New car time - new/used/PCP/loan?

[BlueSharp]

I find the best deals are on cars that are those that are just over 3 years old, with one owner and main dealer servicing and under 65k on the clock. As these are typically leased vehicles and would of been well looked after.

Check the 75k service interval as this can be an expensive one, DPF filters on Diesels, timing belts, and use it in the negotiations.

Also pay cash as you don't want a lease agreement during bench time and if you need to sell the car you can. You can also get warranties on such cars.

[MicrosoftBob]

Unless you drive like a Nigerian granny, I wouldn't buy a car with such a small engine for commuting

[TheCyclingProgrammer]

Check the 75k service interval as this can be an expensive one, DPF filters on Diesels, timing belts, and use it in the negotiations.

75K service...never going to get anywhere near that!

[doodab]

I'm aware of that, but on the other hand I have a much newer, nicer car than what I had before

Well this is true. My car isn't cheap to run (~25mpg) and has cost me a small fortune in repairs (~£2k for clutch & flywheel, brakes, 80k cambelt service) but the only things I'd trade it for would cost me even more

[TheCyclingProgrammer]

Unless you drive like a Nigerian granny, I wouldn't buy a car with such a small engine for commuting

Commuting? What commuting - I work from home!

It's a runaround, mainly local driving with the occasional longer journey. I do more an more local trips on my bike these days unless I need to carry a load so can see the wife driving it more than me once she's passed her test.

The 1.0 EcoBoost has rave reviews though; the 100bhp version is equivalent to a 1.4 engine.

On the used front, a quick search on AutoTrader throws up one possibility:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...us/5?logcode=p

I've sent a message to see if its still available, but that looks pretty decent to me. Cat D, allegedly due to stolen bumper, but not too bothered as long as it doesn't affect insurance premium.

[stek]

Commuting? What commuting - I work from home!

It's a runaround, mainly local driving with the occasional longer journey. I do more an more local trips on my bike these days unless I need to carry a load so can see the wife driving it more than me once she's passed her test.

Get a ten year old Pug 206 for that then!

[Scruff]

Unless you drive like a Nigerian granny, I wouldn't buy a car with such a small engine for commuting

Agreed. I have the occasional rental car and the eco rubbish are dreadful on the motorway and any incline. Rev rev rev rev change down change up rev rev rev ad nauseum. Convert petrol to irritation.

I would buy the 3-4 year old Focus or Astra any day in diesel, even though I'm a Petrolhead. My 2 daily drivers have 8.2 litres of relatively high performance engines and I drive my wife's 2.0 litre diesel for long motorway cruising quite happily.

[CoolCat]

You could always get a Dacia Sandero for a lot less money new, and a lot better than you would think

[Scruff]

You could always get a Dacia Sandero for a lot less money new, and a lot better than you would think

Top Gear might have a lightly used one for sale. You could harvest the celebrity DNA and sell on 'Bay

[TheCyclingProgrammer]

The feedback so far has been useful, thanks. I'm arranging to go and see the 1.6 Fiesta I posted above this afternoon. TBH, I've almost convinced myself. £6.2k, 22K miles, looks to be in very good condition, only 4 years old (so still latest model but not with the recent facelift). High end trim, has all the extras I want.

Only sticking point is the Cat D issue. Is this really something to worry about?

As was posted above, even if I'm really unlucky and end up spending £3k on this one, its still cost me less overall. However, in all likelihood I'm sure this will be a bit more reliable than my 2003 Seat Ibiza.