Buying a new £20,000 car – what would you recommend? | Ask Honest John

Buying a new £20,000 car – what would you recommend?

My wife has a shoulder problem, she is finding gear change and handbrake operation a problem. It looks like we need a car with automatic transmission and electronic handbrake. We will be looking for something to keep it for 10 years (present car, bought new, is almost 10 years old), ideally with digital speedometer, DAB radio and automatic air con or climate control. In the 10 years I will become over 70, so the car must be easy to get in and out.

What do you recommend?

Asked on 3 August 2013 by MikeatS41

Answered by Honest John

I don't recommend electric parking brakes because they only seem to last 4 - 5 years before moisture gets into the motors, then cost £500 a side to replace. I don't recommend Volkswagen's DSG either and doubt that it will remain trouble free for 10 years. But a car with electric parking brake, DAB radio and DSG auto is a new Golf.

Tags: handbrakes buying a new car dsg

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