have your wits about you

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107094823559?

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105072310685?

Am I right in thinking this one not so good as 5 owners

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108226527869?

This one a bit slim on details but has been owned for 11 years odd but has part service history, does that mean they missed a few or means they had work but no documentation

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108146237622?

Seems decent price

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107165128106?

Golf seems like a good well looked after car

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107215286130?

You guys recommended mazda 2 here's one , although seem a bit pricey

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108136209295

Advert reads well

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108136202861

This one looks good but 5 plus owners. Ut had some worl done recently

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109016878489?

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Fri 3 Sep 2021 11:08
My first car newbie help - SLO76
Forget the ridiculous modified Corsa SRi, its lifespan could be measured in days even if you could legally insure the thing.

Edited by SLO76 on 03/09/2021 at 11:35

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Fri 3 Sep 2021 12:04
My first car newbie help - SLO76
I’d leave the Golf’s. The Mk V wasn’t a good car. They rust badly, suffer ABS control module failure and other electrical issues plus the timing belt is due every 4/5yrs and will almost certainly be overdue on any at this money so expect to pay £300-£400 to have it done. I’d go for a Japanese model or a Ford Fiesta or Focus, avoiding the 1.0 Ecoboost engines.

You actually need to narrow things down. Forget anything modified or sporty like that SRi Corsa. I’d go and view that green Mazda 2 or the other two, these are great first cars. Cheap to insure, reliable and there’s no timing belt to worry about. A Honda Jazz is another worthy as is the Toyota Yaris. I’d stick with cars of this size for insurance and economy sake. But you need to go and view any tidy sounding cars quickly or you’ll miss them. Rust is the biggest fear so check the body carefully and get underneath to look for major rot. Check the Mot history for major corrosion warnings.

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Fri 3 Sep 2021 15:05
My first car newbie help - joegrundy

"But you need to go and view any tidy sounding cars quickly or you’ll miss them."

Yes, very much so, and I'd add that you need to be open-minded about the make/model.

I've bought two cars from gumtree in the last year, neither would have been on the wish list but both (so far) turned out well. Both were viewed and bought the same day they were listed, both from genuine sellers.

Last summer I bought a 2007 Lacetti 1.6 estate, 70k miles, £950. Not a car I'd been searching for, but I was very pleased with it. Scuffs on every corner which the seller's short Asian wife cheerfully admitted to causing as she had problems seeing over the steering wheel. (Most sorted by the application of black nail polish - cheaper tha touch-up.) Seller was a retired mechanic, and conversation with him about stuff he'd done to the car confirmed this. Car ran fine. I gave it to my DiL a couple of months ago when hers needed a new clutch and exhaust and who knows what else - way beyond worth doing. Still performing very well as a spacious and comfortable family car.

Replaced it at very short notice with a 1.2 i10.2009, 53k, £1450. Again bought on same day it was advertised but not a car I'd considered. Very genuine seller, good service history. I had it serviced/fully inspected by my trusted indy and all is fine. (I have an a/c issue and a bit of body panel corrosion to fix, but they're optional).

Both of these cars I'd be happy to take on my pre-covid annual trip to Andorra (2,500 miles) if possible.

So my advice would be:

Keep your eyes open

Buy on condition and history with an open mind as to make/model (but do the research)

Simple is better

Meet the seller and trust your gut feeling

Keep some of your budget in reserve to pay for a good service/inspection and any inevitable repairs it may need.

Don't be dazzled by shiny paintwork etc. -that's cheap and easy to fix and is less important than lackof corrosion and mechanical problems.

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Sat 4 Sep 2021 21:02
My first car newbie help - Honda jazzer

Thanks guys you have all been really helpful, I'm going to view the green mazda 2 it seems like a good car

I'm also going to create a check list to ask owner on the phone so I don't waste my trip .

Sticking to japanese cars are these any good

Back mazda 2, 1.3ts

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108136209295?

Toyota Aygo 2010 (10 reg) 1.0 VVT-i Blue Blue 5dr

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108296778098?

Toyota Aygo less mileage

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108296778098?

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Sun 5 Sep 2021 01:29
My first car newbie help - daveyK_UK
It’s a long story but the Aygo isn’t really a Japanese car.

If you check out the Citroen C1 and the Peugeot 108, they are the exact same car as the Aygo made in the same factory from 99% the same parts.

What makes the Aygo a better purchase than the C1 and 108 when new is the 5 year Toyota warranty, as opposed to Citroen and Peugeot who only offer 3 years.

After 5 years, I don’t think there is any reason to buy an Aygo over the 2 others based on the badge; the condition and previous service history are far more important
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Sun 5 Sep 2021 07:38
My first car newbie help - badbusdriver

Sticking to japanese cars are these any good

Back mazda 2, 1.3ts

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108136209295?

Toyota Aygo 2010 (10 reg) 1.0 VVT-i Blue Blue 5dr

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108296778098?

Toyota Aygo less mileage

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108296778098?

The second two links are the same car.

As Davey says, the Aygo is one of a trio of cars made in the same factory (in Portugal?). The earlier versions (like the blue Aygo), I seem to remember reading that the gearboxes can be a bit obstinate.

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Sun 5 Sep 2021 08:33
My first car newbie help - SLO76
The Aygo is the same car as the Citroen C1 and Peugeot 107. They all typically share the same Japanese Daihatsu designed 3cyl 1.0 petrol motor that’s highly efficient, nippy and fit for 150,000 miles if looked after. There’s the very rare 1.4 diesel option in the French badged versions but it was largely pointless. I regard them as a Japanese car because it’s more Toyota than PSA even though they’re not built in Japan.
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Sun 5 Sep 2021 10:41
My first car newbie help - Honda jazzer

Wow that's crazy , I had no idea but I guess it makes sense especially as we get it a lot these days . Same product just different packaging .

Is this polo a winner for me

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109046989624?

P.s what do you guys think of the Ford focus mk1

Edited by Martin Younan on 05/09/2021 at 10:47

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Sun 5 Sep 2021 10:54
My first car newbie help - SLO76
The 3cyl 1.2 VW motor wasn’t a very good design but this one ticks many boxes. Affluent address, service history and low mileage. It’s worthy of a look. This is the base model so there’s little to go wrong beyond the engine. Listen for timing chain rattles and look for blue smoke from the tailpipe. If it’s running rough walk away but I suspect this wee car if genuine won’t have wanted for anything.

Edited by SLO76 on 05/09/2021 at 10:59

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Sun 5 Sep 2021 10:57
My first car newbie help - SLO76
“ P.s what do you guys think of the Ford focus mk1”

One of the best small cars ever made. A true joy to drive and very reliable with the Yamaha designed 1.4/1.6 petrols. However most have rotted away now as rust resistance was very poor. Find a good one though and it’ll increase in value. These are design classics. The one to have is the 1.6 Zetec but body condition is all important here, I wouldn’t walk past a solid 1.4 CL to get a crusty 1.6 Zetec. You do find the occasional 1.6 or 2.0 Ghia that’s been well cared for by elderly owners but they’re disappearing fast.
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Sun 5 Sep 2021 17:25
My first car newbie help - Honda jazzer

Shame to hear that, i don't know why they don't just stick to a solid design and mass produce them or am I right in thinking that they will always tinker to try and get costs down but naturally quality suffers

Mazda 2 at dealer

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109016884213?

ford fiesta z tec

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108146250089?

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Sun 5 Sep 2021 17:43
My first car newbie help - badbusdriver

Mazda 2 at dealer

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109016884213?

ford fiesta z tec

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108146250089?

The Mazda?, I'd question the professionalism of a garage/trader who would advertise the car on Autotrader without so much as washing the car, never mind valeting it.

The Fiesta does look nice, but be aware, keeping a black car looking nice can be labour intensive!. But it is certainly the engine to go for, engineered by Yamaha, it is smooth sweet and reliable.

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Sun 5 Sep 2021 18:00
My first car newbie help - Xileno

The Fiesta 1.25 cambelt interval is I think 8 years or 100,000 miles so should have been done.

I know not all on this forum agree it's essential at the advertised mileage but I would want evidence it's been done or negotiate the price down to compensate.

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Sun 5 Sep 2021 18:37
My first car newbie help - Andrew-T

Shame to hear that, i don't know why they don't just stick to a solid design and mass produce them or am I right in thinking that they will always tinker to try and get costs down but naturally quality suffers ?

It's quite simple : a new model comes out and the keen guys rush to buy the latest toy. After a bit the rest of us cotton on and production reaches a peak. A few years later nearly everyone who wants one has one, and the keen guys start to itch for something newer. The makers have to respond. It's sad but true - the next model is not necessarily better than the one it replaces.

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Sun 5 Sep 2021 18:42
My first car newbie help - Honda jazzer

Ha ! This is the mobile phone market but literally within a year there is a new model out usually with improvements that nobody notices lolol but the price tag is ridiculous

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Sun 5 Sep 2021 19:43
My first car newbie help - Xileno

All true - but at least that means there are good buys down the line for used car buyers...

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Mon 6 Sep 2021 10:37
My first car newbie help - Honda jazzer

I get a good feeling about this advert

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109057016087?

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Mon 6 Sep 2021 10:59
My first car newbie help - SLO76

I get a good feeling about this advert

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109057016087?

I don’t. An early chain driven TSi Mk V Golf is possibly the worst thing you could buy despite the history. Avoid it like the plague.
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Mon 6 Sep 2021 12:03
My first car newbie help - Honda jazzer

Thanks so much I was totally convinced by the advert I thought I had found the winner

I'm keen on the mazda 2 you mentioned and also looking at Honda civic

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008042072305?a...3

I know it's a dealer. But maybe better to get Mr over the line to my first car even if do have to pay a few more quid

Ford fiesta

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108146250089?

Edited by Martin Younan on 06/09/2021 at 12:16

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Mon 6 Sep 2021 12:40
My first car newbie help - SLO76
I’d go and view that green Mazda 2 before it disappears. If it’s half as nice as the advert suggests then buy it for £2700/£2800. It’s 4yrs younger than that Civic, it’s cheaper to run and I get a good vibe. Stop searching for others. When a good car that fits the budget flags up drop what you’re doing and go view it. You’ll go round in circles just looking up other options. If the Mazda doesn’t measure up when you view then look at the Fiesta.
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Mon 6 Sep 2021 20:43
My first car newbie help - Honda jazzer

its b***** gone, i dont see how as he said he's not back till tuesday,

can i come for a viewing, sort of organised it then bam, my friend has put a deposit down for it hhmmmm anyway

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Tue 7 Sep 2021 07:46
My first car newbie help - Honda jazzer

Anyone of these any good

BLack mazda 2 2012

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109036972350?

Red mazda 2 -2013

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108075954210?

Green mazda, black rims 2009

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109016856719?

Green mazda serviced 7 times at mazda 2 at dealer

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109026906459?

Black amzda 2 2010 reg

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109036972350?

Mazda 2 sport

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108286740389?

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Tue 7 Sep 2021 12:17
My first car newbie help - SLO76
The red one would be the first I’d call about but I suspect from the wording of the advert he’s a trader. “Priced to sell” is a common telltale of the trader. Ask if it’s registered to him at his home address and ask how long he’s owned it. If it’s not registered to him ask him outright if he’s a trader. If he admits to it then ask him where the car came from. Some small home trader have an arrangement with local garages to buy their older trade-in stock and often it’s perfectly decent. If however he makes up some story about it being a relatives car then tell him you only want to view at the registered address. A dishonest trader is best avoided. It may of course be a private seller just using what they see as the lingo.
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Sun 3 Oct 2021 09:07
My first car newbie help - Honda jazzer

Thanks a lot slo I definitely owe you a drink , maybe if you have PayPal or hit coin etc I can sendyoh something .

I've narrowed it down to 2 cars that are not too far away and are Japanese

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110018022970

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108256621249?a...e

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105212926896?a...e

Which one do you reckon would the best deal

Thanks

Edited by Martin Younan on 03/10/2021 at 10:51

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Mon 4 Oct 2021 16:40
My first car newbie help - Honda jazzer

Thanks for your help everybody I went and bought a Honda Jazz today

67k miles , 1.4L got a mechanic yo come along and he charged me 80 for Inspection he gave it all clear .2009 reg

Can't wait to start driving

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Mon 27 Dec 2021 17:30
My first car newbie help - Honda jazzer

Hi guys just a heads up thank you very much for all the information you have given me just update everybody I have purchased a Honda Jazz 2009 reg 66k miles on the clock and full service history with 3 previous owners, I paid 2.9k

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Mon 27 Dec 2021 18:28
My first car newbie help - Xileno

Sounds a good buy. Thanks for the update. Let's hope it gives you plenty of trouble-free miles.

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Tue 28 Dec 2021 11:42
My first car newbie help - Honda jazzer

Nnnooo thank all of you guys for the help in here

It's a bit weak on the gears as in in you probably don't need a 2nd gear or 4th Gear.

And you don't get much power out of it when you put your foot on the floor but at the same time it also curbs my boy racer desires and keeps me on the straight and narrow lol I hope in 5-years time I'm I'll probably try and upgrade to something a bit more jazzier

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