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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask whether you think I can by a "decent" used car for 5k?

55 replies

Nighthogs · 23/04/2021 21:14

I'm about to buy my first ever car aged 31 - exciting! I'm reluctant to spend more than £5,000, and I'm hoping for that money I'll be able to buy something that isn't amazing but is a decent runner that will see me through at least a few years before the issues start to creep up. Not fussed with cameras and the like, but like the idea of a beeping parking sensor. Just something solid, not too many miles, reliable... Maybe a Honda Jazz or a VW Polo?

Am I being unreasonable to think that I can achieve this with my budget?

OP posts:
Original poster
Nighthogs · 23/04/2021 21:15

Oh god, "buy" not "by"...

OP posts:
Pasteque · 23/04/2021 21:18

I'm sure you can. I bought my lovely 3 year old jazz three years ago for 4.5k, never had an issue with it since. I reckon she's got a good ten years left in her!

Pasteque · 23/04/2021 21:19

I don't have parking sensors but you can get them retro fitted apparently

Nix32 · 23/04/2021 21:19

That's a great budget! I'm almost 45 and have never spent more than that on a car. VW is a great idea.

Imapotato · 23/04/2021 21:19

My Hyundai i10 cost £3700 when I brought it about 3 years ago. It had done 17,000 miles and was about 6 years old. I’ve not had a single problem with it and it’s passed it’s MoT first time every time so far.

So yeah. You can def get a good little runner for under £5k. (I once had a car that cost me £500, I had it for 6 years and it just worked, but was pretty beaten up looking).

Original poster
Nighthogs · 23/04/2021 21:20

@pasteque Thank you! It's all a bit daunting and I don't have any experience of what my money can actually buy in the car world, so I'm really glad to hear that you've done well with your Jazz!

OP posts:
Wednesdayalltheway · 23/04/2021 21:20

That's a great deal!

Wednesdayalltheway · 23/04/2021 21:24

Check out the parkers guides and try to narrow down what you want as it's easier. Some cars have zero road tax so that's a good place to start, also ease of parking, fuel efficiency, storage space etc.

Original poster
Nighthogs · 23/04/2021 21:24

Thank you everyone - I'm totally clueless so I'm glad to hear I can afford something half decent! The next hurdle is getting a parking permit on our hideously crowded road...

OP posts:
littlepattilou · 23/04/2021 21:25

Course you can. Probably get a nice Vauxhall or Ford 2015 or 2016 plate for 5 grand.

Pasteque · 23/04/2021 21:33

[quote Nighthogs]@pasteque Thank you! It's all a bit daunting and I don't have any experience of what my money can actually buy in the car world, so I'm really glad to hear that you've done well with your Jazz![/quote]
Its my first car too. I think a jazz is quite a good shout because they do tend to appeal to an older demographic who don't do the mileage! I wanted a Skoda fab really (which would also be in budget) but needed the jazz lie flat seats for the dog (my life revolves around him!)

SnackSizeRaisin · 23/04/2021 21:34

You can get something decent for £2000 IMO. Make sure it's got full service history as older cars that haven't been maintained break down. (Receipts for annual servicing would do) and depending on mileage find out if the cambelt has been changed or needs doing.
Mileage below 10,000 per year is not a good thing - it means lots of short journeys which leads to more wear and tear. You are better with higher mileage and good service history.
If you haven't had a car before the insurance may be huge - small engine diesels are often cheaper to insure but check the specific model
Autotrader is useful

TheHateIsNotGood · 23/04/2021 21:35

Yes you can easily buy a very decent used car for less than £5k.

Swearwolf · 23/04/2021 21:39

Definitely! I bought mine for less than that and it's awesome. Look at Skoda Fabia - it's a VW engine in a cheaper body, I love mine.

Feelingconfused2020 · 23/04/2021 21:42

My last car cost £900 it was 9 years old when I bought it and was still running fine 5 years later. I loved it. Sadly I was in an accident which wrote my car off. It wasn't the car's fault. I still miss my lovely car!!

So yes definitely you can. Look on auto trader for a car with a reliable female owner and full service history.

VeniVidiWeeWee · 23/04/2021 21:44

Well, my £5,000, 375bhp, Jaguar is great. Providing you're not worried about fuel consumption.

JengaJuice · 23/04/2021 21:46

I think so too - just keep checking around for bargains! I have a very low mileage Nissan Note bought for 1.8k - small boot but fine for me and two kids!

Mysterian · 23/04/2021 21:49

I bought my Golf for that. 10 years old. Very happy with it.

lovablequalities · 23/04/2021 21:52

I've never spent that much on a car!

AnotherEmma · 23/04/2021 21:53

Yes get a Skoda Fabia
www.whatcar.com/skoda/fabia/hatchback/used-review/n808/ownership-costs

Not a VW Polo which will be more expensive so you'd have to get an older car with higher mileage.

LlamaGiles · 23/04/2021 21:53

Look at Kia, they're cheaper than Japanese brands because they're a bit unfashionable and Korean, but I love mine.

kereh · 23/04/2021 21:53

bought my lovely 3 year old jazz three years ago for 4.5k

That's ridiculously cheap for a 3 year old jazz.

Original poster
Nighthogs · 23/04/2021 21:57

You're all amazingly helpful. For the first time, I'm actually excited to start looking!

OP posts:
Apileofballyhoo · 23/04/2021 21:58

Have a look around where you live for the oldest cars that look like they are in good shape. You'll see which makes are still looking good and going strong at 15 years old. Buy the newest version of one of those that you can afford.

HairyToity · 23/04/2021 21:58

I've bought used cars for under 5k before. These include Fiesta, Corsa and Ford C Max. I have had some expenditure needed on them, but never more than £700 in first two years, and I do a big mileage. I always buy what I caan afford, rather than use finance or lease.