October 2024

Daniel Easton

Hi All,

Would first like to say a big thank you for your spare time if you’re reading/replying, will try and keep it short and sweet.

Looking for some advice on buying a ‘sensible’ SUV.

Requirements:
Budget 12k
At least midsize (boot to fit 2 spaniels or suitcases or tools
Very frugal choices preferred - good reliability, good mpg, low road tax etc
Diesel is a must - expected 20k miles a year (work commute 60 miles daily)

As you can see I value low costs and comfortable first, with a touch of style for the budget I’ve got

Cars I’ve taken an interest in:
XC60
Qashqai
Sportage
Tucson

Again, thank you for your precious time! Read more

movilogo

Is estate a consideration?

Estate can offer bigger boots and you can get few more models....

swansea_karl

Anyone own an MG4? Some good reviews online, but MGs reliability is poor according to some reviews online, and some have had problems with the dealers. I wonder if the 7 year warranty is not worth the paper its written on? Read more

swansea_karl

Yes, MG sales are up.

Electric cars drive UK MG sales to more than £1bn - BBC News

The car looks great. Great value, i seen a 2023 plate in Motorpoint for under 15k. Lets hope MG sort out the problems.

I purchased a 22 Plate Skoda Scala in October 2023, I think i would be better keeping it long term. I can get an all in one package with Skoda for £37 a month, extended warranty, service, MOT and Breakdown cover.

Herrsandwich

I had to let go my old and faithful diesel engined car last year as it didn’t meet the emissions criteria for me to drive it in the middle of Bristol without paying the £9 daily charge. Ever since I have been looking for a replacement which is as economical on the motorway as my old motor. I can’t afford hybrid prices and taller petrol engine models seem to be very thirsty at higher speeds. Diesel Euro 6 cars are currently exempt from the clean air charge so would I be crazy to consider a car with this specification? I would be wanting to keep it for at least four years. Thanks in advance for your views! Read more

Big John

.hope your friend finds a decent job.

...

QueenofSpades

Hi folks. First-time car buyer here, after years of good old Enterprise Car Club, and just need to find the impossible, would love any steers. I need:

Family car, 5 door... Read more

QueenofSpades

As an ex Ignis owner, I'd point out a major caveat which is regarding the type of auto transmission. Pre-facelift (up to Nov 2020) used something called AGS, which is a single clutch automated manual (essentially a manual gearbox with the gearshifts done automatically) and it really wasn't a nice thing to use. Juddering when cold, slow and ponderous changes, the fact that the gearbox frequently seemed to be in the wrong gear for whatever situation you were in, and i found it borderline hazardous in a multi-storey car park. So while I absolutely loved our Ignis in most areas, I wouldn't get an auto unless I could afford the post-facelift which used a CVT. Sadly, going by Autotrader, £11k won't get you into one of them, cheapest one listed (nationwide) is £12,750, next cheapest is over £14k!.

The Vitara mentioned above is a great shout and very reliable, but I'll also put forward the Hyundai ix20 and Kia Venga (these are the same car barring some minor trim and styling differences). These are longer than an Ignis but shorter than a Vitara, they are also reliable and very easy to drive and park. Ideally you'd want a 2015 on facelifted model which got a a six speed auto (replacing a 4 speed) making it nicer to drive and (a little) more efficient. ...

Michael Young

I recently advertised my car for sale on Autotrader. It is a 67 plate with 54000 miles and in excellent condition. Having included 48 photos and a wordy description of the love and care bestowed on my car I expected it to sell reasonably quickly being a popular model and with an asking price of £12500 on a par with other models on the site. After posting the ad I noticed that whilst almost all similar ads were labelled as “Great Price”, “Good Price, “Fair Price”, mine did not. The ad ran its full term with one enquiry and no offers. All the cars ‘recommended’ by Autotrader were sold. I took this up with Autotrader who told me that only trade sales get price approval. This discriminates against private sellers, potentially forcing them into the arms of the car buying sites at prices much below what the dealers will sell the cars for. I took the registration number from one of the dealer ads and asked Autotrader to value it. They valued it at £2000 less than it was being sold for on their site; suggesting that Autotrader are discriminating against private sellers. Does anyone else have a similar experience? Read more

bananastand

buying a car from a dealer gets you a whole world of legal protection - see my experience on my thread. Buying privately then you're on your own.

Whenever I've called a seller offering a private sale 90% of them say they are selling it for their dad, maiden aunt, their mate, or give some other reason why their name isn't on the V5 and yes they can bring the car round to me, no problem. Not today dealer!

daveyjp

Our Yaris is now 7.5 years old, covered 45,000 miles doing school run, commutes, local trips etc, rarely sees the motorway.

It came with a 5 year warranty, but then became eligible for the new system whereby a new 12 month warranty is provided at every service up to ten years old 100,000 miles. It was serviced in March this year at the main dealer.... Read more

blindspot

oh yer. i was gob smacked when i went into aylesbury toyota to get a front hub nut ,waited 20 minutes to speak to some one. it would be a. 4 day wait for a front hub nut.That must fit most all cars. The coffee is great

Orb>>.

Yes, It's that time of year.

Renewal quote for Korando and Venga multicar £594... Read more

Xileno

A phone call this morning resulted in the premium going from £153 back down to £131. So only a £1 more than last year. Happy with that.

Car has just passed the MOT as well with only the usual advisory on 'Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement' (both sides) but they've reported that for years and it hasn't progressed to a fail yet. Hopefully won't be more than a few hundred to fix if it does.

elderberry

I was insured with Darwin Car Insurance until just over a week ago when I could not find their renewal notice so switched to another provider as I was about to go on holiday and short of time.

... Read more

Middleman

The OP cancelled the policy and not the insurer.

The OP didn't do anything:...

Videoman1959

In May 24, my 40yr old son was sent an email by his insurance saying he was involved in an incident in March 24 and they would be accepting a 50/50 settlement. My son told me he wasn't involved in any incident.

My son called them but they could give NO times and NO evidence, and it was only after the third time of calling that I was able to ascertain the make and model of the TP and find the location of the incident as I spoke to the complaints dept as the claims dept didnt tell us anything! My son still says it wasnt him. ... Read more

Adampr

Forgive me if insensitive, but why are you taking this all upon yourself? Why doesn't your son call his insurer and ask for the facts if they won't tell you?

Can you not reduce the premium on your wife's insurance by just taking him off again?

leef

Good morning backroomers,

Hope everyone is well? ... Read more

SLO76

Not a fan, but there’s no reason not to buy one. At least it has character. Pretty sturdy car, but make sure it’s not getting crusty underneath, it’s the main killer of Hyundai’s and Kia’s. Hope it serves her well