AIBU to want a decent car to drive? (what do you drive?)

[Honeybooboo123]

so, my old car is getting a bit knackered and it's a three door which has always been a bit of a hassle with 2 kids.

We have a estate as well, which either DH drives or I drive on my day off as bigger for shopping etc. We also have a sports car which is DH's and not practical for more than a handbag and wedging kids in the tiny back seats. I haven't driven it yet.

Anyway, I think I need a new car. I don't want anything big, but 5 doors, can handle a motorway and a little bit zippy.

Any recommendations? Budget - not huge, maybe up to £10-12k, used fine.

DH thinks I should keep driving the old banger, but the seats don't even go forwards or back anymore...

Probably because I’m a woman, my starting point is the colour.

If you're interested in Skoda they do the Rapid which is between the Fabia and Octavia, I was looking at them recently. They're the same as the Seat Toledo. Cheap with a massive boot.

Kia Cerato.

Not sure if the model is called a Cerato in the UK, but there will be something similar.

Bloody fantastic car. 7 year warranty, capped price servicing, full size spare tyre (this is a big deal in Australia), comes with all of the inclusions (front, side and rear sensors, Sat Nav, reverse camera) for comparatively little $. Mine has not had a single issue the entire time I've had it, and it gets a lot of use (again, live in rural Australia, so driving distances every day).

Kias are great cars. Highly recommend.

Mazda 3. I bloody love it!

I love my Kia Sportage. Reliable, economical and looks good.

We have a Ford B-MAX, which is basically they took a Fiesta and expanded the back end to turn it into a mini-MPV. The sliding passenger doors make it really practical with kids, though given its Fiesta origins it's still small. Great for days out and my commute, wouldn't want to go on a family holiday with it. And you'll get it for 4 figures if 3+ years old - got mine for £8K with 17K miles on it.

Definitely don’t go for an Audi. I’ve had lots of cars in the past through company schemes but my current Audi which I bought myself has been nothing but trouble. The garage are never surprised either - they have seen it all before....

I have a 57 plate jazz sport which we bought for 4,750 when it was seven years old with only 14,500 on the clock I love it and we have driven through France and it went very well and it is economical to run.

When you decide what you want look for low mileage cars as so many aren't driven very far and can be a good bargain.

Dh has a RAV4 again several years old but it was very low mileage.

I'd recommend an Audi A1. They're roomy enough, I just got a three year old one that has done under 20k miles for £13.5k.

Don't get an Aygo, I had one previously and it was tiny and so gutless - they're useless for motorway driving.

Jumping on to recommend a 1.5 diesel megane plenty of power behind it for day to day very economical repairs and good on fuel too

Honeybooboo123

I was very keen on the Honda Jazz, before my in-laws gave us a VW Sharan they were going to get rid of. I liked the Jazz because while it isn't a huge car it's been designed to be very open and spacious inside, is very safe, reliable, and looks nice.

Your husband sounds like a selfish dick but that aside i’d either go with a Qashqui, Kia Sportage or a Ford Kuga

Another one who loves their Kia Sportage.

Can't DH get rid of his sports car or is he penisly callenged and thus needs the car to feel manly? Amazing how many DH (or selfish wankers as is the correct term) i know/know of who let the wife and children drive round in old/unsuitable/un roadworty vehicles but keep a pricy sports car (which conveniently doesn't accomodate child seats) for themselves.
I drive a Honda Jazz-Tuppence ha'penny to run and a trusty work horse. I've done snazzy motors, the worst of which was a Land Rover which was utter shit (as in my experience all Landys are). Not really into cars but a striking one caught my eye recently. Turned out to be a Ferrari.

Just traded in my 9 year old Fiesta Zetec for a Renault Zoe (fully electric). Loved the Fiesta, did 50,000 miles in 7 years, a mix of short commutes right up to driving from Scotland to Devon and back. It was a great workhorse, and a decent spec, although newer ones are even better.

Thought about going for a Volvo v40 or v60, but didn't want to be left with a petrol or diesel model when Volvo ditches ICE models in a few years time. Very happy with the Zoe so far, although only had it a week. Got it on a pcp (first time on pcp for me) as the technology is changing rapidly.

Ooh i love the volvo xc60s, the estate version is nice too- very responsive
Also really like qashqis - really smart nice car.
I have a 3 series (fairly old) and it goes like a rocket/so easy to drive and park so can recommend that too