New car (small, cheap, basic) or Second hand (larger, same price, more frills)?

[RageAgainstTheVendingMachine]

Morning all

I am looking for advice from any car enthusiasts out there.
I will require a car from the Summer - not planning to use for many long journeys as DS cannot handle them but will probably be doing 4-6000 miles a year.
I have bought second hand in the past twice - once was a good experience, one was lousy. I have also bought new once.
Am on a budget but could afford either a new dacia sandero basic spec or a second hand 2015 nissan micra (random example).
Needs to be reliable as I will be a lone parent with 2 kids. Does not need to be big or flashy.
Would you/Do you...
always buy new?
buy second hand? (Problem is, I will be buying myself and know bugger all about cars. Any tips?)
buy ex-demo?

Any advice much appreciated, including any recommendations.
Thanks in advance

A brand new car immediately loses value (thousands) because it's second hand as soon as you've bought it. I usually buy second hand but with more extras. Buy from a dealer, with a years MOT, and you shouldn't go far wrong. My current car's a Citroen C3 Picasso ten years old but sparkling and pretty. I've had it 2 years and no problems so far (except when I hit a parked car, and had to claim on the insurance ).

Every vehicle comes with a free Main Dealer guarantee and minimum 6 months MOT, is valeted inside and out, and goes through a comprehensive vehicle health check before being placed on sale. All vehicles are history checked too, for your peace of mind.

All dealers will say something similar, right?
Any idea on how to find a trustworthy dealer?
Would you/do you always pay for an AA guy to do another check for you and would a dealer take umbrage at that or is it standard?

It'll come with a warranty, plus you've got statutory rights under consumer legislation. And no, I don't get any more checks done. Even a brand new car with zero mileage isn't foolproof.

We’ve always bought from a car supermarket. We’ve had three cars from them so far and no problems with any of them. So long as you say no to all the overpriced extras it’s as savvy as buying privately but with a guarantee and usually a years MOT.

I really wouldn’t buy a brand new car if all you need is a runaround.

Thank yousingle
What made you pick the citroen out of interest?
Do I focus on age, mileage, miles per gallon, number of previous owners, insurance group no. or tax? Which order of importance would you put those in? Sorry for sounding like such a numpty

I picked it because it's got big windows, high seats, a massive boot and plenty of room for 2 car seats for the dgc. Then I look at age, mileage, cost of tax and insurance (can depend on emissions). Probably all in that order.

I know yippee I just remember from having my fingers burnt once before that jump starts are not the best fun in the morning
I should namechange, mosey over to local MN boards and ask for any reputable dealer and mechanic, shouldn't I?
Have always gone by word of mouth on mechanics but no longer have any contacts in the area. A trustworthy mechanic/plumber/sparky etc is like gold dust.

Thanks again. I am a walking cliche and at one point, narrowed down a search by colour. Am not proud of this fact!

Oh I picked my current car based on the cuteness factor.

I always buy second hand, you get a better spec car for the same money. Look for low mileage, low number of previous owners and full service history. Ideally you are looking to buy a car that someone loved and looked after.
Buy from a reputable dealer and ask for A service and MOT to be included in the price you pay.
Think about what will make your life easier when choosing the car, so with kids you will need 4 doors and a large boot. Parking sensors will make life easier, but if you are only doing short local journeys, you won’t need a satnav. Cheap to insure is important but miles per gallon, not so important if you are using it as a run around.
It’s not worth paying for an A A inspection in my opinion, as he is only assessing it on that day, he can’t predict if something major is about to go wrong with it.
If you see two or three of a similar price and spec and can’t decide between them......then go for your favourite colour!

Thank you. Are parking sensors necessary for someone who will drive around to find a spot rather than parallel park. Ever.?!
Asking for a friend