hi can you halp me with recommendations for a second hand car?

[belcantavinissima]

i need something smallish pref with 4 doors reliable and overall CHEAP TO RUN!
i am finally selling my old ford galaxy which gobbles the petrol and want something small and cheap for whizzing round town and doing the school run.
i had a micra many moons ago and that was mega cheap.
i can afford about £2000 i guess. just wondered if you had any recommendations of models, makes etc so i know what to look for.
am hankering after a beetle or a mini really but that prob isnt the most sensible ooption

bump

Cheap to run & reliable = focus / astra/ fiesta since the parts are readily available & you don't have to use a main dealership to service it.

For 2k approx you can get this at Motorhouse Plymouth

Vehicle: FORD MONDEO 1.8 TD Verona 5dr Mileage: 50667
Price: £1693 Transmission: Manual
Colour: Green Registered Date: 1998
Trim: Cloth Fuel Type: Diesel
Engine Size: 1800cc Body Style: Hatchback
Features: None Specified

Vehicle: NISSAN ALMERA 1.5 E 5dr Mileage: 95091
Price: £1992 Transmission: Manual
Colour: silver Registered Date: 2000
Trim: Cloth Fuel Type: Petrol
Engine Size: 1500cc Body Style: Hatchback
Features: None Specified

interesting. thanks heated. are you in plymouth then? is this your area of expertise- used cars???
would i be better off looking for a diesel do ou think?

Nissans, Toyotas, Hondas, Hyundais.

to save money, go for diesel - much cheaper over the year on fuel.

also, for that price, small car, it's always worth either buying from someone you know or a friend of a friend (but no further!!!) so you know how well the car has been looked after and any probs etc or from a dealership so you get soem kind of warranty.

another great option are car auctions. Take a mechanic along with you - even if you have to pay him for his time, it's well worth it. also, not sure if they still do it but the AA used to offer service where they check out second hand car for you before you buy. worth looking in to if you're a member.

some ports also do auctions directly from Japan.every week.
go here for Southampton docks weekly car auctions

Obscure aspects of cars (like tow ratios) more my field Not in Plymouth, but assumed you'd want an example from your region.

There'll be nothing quirky at a car supermarket but usually a safe bet if have no car expertise.

You could look at the local ads of course where you are more likely to spot a bargain - when phoning say you're phoning about THE car and if they say which one? you know you've got a dealer posing as a private seller, so be wary/avoid. As pp said, the RAC will do a vehicle check for you, if you don't know anyone car savvy. If the RAC are too expensive you could ask your local independent garage to lend you a mechanic for an agreed fee.