First car in my sixties - what do you recommend?

I have always had a company car and now at retirement I am faced with buying and insuring my first car. I am finding choice bewildering and insurance expensive.

I live in London, park on the street and would prefer an automatic.

I have loved my company Volkswagen Golfs but I'm concerned that one might be expensive to run and maintain. I love the solid feel of the Golf and road handling compared to, say, a Toyota Yaris which felt ‘tinny’ and insecure on a motorway test drive.

What would you recommend on a budget of £10,000-15,000?

Asked on 18 May 2022 by Annette Staunton

Answered by Andrew Brady
We'd recommend a Volkswagen Polo. You should be able to find the latest model (launched in 2017) within budget with the DSG automatic gearbox. It'll feel just like a miniature Golf... although the latest Polo isn't actually that small.

Alternatively, stick with what you know and look for a seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf. Buy one with the 1.4 TSI petrol engine and it should be a very dependable choice that won't cost a lot to run.

As a slightly left-field alternative, consider a Mazda 3. It'll be well built, stylish and cheap to run.
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