hi there,
Just a suggestion - don't buy 'new' - buy 'nearly new' - why spend approx £7-10,000 on a brand new car only to instantly lose 10-20% as soon as you turn the key and drive it out the showroom?
Next, run into WH Smiths and buy yourself a copy of 'What Car' and various other magazines which give you ALL the information you need to narrow down your choice of car based on your preferences. By all means look at new, but for true value for money (severely lacking in the UK as it is!!!) buy used. This magazines will also give you tips on what to look for, finance deals, servicing and maintenence advise and so forth. From this, you can work out a shortlist of cars for you to then test drive.
I'd also suggest as you are going for a small, economical car the following
1. Buy a 'solid' built car (VW, Audi, MINI stick out as 'quality built' - but also check out other manufacturers crash test ratings. Some of the typically 'flimsy' cars such as the French and italian stuff have improved in recent years, but the 'perception' is still that of a generally 'lighter and flimsier' construction than the reputed solid marques.
2. Don't be afraid of Diesel - small diesel cars will provide you with 55+ miles per gallon - fantastic for economy, and their performace have increased fantastically than the old smoky, slow diesels they used to be known as.
3. Dont be afriad of Smart car's either - we have two, used for marketing purposes and they return great fuel economy and are surprisingly roomy inside (for what they are) you can pick them up now from around £2000 for a 2000/2001 model.
other than that, look for good insurance deals too!
Hope this helps !
Cheers! DtM! West London & Slough UK!
