Buying a new car

[AddictedtoCrunchies]

I need to buy a new car. I currently have a 2007 Ford Fusion which I bought when DS was 11. DS is now 15 and 6ft 5, plus I now have a dog who travels in the boot. The car is reliable but too small so I'm thinking about replacing it.

Anyone got any advice on what to do? Sell and buy privately? Sell privately and buy from a garage? Trade in at a garage? Buy from a dealer (ie Ford). Its a minefield. Budget is 8k max but I could do monthly finance instead.

Any thoughts?

There is a real shortage of 2nd hand cars at the moment which means you may get more for your Ford but will have to pay more for a replacement.

I think you always get more selling privately than going to a dealer. However a dealer may do you a better deal as a trade in.

Rising interest rates mean that monthly repayments fees for finance have gone up too so you may get a shock if you go for that.