Advice Please on Trade-in

[weeal]

I have an '02 plate Toyota Avensis with low mileage and its costing too much to keep it on the road, I will soon be using public transport more and the car wont be needed so often so Ive been offered the book price of �1500 at two garages as trade-in.
There is a nice condition '04 plate Fiat Punto at �3k or a 'T' reg Peugeot 206 in perfect condition at �1350 for which the guy will actually GIVE me �150 for my car.

Would you mind sharing opinions of which car would be a better choice, never had either of those makes before. Bearing in mind the car will be parked up most of the week. Im also thinking insurance and road tax costs here.

Thanks

[weeal]

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee122/WeeYo da/Punto.jpg

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee122/WeeYo da/Peugeot.jpg

[saintjohnny]

They are both decent if unspectacular cars. I'm slightly biased as I just bought a Punto myself, but I've been very pleased with it. It's very spacious and economical, although it does have a reputation for niggling faults which could become irritating. The 206 is probably sportier and more fun to drive, but I hated the driver's position when I tested one. You find yourself hunched and squashed up (unless you're a dwarf I suppose). So it's practicality versus fun. Your choice I guess!

[weeal]

Hi saintjohnny, thanks for your answer. I did google both and the 206 would be expensive insurance I think, I might test drive the Punto, will take on board what youve said re niggling faults tho.
Cheers

[sara3]

she is a dwarf, btw ;o)

[The Builder]

........... and her legs are bent ....... so she won't reach the pedals :o)

[weeal]

pmsl @ you two

hahaha, I do have wee short leggies

[cazzz1975]

personally I would go for the punto, its younger and is better on fuel, also if you look in the auto trader you can get T reg's for 800 quid

[weeal]

Thanks cazzz, I have heard so many faults with Fiat in general that Im unsure, its good to get feedback on here from folk, I know that the 04 plate is a good price.

[sara3]

oh, shall I be sensible too? I'd pick the Punto, so long as it hasn't had any iffy modifications that will push up the insurance.

but you have to drive it to see how it feels. I had a Fiat Tipo many years ago and I loved it.

[cazzz1975]

In fairness if you read all the niggles with all makes (and all makes have problems) no one would ever buy a car, I have bought cars that people would not touch and yet I have had no problems, my dad has a honda which everyone thinks are great for reliability yet its a pile of cr@p !

sometimes you hit lucky and get a great car other times you are not so lucky! go with your gut instinct when you test drive them. :D

[weeal]

hee hee sara yeah get the sensible hat on for a min lol

Youre right, I should check the insurance too but just now Im group 9 or 10 (1800 VVTi), and the punto is group 4 I think (1200cc) so savings to be had.

Cazzz, yeah they all have their faults, will see how it handles, Ive read they are front-heavy so affecting steering but the plus is theyre good on slippy roads?

[sara3]

cazzz is (as always) quite right. my current car is supposed to be a nightmare make, but I've had hardly any problems with it.

[cazzz1975]

dont hold back on your test drive!, listen to the engine, try all the gears, press all the buttons, check everything is there,look over the bodywork as well especially for parking scuffs on the corners.

you will be surprised at the things that get forgotton, be thorough, I am and it annoys the hell out of them but I discovered the rear wash wipe wasnt working and there was a dent on the front wing. they had to fix it up or knock money off the price :D

[weeal]

Oooh good pointers there, I will def try to test everything tho u just never know whats underneath and thats what worries most of us, esp with cheapo cars

thanks