Wouldn't it be cheaper to hire a car for the 300 mile trip.

That way,you would get a decent modern car that shouldn't break down.

I always hear how that Japanese cars are the only reliable ones for this type of trip . Is that so ?

Not really. Japanese cars are good, but your money doesn't go very far so you have to buy much older/higher mileage than a comprably priced French car.

You need a bit of luck. I would recommend buying local-very local if posssible. People are less likely to blatently lie to someone that they are likely to bump into in the newsagent.

With old cars, the previous owner is more important than the marque of the car.

Old Pugs, Citroens and Renaults are held in very low esteem and you can get a reasonable car for a few hundred pounds.

Otoh, If you know the person selling the civic or the Avensis-grab either. You can''t guarantee that the car won't break, but you can be reasonably sure that the owner won't knowingly sell you a lemon!

To be honest I did over look Korean cars , I had to google to find out what cars they were ! at least my search for a reliable car can be widen .

Thanks for the tip Sam49 I will have a look around for that one too .

My sister's BF drove a Kia Rio around the dales of Yorkshire - his mum had it before him and he ran it for 8 years (so it took some teenage mistreatment too) until he traded it for a Clio.