Luxury and Economy - Which car is for me? | Ask Honest John

Luxury and Economy - Which car is for me?

I'm trying to decide which car to buy next and I keep going round in circles.

I always seem to regret my purchases soon after buying. I currently have a 2004 MG ZT 18.T which I love - stylish, comfy, but which has always been expensive to tax, insure and fuel (I get low 30s in mixed driving).

I have a budget of around three thousand pounds, and have variously considered an X Type, Audi A4/6, BMW 3/5, Volvo S60/80 and just can't decide. I want it to be more economical to own, be reasonably stylish and very comfortable. Are any of these going to satisfy me, or are there others I should consider?

Asked on 10 January 2013 by Villager

Answered by Honest John

£3k is danger money for any of these cars. You could be lucky and get a good one. You are many times more likely to get a bad one that turns into a money pit. Read the 'What's Bad' information in www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar to find out what's most likely to go wrong. One saving grace of a £3k diesel is that it's highly unlikely to come with the dreaded diesel particulate filter, so that's one worry you need not have.

Tags: economy luxury cars

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