The average UK used car buyer spends about £7,000 on their car. Which is a real shame, because at £10,000 things become really interesting. While £7,000 limits you to family wagons or higher mileage cars, £10,000 allows you to buy sports cars, luxury cars and if you must buy a family car, then the top of the range specifications.
Plus they will have done less than their half of their useful life in mileage terms. I know the Government wants us all to rush out and buy things today, but If you can wait a bit and save up that extra £3,000, then you get so much more for your money. 50% more money buys a lot more than 50% more car. Here are three examples :
Volkswagen Golf
Here is a Golf that once again has become good to drive, is spacious and safe. It isn't cheap new and that seems to be the same situation on the used market. Buy diesel we say. Most economical: 1.9 TDi
Best used buy: 1.6 FSI
UsedCarExpert.com faults to check: 18
Used Car Expert magazine price: A 2007 Volkswagen Golf FSI S 1.6 18070 is average miles is around £10,535
Audi A3
Expensive for what it is new but better value used. Stylish well finished and good to drive. Be careful about specifications though as standard cars doesn’t have the good looking alloys
Most economical: 1.9 TDi
Best used buy: 1.6 FSI
UsedCarExpert.com faults to check: 8
Used Car Expert magazine price: A 2006 Audi A3 FSI 1.6 with 32864 average miles is around £9,642
BMW 3-Series
Expensive and popular but probably worth it. Handling and performance are market-leading. Space and equipment are average. But the badge ensures admiring glances.
Most economical: 318d
Best used buy: 320i M sport or 318i
UsedCarExpert.com faults to check: 14
Used Car Expert magazine price: A 2005 BMW 3-Series 318i with 52221 average miles is around £10,078