Big banger theory

My daughter wants to buy a car to keep in the garage of her house in France for use when she's there. It's likely to be parked for 3 months at a time then used for 2-4 weeks. We realise this isn't ideal, and we have seen your general advice the subject (www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/faq.htm?id=37). She'll go for an older car so that depreciation is less of a factor. What choices should she make to give the best chance of reliability - diesel or petrol? Is an old banger better to avoid high tech problems? (We thought of a diesel Peugeot 306 but they are a bit long in the tooth now.) Any specific suggestions?

Asked on 6 March 2010 by M.P., Cambridge,

Answered by Honest John

Yes, old banger better. The simpler, the better. But more likely to suffer electrical leakdowns because its wiring is older. Obviously buy there, not in the UK. If she can find a Renault 4 or a Citroen 2CV, that would be fun and not lose her too much money.

Tags: buying buying abroad used cars

Dear Honest John,

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

Similar questions

Left hand drive car to use in France

We have bought a house in France with a garage and wish to keep a small car (about 1200cc) there which can take four adults. We thought left-hand drive would be useful. With a budget of about £4000 what...

Lander the free

I am considering purchasing a car in the USA (Florida) rather than paying car hire charges for lengthy stays (2-3) months twice a year. I would preferably like something the size of say a Freelander and...

Unbelievably cheap

My 22 year old daughter is hoping to change her car and has been looking for a Ford Fiesta. She has found three on the Internet that seem to be amazing value, with prices between £2,600 and £3,200. All...