New car

[HM]

I'm thinking of buying a new car and want some advice. I'm hoping to sell my 5 year old Clio and buy a new car in the region of �7-�10k. I'd like 5 doors and a fairly large boot (thinking about the future and being able to fit a pushchair in when the time comes!) but not have a massive car. I've requested brochures from lots of dealers but wondered if anyone has any recommendations? I'm happy with my clio but think I can probably get something cheaper than a new clio - particularly as the long term plan is to give up working when I have children so therefore won't have to travel too far. Any suggestions?

[andy hughes]

If you're not a car snob, I reccomend a Skoda. The newest models are the equal of anything else in terms of design and comfort, and considerably cheaper to buy I bought one still under warrenty at three years old, ran it for five years, and my friend bout it and has had it for a further three - still going strong, with nothing major gone wrong so far. Hope this helps..

[number8]

I bought a new car last August on the internet using a broker - www.drivethedeal.com. On a �24,000 list price price car I saved �8,000!!! Made an unaffordable car very affordable.

[number8]

PS - It is a UK car, not an import.

[molly]

We have usually stuck with Vauxhalls in the past because we've found they're good value for money, they're pretty reliable, spare parts, when you need them are reasonably cheap and easy to come by, and mpg is not too bad. Also if you want real value for money you might consider buying a nearly new car. They depreciate very quickly almost as soon as you drive it out of the garage. We saved several thousand recently by buying an Astra estate that was only 6 months old. It came with a year's guarantee, and a lovely big boot space. Ideal for prams, buckets and spades and picnics.

[Janetex]

We very tentatively updated from old reliable to a four door hatch Hyundai four years ago and have been extremely impressed. Boot space is good, my mother has a large walker with seat that fits easily. I wouldn't recommend it for tall people with bad legs though, but then we have a huge old Jaguar that wouldn't do, either.

[KARL]

Just to expand a little on something touched on in previous answers. New cars are a considerable luxury with little more than the privelege of substantial and rapid depreciation to offer over new-ish cars. You may want to consider buying a car that is 1-3 years old which you can then consider as something you are not tied to should you not like it after a while. You sould be able to drive something that does not have problems which cannot be sorted under warranty and lose far less money during its time with you (you can change to something else sooner this way). I think I am correct to say that a recent survey showed up to 65% depreciation in some cars over their first 3 years - that would be �5000-�6500 in three years in the price range you are considering. How important is it that it is new ?