Octing out

I am the second owner of a 1997 Vauxhall Astra 1.6, which is still a good car but has become very expensive to run, especially as I have reached my 80th year. I am unsure whether to go for old, like 12 years, or newer, say 7. I can only spend up to £4,000, and would like it to be in the A, B, or C road tax groups. What would you suggest?

Asked on 19 September 2011 by AP, via email

Answered by Honest John
The cars are all listed here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/co2-tax/ But obviously the older you go the fewer cars fall into the low tax groups. I'd worry less about that and more about getting a decent small car. For example a Toyota Yaris Mk II 1.3.
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