Right, I know nowt about cars and have needed a new one for ages, but I'm finally gonna have to take the plunge - mainly as my bird's car is fooked, so she's having mine and I'm getting a new one.

 

First of all I have no idea what to get, but have been told stick with German or Jap makes. (Sorry Grandad).

 

Second thing is, we've just bought a flat so I don't have much lump cash so I'll need a loan / finance or leasing etc. Any of you good good people know anything about it and the best way? And will the fact that I've just stumped up for a new place affect it?

 

Ta

 

Jules

motor-idiot

Give us a clue at least Jules! Rough Budget? Diesel? Estate? Etc...

topgear, whatcar and autocar are all on line and offer reviews

 

german and jap is good advice imo

 

depends what you want as pikey said

 

can't go far wrong with a golf

 

room fert pram as well

ive had jap cars, german cars and french cars.

 

to be fair french build quailty aint much worse than german. so dont believe the old shite about french cars falling to bits while germans make solid cars.

 

my current car is german, 7 month old and rattles like a bitch.

 

go japanese, unbreakable! something honda i'd say...

 

oh and whatever you do, stay away from the bum-raping finance deals...

Finance wise - obviously if you go private then you will need a bank loan. If you go to a dealer then you can get a lease purchase or hire purchase. You have contract hire as well but never been a fan. Will you be using this for business or just personal use?

I got a Ford Focus from Trade Sales no one could touch their price (but they are in Slough) theres a place in Derby too which is cheap. Its the old style one and to be honest can't fault it (OK the glove box is pokey and too small), its reliable, economic has enough get up and go and can sit 4 adults easily, boot space is good too.

 

I never wanted one or was over keen on Fords but the price (esp when the sales man cocked it up) was too good to turn down.

 

Finance shop around although I will say I used to use Alliance and Lester a lot and never had any problems and thier rates were pretty good. Remember if using a garage watch their rates, they can barter on them too

Edited September 12, 200619 yr by Jack_Daw

I bought French this time. Very happy.

 

 

Finance - took some advice from Hazzy. Recommended me to YBS Asset Finance.

(He's in the game, so took it that they were offering the best deals).

Got the deal for amount I needed, only took a couple of days, didn't have to prove my income.

Rate of interest was very good - battered the finance offered by the garage.

 

Basically paid ??3500 up front.

Took out finance for around ??7000.

Have to pay around ??4000 after 3 years*

*Been told value of car should be at least ??4500 after 3 years.

 

Paying around ??190 per month. Includes the GAP.

Just personal use - I only do 8-9k miles per year. No idea of budget in total, but I'd probably be looking at between ??3-??400 a month and putting maybe ??5k down (if it works like that!).

 

Diesel / Petrol - not a clue as I'm a dunce.

 

Just want something quite nice with space in the boot for golf clubs (sorry Brixton et al).

 

I really am clueless aren't I!

Again German & Jap is solid advice though the former can be pricey to buy and service.

 

I'd seriously consider a Mazda - great reliability will all the knobs and extras included.

for 305 a month, you can borrow 10k over 3 years

 

northern rock

 

mazda rx8 would fit your playboy lifestyle, but maybe not the clubs

Thanks folks, any advice is much appreciated!

dont buy brand new, you'll lose a shedload, unless you buy from a car supermarket or a pre-reg.

 

i only ever buy cars over 6 month old, let some other sucker take the showroom depreciation.

 

but most of all, do your research, ring around, NEVER pay the price on the windscreen...

 

try www.motorpoint.com for cracking deals...

 

also beware of some internet deals that use your money to import a car from abroad. these are cheap yes, but can take months for car to appear.

Edited September 12, 200619 yr by HomerJay

dont buy brand new, you'll lose a shedload, unless you buy from a car supermarket or a pre-reg.

 

i only ever buy cars over 6 month old, let some other sucker take the showroom depreciation.

 

Spot on advice, exactly what I do when buying a "new" car. Don't see the point of buying new when you know as soon as you walk out the showroom (well, drive actually!) your a couple of grand down already.

 

6 months, even 12 months old cars if well maintained should look pretty new anyway.

 

I've had German cars for around 8 years now and never had a single problem. The Krauts get my vote.

if you do decide to do finance (strongly recommend other means) then dont be sucked in by the monthly payment, its irrellevent. all you wanna know is the APR and the sale price.

 

finance deals are usually into double figures, you want them at least under 8% otherwise just get a bank loan.

 

remember finance is an expensive pain to get out of should you want to change the car before the term is up.

northern rock, homo

 

northern rock

northern rock, homo

 

northern rock

 

dont like dealing with such matters over the phone, i'd rather bollock someone in person when the f??ck up, so abbey loan for me...

 

plus less chance of speak to Ali Abdula Ahmed (who actually want to be be called liz?) from bali...

Edited September 12, 200619 yr by HomerJay

northern rock, homo

 

northern rock

 

aye helped me mum sort out ??3k for her car last night 5.8% apr

 

worked out she was paying about ??200 in interest as opposed to about ??700 with lombard and direct line!

If you want to stick golf clubs in it, don't touch the Renault Megane, Uncle has one and despite that big bottom its a shite boot and he cannae get his clubs into his boot.

If you want to stick golf clubs in it, don't touch the Renault Megane, Uncle has one and despite that big bottom its a shite boot and he cannae get his clubs into his boot.

 

Gumbo's got a Megane so I'm definitely not getting one of them.

 

Bought my last car from new and it's British (a Rover) so I've done just about everything wrong in the past it seems...

 

Would the fact that I've just got a mortgage a couple of months ago affect getting a loan from say Northern Rock or Abbey then?

probably help...

 

i always find if you already have a association with a bank, they are much likely to give you decent rate...

 

i got a loan a couple of years back when i 1st bought my house and cahoot quoted me 10% apr, went to my bank (natwest and got 6.1%)

Would the fact that I've just got a mortgage a couple of months ago affect getting a loan from say Northern Rock or Abbey then?

 

No, as long as you can show that your still living within your means.

I've got the new swift, you have to take the drivers out of the bag to fit yer clubs in the boot, but its a cracking little car and i've had no problems with it!

Got my car last year from a car supermarket called motor provider in Sheffield. Saved 5 grand on the dealers price. www.motorprovider.uk.com

 

Also got a loan deal from Virgin