Buying a new (for me) car

[carconondrum]

My car is now 13 years old. It has served me well and was an absolute bargain when I bought it seven years ago as my first car.

But it's going to cost me a significant amount of money when my MOT comes up next year.

I don't drive far, maybe 6/7 miles a day, 5 days per week. 3/4 times per month I drive 35 miles to work and back.

How old/new would you go if you were me, buying a new car, and how many years would you expect it to last you?

I don't have a budget, as such. This post is to help me determine that.

Thanks.

Thanks for the replies.

My plan is to try and save about 5k before next MOT is due, including seeing how much I can get for my own.

I'm not interested in getting on to the PCP hamster wheel, so anything above what I can save, will need to come from a loan through my credit union - over 3 or 4 years.

I've never paid up a car, so it's going to be shock to the system even going down the loan route! And this is why I wonder if I'm planning on spending more than I need to.

My colleague does similar mileage to you and has a sandero they're not fancy, but reliable

Is there not a public transport option? Or someone else in the house who can drive you one or both ways?

I just don't think it is worth 5k for a car that does so few miles, plus you won't know what is wrong with the newer car. Easily you could spend 5k and then have a £700 bill. I also can't see what ABS fault can be £700 and not have a warning light on.
Even if it is correct if that is all that needs doing I would stick with the Corsa.

There absolutely can be an intermittent fault

When it comes to the braking system an intermittent fault is simply referred to as a fault.

I wouldn't be paying £5k to save £700.

OP I really think you need to find out more about this problem for the next MOT. pads and discs are a standard consumable so it does not make financial sense to spend £5k rather than replacing the brakes. If the garage told you that you have severe subframe corrosion then that would be different matter.

I don't think that's the case at all at the moment. Due to the global microchip shortage second hand cars have rocketed In value. Difficult to find a good deal when demand is so high.

I need a new car soon- Im hoping to for someting no more than 5 years old.
2nd hand cars have shot up in price since covid though - frustrating but I cant afford something brand new.
Ive got a 17 yr old Audi, low milage for year - Had for just over a year, age related issues are starting to show but expected BUT it will easily go for a few more years I think!
Ive had many cars before- I wouldnt get a kia again- The parts are v.expensive!
Ive found my ford cars and this Audi v.reliable.

But pads and discs aren't the same as the ABS unit?

When it comes to the braking system an intermittent fault is simply referred to as a fault.

PMSL

How did they decide there was an ABS fault? It's irrelevant really if you want a newer car, I'm just intrigued.

Actually we have just done it. No new car available until next year sometime. So we got the main dealer to search their country wide stock for the exact model + extras we wanted. They came up with one, under 9000 miles, 2 years old but 200 miles away and got it delivered.
They gave us max trade in for our old car, prestige marque but 9 years old very high mileage, on the new one extended warranty and 2 years AA cover. And then knocked £500 off the price.

He just said something about the ABS unit needing replaced in time, and it being better on one side than the other. I was just listening to what it was going to cost me, not the technicalities

What would he get from telling me I'm looking at an expensive repair a year from now?

Sorry, missed this.

I there is public transport, but I much prefer the convenience of a car, having only passed my test mid thirties.

And for the occasions that I have to work at a different site, public transport would add hours to my day.

No other drivers in the house.

He just said something about the ABS unit needing replaced in time, and it being better on one side than the other. I was just listening to what it was going to cost me, not the technicalities

Ah okay I kind of see now. I presume then he means the ABS control module which to be fair might well cost £700 to replace inclusive of labour.

The problem is £5k does not buy you a lot of car these days. If you went for another Corsa for example you will still only end up with something about 8 years old. Plenty old enough to have another £700 bill around the corner.

If the mechanic thinks that the rest of the car is good I would be minded to pay for the repair and save £4300. You can even ask if he can fit a reconditioned part rather than a new one.