Hate hate hate looking for a new car

[2026namechange]

It is both boring and stressful at the same time. I don’t know what I’m talking about and I also don’t care to learn, I find it tedious.

People seem to have such strong and specific opposing opinions about stuff that I have no idea if it’s relevant at all.

AIBU to think you should be able to pay someone to find you a car that meets your budget and requirements and isn’t a lemon?

If this service exists please could someone point me in the right direction? Bonus points to not have to engage in any conversations that involve car terminology at all.

I had this few months ago. I would of been happy for someone to turn up with a car and say here you go. Came back with one not on my list in the end.

Just traded in my 11 year old A3 for another A3 that is 25 reg but 3k miles on the clock. Would never buy brand new. Very pleased with it.

We got a car off Cinch last week and we're returning it due to some undisclosed faults. I would be weary of purchasing a car you haven't test driven first

I feel the same. Need a new car or have to pay a couple of thousand to get my 11 year old car fixed. DH is all excited for my new car and is sending me pictures and links. I couldn't give a damn, I would literally drive anything. Think I will leave it to DH to pick one for me.

Get a VW Caddy Life. Very versitile.

@MrsMoastyToasty that is the B Pillar, it is wider on newer cars for safety reasons, I’ve never turned my head to reverse that’s what mirrors are for, does your new Corsa not have a reversing camera

@2026namechange For a family car, and being you are a Mazda owner already and presumably like the brand and trust them you can’t really go wrong with the CX30

Lack of choice. I like it.

Definitely get another Mazda if you're happy with your current one. Don't overthink it.

Just look at the model range and go up one or two steps until you get to one big enough for your needs. Then start at the bottom of the specs until you get to one that has all your desired features (cruise control, etc). Look at car supermarkets online to see if you can find one of those.

I drive a lot of hire cars, which has helped me learn what annoys me about cars and what to look out for next time I get a new one. These are lack of rear visibility, sometimes you can see hardly anything out of the sides and back and no, I don't think all the tech and sensors is the answer - can you imagine telling your insurer/the police - I hit something because the sensor didn't tell me it was there? I also don't like overly large cubbies or other obstructions between the front seats, a lot of these I constantly bang my elbow on.

I am so opposite. I know what I want. Have a budget. Visit three or four showrooms to test drive the similar cars. They are all very different to drive and in my experience you know what you like and don't like. I have found I don't like Japanese for example. Much prefer European models. Don't like SUV's. Much prefer saloons or Hatchbacks. It's a very personal.thing, and I would hate for someone else to choose for me. But then I love cars and driving.

Don’t know if they are all like this but I had a fab experience at motorpoint. Wandered round the cars and chose 3 I liked, they gave me the keys so I could have a sit in and then I chose one for a test drive. Salesman just left me to it while I was browsing and sitting in the cars, no pressure tactics. I’d go back there to get my next car 100%.

Kia

Went to the dealership we use and was told out 18 year old Rio had problems with the alternator that was going to be expensive - it also had a turbo oil leak

Saw a yellow Picanto for sale at a price in our budget

Came back with my wife to see it

Bought it

Simples

A Skoda Octavia is hands down the best family car for the money.

Skoda! Go to the showroom tell them what you want and your budget. Test drive a few. Walk away - they’ll call you with a deal

Honest John website is a great help to narrow down what to look at and test drive.

You put in your requirements and then can read the reviews including which particular models have issues.

Exactly the same here though I must have had about 12 keys. The salesman absolutely left me to it and just told me to come and find him if I wanted a test drive or had questions. Best of all, he spoke to me and my DH instead of being patronising to me and just speaking to my DH. I loved the Kia Sportage bearing in mind my mechanic told me to stop buying French crap - meaning Peugeot and Citroen . When I decided on the Sportage, the salesman looked on his database and found the exact same model and spec for £3k cheaper at a branch in Yorkshire, just 10 months older and missing out on the £625 annual road tax cut off . When it arrived it was so beautifully valeted it looked brand new. Second car from Motorpoint and first Kia - love both.

Car/sensible headed partner advice;
Reliable cars -
Hyundai
Toyota
WAG Group (VW, Audi, Seat)
Ford

Don't buy brand new as the car will depreciate instantly, full service history is a must, lowest mileage for your budget is usually the way to go

I’m on my 3rd Ford Focus cos I like how it looks and feels so I just keep upgrading every 5 or so years (not new)

We have a local chap who does this! He specialises in cheap reliable cars for first time drivers and will basically hunt for what you want.

I hate this too. I think what you need to do is find a friend (or a friend's spouse) who does love all things car but isn't arrogant enough to assume everyone will share their own preferences, tell them things you have liked/disliked about previous cars and then let them loose to pick you something new!

And buy them dinner as a thank you.

I would bloody love this! Is he in the South East?

The only requirements we had were a min boot size, had to be automatic and within budget. Husband went off to car giant and came back with a new car. Job done.

Yep. We are reading/basingstoke area.

PIL have a Mazda CX-5 (I think) they seem to like it and it was nice to drive when we borrowed it because ours blew up (Citroen avoid)

Any pre-2019ish petrol Toyota will do everything you need it to and never go wrong.