First car

[Betty Boop x]

I'm looking to buy my first car.

I want it to be reliable, small (but not too small), 5 doors.

I love the look (and size) of the peugeot 206, but have read they aren't that reliable, but as far as the look that is what I like.

I don't want the insurance to be too high so I am not bothered about having a fast sporty car.

I will not be buying a brand new car.

Any recommendations?

Good or bad experiences of car models?

Thanx

x

[d0gsb0dy]

Take a look At this In the left-hand column click on Car-by Car Breakdown.

[homer75]

You won't go wrong with a volkswagen golf - the turbo diesels are great - go for the Tdi and make sure you get a full service history. Keep it properly serviced and you can happily grow old together.

[d0gsb0dy]

Sorry, here's the link. http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/home/index.htm

[paddy_36]

I used to have a 206 which suffered from the well-documented problems you've heard about. I'm not sure if that's been resolved with newer models, because it was otherwise a good car.

I now have a Golf, which I love. Good runner and pretty spacious, but it's maybe a bit bigger than you're looking for. What about a Polo instead? Still a good old VW but a bit smaller and probably more economical.

Citroen C2 and C3 look ok as well, but don't know anything about their quality or reliability.

[Bikeboyz]

The 206 is a good car. The 1.1 and 1.4 petrol engines are basically the same ones from the 205 and Citroen AX/Saxo. So.... there are loads of cheap parts available, and plenty in scrap yards for parts. Stores like German, Sweedish and French will stock OEM parts for lots less than main dealers. This also means that non franchised garages are well equiped to fix mechancial problems too. The body is galvanised so wont rust, infact Peugeot in general are much better than Ford etc. Compare a ten year old fiesta to a 205 and the fiesta will be rusty! Diesel 206 started with the 1.9 non turbo DW8 engine. The HDi90 is a economical and good to drive car, and the new 1.4HDi runs on practically next to nothing but isnt the fastest thing on wheels, also benefits from low road tax as its clean.

Also consider, Fiat Punto new shape, low sales means bargains to be had. Avoid the 1.1, go for the 1.2 8v, or 16v. The new diesel is expensive.

Hyundai Getz, all models good and 5 year warranty which is transferable is great.