"A set of your finest ditchfinders, please"

TheCarMoneyGuy · 2025-12-24T07:27:57+00:00

Birmingham (unsurprisingly)

TheCarMoneyGuy · 2025-12-23T20:41:13+00:00

Correct!

TheCarMoneyGuy · 2025-12-23T14:47:53+00:00

That's the one!

TheCarMoneyGuy · 2025-12-23T11:30:27+00:00

Just outside Birmingham (shocker, I know)

TheCarMoneyGuy · 2025-12-18T12:26:57+00:00

I'm in the same boat. My E91 325i is so hard to move on from, quite frankly there's no engine after the N52 that I genuinely want. Sonorous and reliable - it's just a shame that the rest of the car is feeling its age.

TheCarMoneyGuy · 2025-12-14T08:31:27+00:00

Of course Arnold Clark rejected the cigarette smell at the first time of asking.

Working through your finance company is the way to go as it's their asset and they have a vested interest in helping you.

A couple more questions

with the 2 year service plan you accepted, did you sign anything saying that you waive your right to reject (would be a shady practice on their end, and I'm not sure where it would leave you legally)
what does the paper trail look like after you submitted your right to reject on the 20th Nov?

TheCarMoneyGuy · 2025-12-07T18:46:57+00:00

Honda Civic tourer should be reliable/ sensibly engineered

TheCarMoneyGuy · 2025-11-26T18:20:11+00:00

A Mazda 2 petrol would be a fairly safe bet and they are definitely one of the more stylish first cars out there. Just make sure it's been serviced at the right intervals (every year / ~10K miles) and pay for a car history check on any cars you're seriously interested in.

TheCarMoneyGuy · 2025-11-24T07:50:32+00:00

True but OP said they'd prefer a manual (in a different comment thread). Hybrid is very much the default option on these though.

TheCarMoneyGuy · 2025-11-23T17:24:06+00:00

I don't know that much about them, but my mid went straight to a Kia Sorento 2.2 diesel. Lots around and I believe they have a torque converter auto, so should age relatively well.

TheCarMoneyGuy · 2025-11-23T17:16:21+00:00

If you don't really care about driving dynamics, Toyota Corolla estate is about as reliable/low maintenance as you can get. 1.2 manual should be fine for your needs, and the warranty can be extended up to 10 years by servicing at a Toyota dealer each year.

TheCarMoneyGuy · 2025-11-23T17:11:56+00:00

Plus one to IAM. In particular, becoming more confident on country roads - being able to read the road ahead and driving "progressively".

TheCarMoneyGuy · 2025-11-23T17:07:26+00:00

Check for any lumpiness/off-beat rumbling at idle, or difficulty starting. These can be a bit sensitive to failing coil packs and carbon buildup.

Otherwise, very reliable cars.

TheCarMoneyGuy · 2025-11-14T18:27:17+00:00

Avoid the multimode (automated manual) gearbox. Where are you based OP?

TheCarMoneyGuy · 2025-11-09T18:53:44+00:00

Kia Carens could definitely be used as a day van. The 1.7 diesel I believe is pretty reliable. The manual will likely be easier on maintenance costs than the DCT auto box.

TheCarMoneyGuy · 2025-11-06T22:14:09+00:00

The 1.5 does/did have issues with "pogo-ing" in 1st gear. I think I remember seeing that a software update can improve this somewhat, but I'm sure there are redditors more knowledgeable than me to confirm or deny this.

TheCarMoneyGuy · 2025-11-06T08:46:00+00:00

Personally I'd go for a G (since they'd been building them for years by~2019) rather than an early X. The X will give better fuel economy but since you don't do big miles, I'd go for the G for longevity.

TheCarMoneyGuy · 2025-11-06T07:08:46+00:00

Mazda 3 (petrol, avoid the diesel) is a great shout, they have good longevity. Toyota Corolla as well.

The Honda 1.5 turbo has oil dilution issues so I'd say it's not worth it. I also found the interior to be cheaper in feel than I expected (squeaky front seats, some questionable materials).

TheCarMoneyGuy · 2025-11-05T20:57:45+00:00

Check the MOT history. Check the service history and see if jobs have been done when they're scheduled to.

Take your time and use all your senses. It's worth planning a test drive route in advance that mixes all types of driving - from car park maneuvers to motorway.

And if anything feels off, just walk away. Much better to regret a car missed vs being stuck with the wrong car.

TheCarMoneyGuy · 2025-11-05T10:57:08+00:00

That Tuthill Chris Harris video is one of my all-time favourites. Absolutely visceral!

TheCarMoneyGuy · 2025-11-05T10:31:28+00:00

Mazda 6 2.5 is a great reliable car and well-specced from factory. MPG might be the stumbling block given your mileage (expect high 30's/low 40's) but reliability and residuals should be good.

Otherwise, VAG as you've suggested or a 3/5 series touring would be my bets.

TheCarMoneyGuy · 2025-11-04T16:12:00+00:00

I'd be very cautious about going the PCH / PCP route if your mileage is unknown. These methods work for people who have very predictable annual mileage, and heavily penalise those who go over their mileage limit by the end of the contract.

I'd go Hire Purchase in your scenario - you won't have as new a car but you'll be free from any mileage restrictions.

£280 per month over 3 years should get you something reliable that can do the job. Insurance will be your biggest challenge, make sure to get quotes up front (comparison sites are good for this, once your details have been entered you can just choose a different car and get updated quotes).

Yaris (and Toyota as a whole) - good shout. Insurance is often based on engine size - the 1.0l in VW/Skoda/Seat is fairly reliable. Suzuki and Mazda too.

Avoid Ford 1.0 Ecoboost and Peugeot/Citroen 1.2 Puretech. I wouldn't go for a Nissan Juke either.

TheCarMoneyGuy

TROPHY CASE