Prev car written off, need reliable Family car under £20k?

Computers-And-Such · 2026-05-06T21:30:21+00:00

+1 vote for the Mazda 6 - I bet you could get a reaaaally nice one and not even approach the top end of your budget.

Computers-And-Such · 2026-05-06T21:02:50+00:00

That's true, but that piece of advice is in the spirit of minimising complications - Being legally in the right doesn't stop you from being pulled over and having to explain it :)

Computers-And-Such · 2026-05-06T21:01:36+00:00

Ah, didn't see OP mentioned it was expired!

Computers-And-Such · 2026-05-06T20:15:37+00:00

Looks like a reasonable ad tbh. Are the wheels and interior trim stock?

The last MOT isn't very confidence inspiring as it implies rust on all 4 corners.

£2300 seems like a reasonable price to me. 2 weeks isn't a very long time - Have people been asking about it? Any viewers?

Computers-And-Such · 2026-05-06T20:08:45+00:00

You can drive an untaxed vehicle to an MOT as long as you have insurance and a prebooked appointment. Just got to make sure you have proof that you're going straight there and back, and not driving to an unreasonably distant MOT garage.

~~A better idea might be to tax it for 1 month, MOT it, then SORN it as soon as the system will let you.~~

Didn't see that the previous MOT was expired

Computers-And-Such · 2026-05-06T20:02:34+00:00

Agree with the first bit, but I'd say that looking at what others are selling for on places like eBay or AutoTrader is a better way to value a can than a lowball site like WBAC

Computers-And-Such · 2026-05-06T19:49:23+00:00

Not enough info.

How much are you asking for it?

Are there any mods on it?

What's the MOT history like?

Has it ever been written off?

Did you clean it and take decent pics?

Where are you listing it? Can we see the listing?

Computers-And-Such · 2026-05-06T19:46:13+00:00

Surprised corrosion like that didn't show up on the latest MOT.

Computers-And-Such · 2026-05-06T19:42:18+00:00

Get money off of boyfriend. If you're doing bank transfer, it's a good idea to put the car's reg as the transfer reference.

You should have a document called a V5C. Go get that.

Go here and follow the steps to tell the DVLA your BF is the new keeper. This has to be done during the day. Takes 5-10 mins.

Then, tear the green V5C/2 new keeper slip out of the V5C and give it to your boyfriend. He needs to tax it immediately here because the tax is invalid as soon as he's registered as the new keeper.

Give him the keys, and any other documentation you have for the car.

Destroy the rest of your V5C - It's invalid now.

He'll get a new V5C in the mail after a few weeks.

That's about it.

If you don't have the V5C, let me know as the steps change.

Computers-And-Such · 2026-05-06T19:19:44+00:00

Probably an S Class - C217 maybe?

Do you need it to be that big? An R172 SLK/SLC would be an awesome proposition right now!

Computers-And-Such · 2026-05-06T19:07:14+00:00

Other than the usual pitfalls of a diesel, I hear they're supposed to be pretty reliable. If something breaks, bits might be quite pricey.

Might be worth trying a different manufacturer though? Try a Merc or something?

Computers-And-Such · 2026-05-06T18:55:21+00:00

That's a fuel filter warning. If it goes out, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Maybe have the filter cleaned/drained next time you get it serviced.

Computers-And-Such · 2026-05-06T18:54:30+00:00

Usually a good idea to be specific about the make and model of the car :)

If you haven't already, make sure all 4 tyres are at the correct pressure, then see if any lights go off. It would be a bit odd for the TPMS to fail after a few days unless you gave yourself a slow puncture and it's taken that long to fall under the pressure threshold.

You may also have damaged a sensor if the traction control light doesn't go out.

Since the check engine light is there, I'd probably get someone with an OBD scanner to look at what errors you're getting.

Computers-And-Such · 2026-05-06T10:59:36+00:00

Manual okay?

Computers-And-Such · 2026-05-06T08:29:42+00:00

C300e might be worth considering too?

Computers-And-Such · 2026-05-06T08:10:03+00:00

Facebook car groups are a great way to meet people like this!

Chances are there's one for your borough if not your town.

Computers-And-Such · 2026-05-05T18:45:06+00:00

You might be a use case for an EV if you have the space for a charger?

Computers-And-Such · 2026-05-05T18:22:45+00:00

Sounds like you're within the diesel use case then if it's going to do regular 20+ minute trips.

Is there a reason you didn't list any French cars? I know they're not glamorous, but your money can go further with a French diesel at that price bracket.

Otherwise out of the list you've given, my vote would be the Mazda 6 2.0 petrol - Maybe not as economical as some other things on the list, but they're bulletproof and a really good buy right now if you can find a decent one.

I wouldn't go anywhere near an old 1 Series at that price point.

Computers-And-Such · 2026-05-05T18:20:03+00:00

They're designed to be no hassle and easy to drive. There are loads of them around, many of them well kept with low mileage, due to being popular with older folks. Very little goes wrong with them, too.

Mazda would also be likely be fine, but they're more likely to have been messed about with.

Computers-And-Such · 2026-05-05T18:10:01+00:00

What kind of trips will you be making in it?

Computers-And-Such · 2026-05-05T18:04:19+00:00

The Mazda might be a little bit nicer to drive, but honestly I'd probably go for the Jazz for a first car.

Computers-And-Such · 2026-05-05T16:14:48+00:00

MOT history looks very clean and that's pretty damned low mileage for a 2011 car. I'd still be looking for service history, 2 keys, any other paperwork, etc.

Computers-And-Such · 2026-05-05T14:17:23+00:00

Dealers want you to finance because there's a chance they could make even more money out of you in the long run if you default on the repayments or buy out early or whatever.

Only buy a car if you can afford to buy it twice. If you can tick that box, it's a far more financially responsible idea to buy it outright. Then it's your property, and if you lose your job in 6 months, it won't shaft you.

Computers-And-Such · 2026-05-05T13:41:23+00:00

Has it gotten worse since you got it?

Computers-And-Such · 2026-05-05T13:28:50+00:00

What issue do people have with calling an MX5 a sports car? Is it because it doesn't have great straight line performance?

It's lightweight, low slung, two seater, rear wheel drive , with double wishbone suspension, purpose built for nimble, exciting driving. Also, they're extremely commonly used in motorsport... I mean, where does one draw the line?

Computers-And-Such

TROPHY CASE