witch one should i buy ????........

[bembo67]

Hi, need a car for work, runnin kids about etc,only got a budget off about a grand,seen two cars,both private sales, a 2001 renault clio 1.6 16v rsi 3 dr hatchback,fsh,48k miles,t&t,or a 2000,citroen saxo,1.6i vtr 3 dr hatchback,32k miles, mots to prove milage,t&t,both look ok, just wondered on any advice,or help,as i am no mechanic,both cars are just under a grand,i am 44 years old,and have full no claims,on my focus,insured in my name,can you insure 2 cars,in the same name,or would it be best to insure under the wifes name ?
many thanks,
Andy.

[mungbeanz]

You can insure as many cars as you like in your name.
As for the cars you have selected, does the Saxo have service history as well as the old MOTs? The mileage seems extremely low for the year. Do you know how many previous owners it's had, Both are pretty similar performance-wise, so I suggest taking them out for a drive to seee which you prefer. If you've got a mate who knows a bit about cars take him with you to see them, or arm yourself with a check-list of things to look out for. the AA website or parkers should give you information.

[harley_Husky]

Be cautious buying french cars ...... * gulp *

[bembo67]

cheers for advice,
Andy.

[TWR]

Any car is as good as the service history Bembo, the only drawback with 2dr is the inconvenience getting in& out, if you know nothing about the Mechanical side of cars get someone who does to go with & check it over you before you purchase.

[angler57]

I seem to remember that AA / RAC offer a service to check motors for their customers.

[whiskeryron]

If you do buy privately arrange an expert examination with AA or RAC, I only ever bought a car in a private sale once & was badly stung, I booked it in to RAC AFTER I had bought & paid for it & I was devastated to find out that I had bought a write off. The RAC wanted to prosecute the seller until I told them it was a private sale & I was informed that I would have to take the seller to court ( it would have cost more than the car was worth) Since then I have only ever bought second hand cars from dealers who are responsible for after sales.
If you have a Skoda dealer near to you have a look at what they have to offer,ignore all stupid remarks about Skoda's I have a 2005 Fabia & it is one of the best cars I have ever driven. Ron.

[bembo67]

thank you all...

[mjwman]

Old Citroens are not renowned for reliability. I would not go near a Saxo. My daughter had the same model, had a minor collisiondue to bust tyre and the Merc that hit her took the front suspension clean off. It folded like tissue paper!. Saxo and kids..? no way for me.

Old reliable cars tend to be Japanese.