FabSwingers.com forum: Second hand cars

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

I'm looking for a cheap second hand car. It'll be my first car.

I have a question about mileage. Obviously the lower mileage the better, but is there a magic number to set my Max mileage to when searching.

I'm currently looking for cars under 70000 miles, should I be looking for less, more etc?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Mileage is not really that much of an issue these days.

So long as it's been serviced many cars will do 200,000 miles plus.

Check when the cambelt is due or was done.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

and the clutch as they are expensive to change on modern cars

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Cheers for the tips.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Avoid anything French !!!!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I'm looking for a cheap second hand car. It'll be my first car.

I have a question about mileage. Obviously the lower mileage the better, but is there a magic number to set my Max mileage to when searching.

I'm currently looking for cars under 70000 miles, should I be looking for less, more etc? "

can you wait till september i will.be having a new one

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Avoid anything French !!!!"

x infinity

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By *xpresMan
over a year ago

Elland

"Avoid anything French !!!!"

hell yes

if you can afford go German or Scandinavian

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Would definitely advise avoiding anything French too, and check cambelt situation as well...has it been changed or is it due to be changed? (the answer could save you a lot of cash). Check the engine oil and filter have been regularly changed, as neglecting this can cause numerous issues over the longer term. Also check that the tyres are wearing evenly (not only because of the cost of the tyres, it could be a pointer to suspension issues or damage).

If you're in doubt, take someone who knows about cars, or get an AA or RAC inspection (worth it if you're parting with a larger chunk of cash). Good luck...there's bargains out there to be had.

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By *ScotsmanMan
over a year ago

ayrshire

Remember to wear thee hat, fur collared jacket.and kick the tyre while sucking air through pursed lips

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

As someone who used to do MOT's there is ONLY one vehicle you should be looking for - a looked after Toyota Yaris. If I had to put money on one car for your situation it'd be one of these:

They don't rust structurally - maybe the odd cosmetic scab.

Timing chain so as long as it's had oil and filters and no rattling nothing to replace.

Brake lines don't rot.

Easy and cheap to work on.

Even the taliban insist on Toyotas for good reason.

Personally I think most German cars based on what I've seen (2000+ MOTs) are overrated and over priced.

Anything else let me know.

Yes Frenchies are crap - if it's under warranty fine but after that bail out!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Yaris -

Also rubber.

bushes and ball joints can't recall ever seeing them go.

Exhausts on ones after 2000 I think are full stainless systems so again no rust.

Usually light on tyre wear and fuel.

I think all of them should have the newer 'red' or 'pink' longlife antifreeze.

No I don't work for Toyota

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By *ust RachelTV/TS
over a year ago

Horsham

If you are not going to do a lot of miles get a VW Beetle, old style they are a piece of piss to work on and parts are quite easy to find.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Avoid anything French !!!!

hell yes

if you can afford go German or Scandinavian "

Behave man !! Japanese is the way

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By *riskynriskyCouple
over a year ago

Essex.

You could buy a Yaris or you could hold on to your dignity and buy a mans car....

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Daewoo Matiz was my first car, cheap to buy and cheap as a first time driver on insurance

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By *illwill69uMan
over a year ago

moston

Rather depends on the car but most are OHC and have a fibre belt that drives the cam from the crank. Most seem to fail round the 30000 mile mark so be careful of cars that have mileage that is a multiple of 30000 as failure while driving at speed can cause much engine damage

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By *illwill69uMan
over a year ago

moston

Also take a magnet to check wings sills and wheel arches.

Magnets dont stick to filler!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Avoid anything French !!!!

hell yes

if you can afford go German or Scandinavian

Behave man !! Japanese is the way"

Nissan

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Take some one with u who kens a bit about cars so u don't get screwed over an average of £500£600 nock down price but look at price of insurance and general maintenance first

Do be hole check so it's not been a insurance right off or still under HPI

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Keep away from vauxhall the head gasgets go at 80,to 100, .000

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By *B9 QueenWoman
over a year ago

Over the rainbow, under the bridge

"Avoid anything French !!!!

hell yes

if you can afford go German or Scandinavian

Behave man !! Japanese is the way

Nissan"

Toyota. Very reliable.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Avoid anything French !!!!

hell yes

if you can afford go German or Scandinavian

Behave man !! Japanese is the way

Nissan"

how about a nice seat all volkswagen parts with spanish flair

i sound like an advertising executive

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By *isscheekychopsWoman
over a year ago

The land of grey peas and bacon

My first car was a Volvo it was like a tank to drive

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"My first car was a Volvo it was like a tank to drive

what did you call her

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Avoid anything French !!!!

hell yes

if you can afford go German or Scandinavian

Behave man !! Japanese is the way

Nissan

Toyota. Very reliable. "

If you ignore the various safety recalls over the past few years then yes, very reliable.

Definitely avoid anything French, they'll leave you stranded, eat your wallet and bore you to death.

If you're driving less than 12,000 a year and rarely use the motorway avoid a diesel, you'll kill it. Check the service history is up to date including cam belt changes (also check that the water pump was changed at the same time). Open the bonnet and remove the oil filler cap and check for mayo-like residue and also check the expansion tank for oily scum, it's a sign of head gasket failure.

Make sure the gear change is smooth and that the clutch bite isn't too high up the pedal travel. When out driving listen out for suspension knocks and squeaks and listen out for rumbling wheel bearings.

Check under the wheel arches for signs of rust and get on the floor and check underneath for signs of rotting floors and crushed jacking points.

Check the boot and footwells for signs of damp and also check the spare tyre.

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By *isscheekychopsWoman
over a year ago

The land of grey peas and bacon

"My first car was a Volvo it was like a tank to drive

what did you call her

Mavis

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"My first car was a Volvo it was like a tank to drive

what did you call her

Mavis

. Class

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By *.nottsbloke..Man
over a year ago

the vale

buying a second hand car is much like making love to a beautiful woman always check the clutch before getting in

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Keep away from vauxhall the head gasgets go at 80,to 100, .000"

Never went on mine and besides head gaskets can go on any car

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"buying a second hand car is much like making love to a beautiful woman always check the clutch before getting in"

Don't you mean body work

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Red ones are the best

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By *oodmessMan
over a year ago

yumsville

"I'm looking for a cheap second hand car. It'll be my first car.

I have a question about mileage. Obviously the lower mileage the better, but is there a magic number to set my Max mileage to when searching.

I'm currently looking for cars under 70000 miles, should I be looking for less, more etc? "

A Toyota Aygo will get 50+mpg and is verrry low insurance grp 1 I think.

the model up the Yaris, if you get the diesel verision - again will get 50+mpg insurance group 4-5

You can pick an Aygo up for £3k and £4 for a yaris

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By *ust RachelTV/TS
over a year ago

Horsham

Actually in a study people who drive red cars, tend to drive more aggressively. Best avoid a red car then.

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By *riskynriskyCouple
over a year ago

Essex.

"Also take a magnet to check wings sills and wheel arches.

Magnets dont stick to filler!

But remember quite a few cars these days have plastic panels.... You may look a bit silly trying to get a magnet to stick to plastic...

As with many things Google is your friend. Check reviews and car specs on line. That way you also have an idea if the price is right... Good luck.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Actually in a study people who drive red cars, tend to drive more aggressively. Best avoid a red car then."

If people avoid them that makes them safer doesn't it?

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By *oodmessMan
over a year ago

yumsville

diesel VW Lupo? 60+mpg

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Check the service history is up to date including cam belt changes (also check that the water pump was changed at the same time). "

(M) That's for Vauxhalls. Vauxhall use the water pump as a timing belt tensioner. Not sure about the new Vauxhalls as I gave up mechanics as a career a few years ago now. If it's not a Vauxhall, you only need to check the water pump bearing is not rumbling or leaking. If it's not, the pumps fine.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Avoid anything French !!!!"

Going to have to slightly disagree with you here; I've had Citroens for the last 15 years and never had a problem. I had a Ax diesel that had 220k on the clock before someone bumped into it. It also had the greatest invention in a car; wine bottle holder in the doors

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Check the service history is up to date including cam belt changes (also check that the water pump was changed at the same time).

it's not just for Vauxhall's at all! it applies to loads of GM and Fiat cars ( Saab, Alfa Romeo, Vauxhall, Fiat etc).

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I'm looking for a cheap second hand car. It'll be my first car.

I have a question about mileage. Obviously the lower mileage the better, but is there a magic number to set my Max mileage to when searching.

I'm currently looking for cars under 70000 miles, should I be looking for less, more etc? "

Don't get too sucked in by the mileage issue. I drive VWs, and I would far prefer to buy one that has 100k and good service history, than one with 50k and none. Modern cars are good for 200k plus, if well maintained.

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By *xpresMan
over a year ago

Elland

"diesel VW Lupo? 60+mpg"

that's what i got for my eldest plus its not too bad on insurance because its not a "cool hot hatch"

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Easy solution to all the above, just take a bloody good mechanic with you

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

And remember you get what you pay for

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

lots of cars last lot longer these days some popular makes Volvo audi vw ect do last well ,

one thing to remember the book price of a car goes mainly by average millage of a car, which is 12,000 per yr going by the book, so divide the milage by the age of the car,

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Just thought I would give my little red Renault megane a shout out as she has been good to me over the past 5yrs! Never let me down...! Long live Betsy...!!!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Just thought I would give my little red Renault megane a shout out as she has been good to me over the past 5yrs! Never let me down...! Long live Betsy...!!!

Your story is unique!

The Megane is the worst car I ever owned, nothing but trouble and there's thousands of similar stories.

Glad you found a good one though, it's probably the only one they built!...

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Just thought I would give my little red Renault megane a shout out as she has been good to me over the past 5yrs! Never let me down...! Long live Betsy...!!!

Your story is unique!

The Megane is the worst car I ever owned, nothing but trouble and there's thousands of similar stories.

Glad you found a good one though, it's probably the only one they built!...

She was originally a stop gap, but I grew to love her..!! She's knocking on a bit now, but still going strong..!!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Just thought I would give my little red Renault megane a shout out as she has been good to me over the past 5yrs! Never let me down...! Long live Betsy...!!!

Your story is unique!

The Megane is the worst car I ever owned, nothing but trouble and there's thousands of similar stories.

Glad you found a good one though, it's probably the only one they built!...

we had a megane as a gap filler kept it for 2 yrs never missed a beat no probs with it , however it was gutless and handled like crap but was reliable

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By *illwill69uMan
over a year ago

moston

"Just thought I would give my little red Renault megane a shout out as she has been good to me over the past 5yrs! Never let me down...! Long live Betsy...!!!

Your story is unique!

The Megane is the worst car I ever owned, nothing but trouble and there's thousands of similar stories.

Glad you found a good one though, it's probably the only one they built!...

we had a megane as a gap filler kept it for 2 yrs never missed a beat no probs with it , however it was gutless and handled like crap but was reliable"

Magane...

The car that has 2 types of headlights...

Halogen bulb pay Halfords £40 to fit £10 bulb

Xenon bulb (Halfords wont change that) pay a Renault Dealer up to £600 to take front end of car apart to fit new bulb!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Just thought I would give my little red Renault megane a shout out as she has been good to me over the past 5yrs! Never let me down...! Long live Betsy...!!!

Your story is unique!

The Megane is the worst car I ever owned, nothing but trouble and there's thousands of similar stories.

Glad you found a good one though, it's probably the only one they built!...

we had a megane as a gap filler kept it for 2 yrs never missed a beat no probs with it , however it was gutless and handled like crap but was reliable

Magane...

The car that has 2 types of headlights...

Halogen bulb pay Halfords £40 to fit £10 bulb

Xenon bulb (Halfords wont change that) pay a Renault Dealer up to £600 to take front end of car apart to fit new bulb!

ebay £4bulb changed it myself

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By *illwill69uMan
over a year ago

moston

"Just thought I would give my little red Renault megane a shout out as she has been good to me over the past 5yrs! Never let me down...! Long live Betsy...!!!

Your story is unique!

The Megane is the worst car I ever owned, nothing but trouble and there's thousands of similar stories.

Glad you found a good one though, it's probably the only one they built!...

we had a megane as a gap filler kept it for 2 yrs never missed a beat no probs with it , however it was gutless and handled like crap but was reliable

Magane...

The car that has 2 types of headlights...

Halogen bulb pay Halfords £40 to fit £10 bulb

Xenon bulb (Halfords wont change that) pay a Renault Dealer up to £600 to take front end of car apart to fit new bulb!

ebay £4bulb changed it myself"

Indeed...

What sort of bulb?

How long did it take you?

To change the xenon bulb you need to take off the front bumper and remove the radiator to get at it!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

My first car was a pug 306 ...1.4 dark green, black interior, custom alloys, super cheap insurance and parts and everything else.... If you are planning to drive it for one year or two, I think this is your best bet. The 306 is the last good car Peugeot made. And looks good, better than most modern cars, mine had no scratches, no rust, no problems, just check for the service history and you'll be alright.

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By *illwill69uMan
over a year ago

moston

Will try a really helpful post...

If you are looking for a really cheap car look for an old ford escort, escort estate or sierra 1600/2000 (80's) NOT hot ones! (they will have been trashed at some stage in their lives) that has good bodywork. Engines, ancillaries and gearboxes are simple and so cheap to fix and change.

Also because of age are cheap to insure.

Hope this is of real help, doubt if anyone will disagree

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By *oodmessMan
over a year ago

yumsville

OP hasnt posted since his original ask.

I think he is on his bike.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

around 60,000 miles make sure the cam belt has been done or oh no new engine time.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

My betsys not that posh...!!!! She's an old bird....!!! 13 now, bless her! None of this fancy electric start shit, good old fashioned key..!! Full electrics, alloys and 6cd player as standard though....!! Lol

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By *illwill69uMan
over a year ago

moston

"My betsys not that posh...!!!! She's an old bird....!!! 13 now, bless her! None of this fancy electric start shit, good old fashioned key..!! Full electrics, alloys and 6cd player as standard though....!! Lol

No electric start???

Can just see you there with Betesy and your hand crank winding the engine up!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

No electric start???

Can just see you there with Betesy and your hand crank winding the engine up!

It's amazing what I can get going with these hands...!!!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Actually in a study people who drive red cars, tend to drive more aggressively. Best avoid a red car then."

I found Red car drivers turn Pink the older they get lol

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Petrol - go jap

Diesel - go German

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By *arkstaffsMan
over a year ago

Rugeley

"Will try a really helpful post...

Also because of age are cheap to insure.

Hope this is of real help, doubt if anyone will disagree"

I certainly won't. Good, simple reliable cars. Made before motors were designed to be a liability in a few years.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Just thought I would give my little red Renault megane a shout out as she has been good to me over the past 5yrs! Never let me down...! Long live Betsy...!!!

Your story is unique!

The Megane is the worst car I ever owned, nothing but trouble and there's thousands of similar stories.

Glad you found a good one though, it's probably the only one they built!...

we had a megane as a gap filler kept it for 2 yrs never missed a beat no probs with it , however it was gutless and handled like crap but was reliable

Magane...

The car that has 2 types of headlights...

Halogen bulb pay Halfords £40 to fit £10 bulb

Xenon bulb (Halfords wont change that) pay a Renault Dealer up to £600 to take front end of car apart to fit new bulb!

ebay £4bulb changed it myself

Indeed...

What sort of bulb?

How long did it take you?

To change the xenon bulb you need to take off the front bumper and remove the radiator to get at it!

The MK2-phase1 Megane's had to have the bumper off regardless of which type of bulb was specified. The later MK2-phase2 had a couple of openings in the front wheel arch linets. It was still a bit of a sod to do though, requiring anextremely flexable wrist.

I fitted the later wheel arch liners to my brothers MK2-phase1 and it worked a treat!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Check the service history is up to date including cam belt changes (also check that the water pump was changed at the same time).

it's not just for Vauxhall's at all! it applies to loads of GM and Fiat cars ( Saab, Alfa Romeo, Vauxhall, Fiat etc). "

On hindsight, maybe I should have put GM derived engineering. GM have their fingers in quite a few pies, even Mercedes. The older Mercs even had Vauxhall instruments & switches. GM own Vauxhall, Saab (Vectra chassis), Daewoo, Chevrolet. It's just the way you listed manufacturers & then put "etc" giving the impression to someone who knows nothing about cars that, that is the norm, but it's not. What about BMW, Ford, Peugoet, Citroen, Toyota, Nissan, VW, Lexus, Skoda, Seat, Rover, MG, Mini, etc with their M20, M52, Kent, Essex, Zetec, Valencia, A series, K series, Vtec etc, engines. How many of them use the pumps as tensioners.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"My first car was a Volvo it was like a tank to drive

"
Volvo,s

Use to have roll cages built into them

Fancy going for a roll...

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