Shall I replace my old banger?

[frogalou]

I currently drive a 19 year old 3 door Toyota Corolla and I am wondering if I need a new car before my baby arrives. Apart from having only 3 doors and no airbag, the car is too old to fit a isofix.

I love my car, it is so reliable and passed its MOT two years in a row. I know nothing about cars (my bf does not drive) and I can't really afford a new car (I get 6 weeks maternity leave at 100% and then smp which will be hard, so need to watch the pennies).

I can't decide if I should just bite the bullet and get a new (second hand) car or keep the one I have which may be ill adapted. I know I won't have the time or energy to look into it when my baby will be here... argh! What to do?!

Toyotas are astoundingly reliable, and I think I read in "Which" that the Corolla is one of the best. DP has one (not as old as yours) and it seems trouble-free, we also looked at the comparable Hyundai which is reliable but not as nice. I have a bigger Toyo that I have been planning to get rid of when it goes wrong for at least four years. It doesn't.

The good thing about unglam family cars is that they are not fashionable so they don't fetch high prices used.

I bet if you can find another one, not so old, or an Aygo, you will be pleased with it. It should be better in a private sale than from a dealer, if you can trust it, but have a look at usedcars.toyota.co.uk/?id=used_cars

See if the dealer local knows about baby seats. Toyo may have had something before Isofix came out.

Don't get a Peugeot.

If money is tight, keep the car you've got, you know it so shouldn't be getting unexpected problems.

should be cheaper in a private sale

If you drive a lot then I would - you will definitely be safer in a newer car with up to date build quality and crash protection (airbags etc) - isofix is an ideal but not as important as that IMO.

Tbh the real problem for me would be the 3 door issue because it's going to be a proper PITA getting a baby into a rear facing seat without rear doors if you leave the car seat in the car. .

If you want to take the car seat in and out to avoid the above, it's also going to be annoying with no Isofix as you'll have to sort of lean between the front seats to get the seatblet around the car seat, or get into the back yourself and do it up like that.

I know these things arent deal breakers, but I had a 3 door hire car for 6 weeks last summer and by the end it was really peeing me off.

I'd find a 3 door car tricky for getting baby in and out of car seats TBH. It would wreck my already knackered back!

I would be less concerned about no isofix, we had the type of carseat which stays in the car permanently, so fixing it in with the seatbelt wasn't a massive problem. I don't know how you'd get on with a carry type one though?

Ok, I think I will keen an eye out for a 5 door Toyota Corolla and only buy it if it is a bargain (not sure how I will assess that yet). I shall be sad to leave my old friend behind though... Thanks for all your suggestions!

Parkers Guide is a good authority on what cars should be priced at secondhand. You can get them in WH Smith or they may be online now.

Right, I am seeing a Toyota Corolla 1.4 VVT-i T3 5dr Hatchback 2002 sold by a private seller on Sunday. 1 owner, serviced etc, only 50K miles for just below £3K (i will try to negotiate - it seems a bit steep)....

Does anyone know if I need to install something special in order to fit an ISOFIX base?

Thanks!

Don't know, sorry, but Halfords might be able to advise?

That model is a nice car though. It is a "Which" best buy used car. I can't find a price checker but if you PM me the reg no I can look it up.

mileage sounds very low. Ask to see the service history (owners maintenance book should be stamped and dated, with mileage written in, and the ink should not still be wet).

some obsessive private owners (like me) keep the service invoices and old MoT certificates in a folder. both invoices and MoTs will show mileage at that date. Ask what they've got. Phone in advance to say you want to see the registration document. Look at it to verify (1) the name and address of the keeper is the same as the person selling iy (if not, acceopt no excuses, walk away) and (2) they have owned it for at least a couple of years.

If they say they can't lay their hands on the documents right now, but will find them when (or shortly after) you arrive with your wad of cash, walk away. There are fish in the sea as good as ever came out of it.

aaaaah! we bought it.... it was lovely and shinny and ticked all the boxes in my head. I hope it was a good move :S

I'm sure you will be very happy together

Michelin Energy tyres suit it well and last a long time.

Thanks...! It kinda was love at the first sight!