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

We always do a car history check, vital for safety in case it has been in an accident

I hate buying cars. It feels like a big risk, so always go to reputable dealers. I look for something that looks good, whilst being able to fit a donkey sized dog, child and wellies, overnight bags etc in. But not too big... it's a challenge!

A vertified history is the most important

Something which is economical to run as well as general condition of the car

Plenty of boot space. Tend to go for something approx 1 year old that's done 5,000 to 10,000 miles. Much better value than new, but still feels quite new!

How safe it is, whether it's roomy enough, and how much it will be to run/insure.

I have to admit that it is all about the colour, but I also look for space to fit my labrador in the boot as she comes on holiday with us.

Documents in order and brother in law who knows everything there is to know about cars to advise me!

Car must be reliable, cheap to run, not too big, but big enough to go on holiday

A full service history, no accidents, plenty of room for everyone and the shopping. Easy to get in and out of. Storage inside the car for those odds and ends you always carry and reliability of the make and model

Once I have decided on the model and year I look for the colour and then the interior.

I research online the safety record of the makes I am interested in which is limited as need a 7 seater for my family with space for pushchairs, pets and shopping

Safety and knowing the history of the car.

I look out for models I like the look of when I am out and about and research them online, for safety, running costs, value now and in a couple of years. I also look at what extras they might have and what variations are available. Then go to a dealer and have a look in person to make sure the space works for us. Once I have found the right model I go online again and search on local dealers websites for what is available and arrange test drives.

reliablity and economical. then my husbands opinion. He loves cars and I dont know a thing

I always make sure its worthy of buying! It needs to last a while, and get us home at least! always check under the bonnet, water, oil and check the engine temperature on the dash board! No one wants a car with a blown head gasket!

Lots of room is essential, for coats, day bags, and wellys!!

I always look at service history and if it is still under warranty. I'll also try and get recommendations from people I trust for the make and model to go for.

Safety and reliability, size/space, fuel economy, features - in that order.

Not bothered about colour or brand (as long as it's reliable). I prefer colours like black and grey, and probably wouldn't buy a red one.

In the future I'll be looking for a hybrid, which means a lot of models are not possible.

good reliability and price

Full Service History and any colour but the usual and boring black, silver or white!

To be reliable, have good visibility and not too expensive.

must have test drive and warranty

Reliable, low mileage and practical for the kids!

I always take a mechanic relation along when getting a used car to check it over as safety is of prime importance. Price, reliability, fuel economy, & a practical interior are my main considerations then.

I look forward a car that I actually like. After that, it has to have a decent milage, good tax/insurance costs and be relatively easy to get parts for it as my dad is a machanic and can help me out if can get parts. I like to look for a car with either a small amount of body damage or running issues, as can get them fixed for a decent ROI