how much better would a 700 pound people carrier or estate car be than a van of equal cost?

John786
John786 Online Community Member Posts: 24 Listener
in Transport and travel

 how much better would a 700 pound people carrier or estate car be than a van of equal cost?

Comments

  • Chris75_
    Chris75_ Online Community Member Posts: 3,682 Championing
    edited October 30

    You are talking about budget vehicles here. I have been bitten as many times as I got a bargain, it's the luck of the draw.

    Before I qualified, or indeed needed a Motability vehicle (I have no car at all now), i used to scour the newspapers, auto trader etc, for a low mileage, one or 2 owner, full service history vehicle. You would have to pay more for such a vehicle, but it is less likely to conk out at a bad time!

    Unfortunately, unless you buy new or nearly new, you are taking a bit of a gamble with any motor.

  • Ross1975
    Ross1975 Online Community Member Posts: 350 Pioneering
    edited October 30

    I bought a 2003 Mk1 Ford Focus for just £800 in 2015 and I still have it now, for the majority of the time I've had the car for it's been really reliable, and most of the fixes that have been done on it haven't been that expensive it all. So it's totally possible to get an estate for under £1000 and for it to not be a money pit.

    You just need to do some research on what to look out for when buying a vehicle and find out what are the most reliable 2nd hand models.

  • Chris75_
    Chris75_ Online Community Member Posts: 3,682 Championing
    edited October 30
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1079509#Comment_1079509

    This is very true, Ross, but John is talking about vehicles that may have been worked hard, such as a van. I would be more cautious buying cheap and (hopefully) cheerful ex commercial vehicles. He mentioned one with 300k on the clock.

    You have done well with your Focus, they were a great car; i don't know about the newer ones. I would be much happier to take a punt on your car than a well worn Movano, Trafic etc.

  • Chris75_
    Chris75_ Online Community Member Posts: 3,682 Championing
    edited October 30

    This sort of thing would really make me hesitate - 2006 Daily, 250k on the clock, £595 plus VAT.

    The Internet is awash with such examples. It maybe a sound purchase, but I would be very concerned as to the next MOT. If came with a new MOT, it would be worth a gamble, even if you only got 12 months out of it!

  • Ross1975
    Ross1975 Online Community Member Posts: 350 Pioneering

    Have a natter with ChatGPT about it, John, I find it can really help with stuff like this.

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