What would you buy??

[Bluemukka]

We are looking to buy a secondhand car, having finally called it a day with our Scenic (what a load of sh*te).

We have �6,000 ish to spend.

We have 3 children so we will need 3 x 3 point seat belts in the back and enough room to get in 2 booster seats and one proper baby seat.

A large boot would be nice too.

I would like at least a 1.6 engine. I will not touch another Renault make car again. We are thinking about an Astra. What would you recommend??

TIA

[andy hughes]

Go for a Skoda. Pound for pound the best value car on the road. It'll go for ever, it's a lot prettier than it used to be, and as long as you are not a car snob, it'll do everything you need.

[snappythe3rd]

Here Here Andy, I totally agree. And dealer satisfaction is best too. Have a look at the top gear surveys. Results speak for themselves.

I wouldn't touch a Vauxhall with someone else's bargepole.

[Loosehead]

I know you are going to find this frightening but a BCA auction will get you something fabulous for that budget, I know it's not for the faint hearted but if you buy off a dealer you'll pay far too much, that's where they get their stock, go to toy local one and watch and learn. Here's an example, in 1999 I bought a Rover 800 series 24K new, 1000 miles yes 100 miles, 18 months old 6k!. My last purchase at auction was a 2.0I Nissan Primera Saloon, 18 months old 28000 miles, �5600. New price nearly 3 times that. Most new car's you'll buy at Blackbushe at half their new price within 18 months. Good luck

[d0gsb0dy]

Before you decide to buy, take a look at this site. Gives information on all makes and models, and can save you a lot of heart-ache.
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/home/index.htm

[deepsix]

Shame about your experience with scenic, mine's done 90,000miles without fault (apart from now has a intermitent headlight problem). Does 50mpg (1.9 dti) have no intention of changing yet. Friends 1.6 auto is another story, gutless and on second gearbox at about 35,000.

Try Volvo estate for all the room you need, and good independent garage.