Tell Co-op Insurance what you look for when buying a used car - £300 voucher to be won! NOW CLOSED

[EllieMumsnet]

Whether you are buying a small family car, something fun for yourself, or perhaps a first car for your teenager, there are many things to consider such as size, fuel economy, and comfort to name a few. Co-op Insurance think safety is really important but would like to find out what is most important to you when you are buying a used car.

Here’s what Co-op Insurance has to say: “We know safety is paramount when it comes to driving children around and finding an affordable used car that offers the best safety standards will be important to many mums. For this reason we have identified and unveiled the top 5 used cars (under £5,000) for passenger safety. Whether it's your teenager’s first car or your car, passenger safety is very important and often an afterthought with all the other aspects to think about.”

So what is important to you when buying a used car? Are you savvy in finding the best price or do you shamelessly want a nice colour? Perhaps it’s all about the in-car entertainment for you to avoid the dreaded ‘are we there yet’? Or are you adamant that you must be able to fit three car seats in the back? Whatever your most important features are, please share them below and you will be entered into a prize draw to win a £300 voucher of your choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck

MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs apply

I always check the tyres. Has the previous owner rotated them properly when replacing? Are they really worn down? Have they bought budget tyres or decent ones? Have they replaced in pairs? The answers to all of these questions tell you a lot about the previous owner's attitude to the car and whether or not it has been well maintained before you even get in the car (dealerships tend to make the car look clean and shiny before putting it on the forecourt but don't bother actually changing the tyres.)

Given that we have generally high safety standards for manufacturers to work to, safety is not my number one concern. No point in having a car if you can't afford to insure it, so cost of insurance is 1st on my list of things to research before buying.

A decent length on the mot and no major issues on the last mot

1. Estate
2. Isofix
3. Three car seats/boosters across the backseat
4. Mileage
5. Fuel efficiency

sounds very boring - but for us a full service record is really important to know the car has been looked after well. And we did need to fit 3 car seats in the back. It needs to have enough legroom and be comfortable to drive (with my hip problem i need cars with the seat a little higher than normal).

After an accident that I still sometimes find it hard to believe we walked away from, thanks to the quality of the car that did not simply disintegrate on impact, it has to be a make with a strong safety record.

Safety rating and fuel efficiency. And overall condition if the interior and exterior. And not white!

i have a budget and i look for
small car - small engine size - economical to run - got to look good - low mileage

any girl racer features - are a bonus

As a family of six, space is a big consideration but so is affordability.

Running costs and insurance prices would be a factor as would safety.

I wouldn't buy a car that doesn't have a full MOT and service history and I would also check on line to see the car's history; has it been written off previously etc.

For my next car I'm looking for something with a little more space, growing children and often taking people with us to places. Full car history and service is always a sign the car has been looked after and low mileage. My last two cars have come through people I know who had had them from knew.
Safety is also a must, I've been put off many cars when I've looked at the safety features...or rather lack of.

We just bought a second hand car....it had to be

• small. SUV
• petrol (concerns over news on diesel plus that "taxi" effect
• automatic (I find them easier to drive)
• within budget for 2-3 year old
• nice shape
• scored highly in car mags etc.

We then identified a few brands and did test drives. At that point it was a choice based on how well it drive and comfort. We then had our car model and we looked for -colour

• features (panoramic roof, gadgets, leather seats, heated seats etc)
• buy from a dealer within complaining distance
• value for money (mileage v age etc)

The whole thing was a total nightmare. When I told my colleagues in US they were astounded..why weren't the dealers remotely interested in ltaking our money? Anyway, hoping not to repeat the process any time in the next decade.

Primarily I look for a second hand car that has cheap running costs.

I would really like an electric car. I would look for one in good condition and I would check the battery wear.

How long before the MOT
How many miles
Marks/scratches

Well the number one priority on the list is safety. Then space and comfort. It must be a 7 seater and an auto . of course things like miles, mot, economy all matter too but my dad is in the car trade so always comes with me and looks out for all those things.

1.Safety has to be my first
2.Price
3.Miles on the clock

1. Price to insure
2. Cheap to run
3. Ease to park ...so I look for a small car

Good spacious size

I want safety, reliability, style and great condition. It has to be nice to drive. I think a car says a lot about a person, just like clothes, so I want something that reflects my personality.
When we come to buy something for DS it will be safety all the way - a Volvo would be ideal!

As long as it's safe and reliable I'm really not fussy

Safety
Room for all the family
Running cost
Affordable
Reliable
and a large boot is essential!

The paint should be an even colour all over the car. If it’s not, that too could be the sign of a shoddy repair. If any of the paintwork is bubbling up, be very wary, as this could well be a sign of rust.

no your boyer.
go and see it first to look for rust under wheels in corners etc also to look for supitios changes to colour.mismatch parts or door colour.bangs.kncoks,steering brakes etc.
leg room and boot room.
low milage.
insurance and look up car on dvla.

7 seater
Good boot space
Lowish millage
Fuel consumption
Fits car seats
Has air con

Cheap

Value for money has to be my priority

I look for a car with low mileage and a car with parts that are cheaper to replace. I like a good sized boot for all the shopping and seats that can be folded down. Always good for when you need to get the Christmas tree in the car! Plus five doors - great for children and older people such as my parents who can't bend!