Automatic Car for €9k - €15k

Inforapenny

Hi folks, relatively new driver (still a novice but with a few months left for my 2 year novice term to be up) who only learned in late late 30s to drive.

Current automatic has finished on me, was a perfect little small 1.0 granny car if you will.

Looking to purchase a replacement, some things I think I want but happy to be convinced otherwise by those with more knowledge:

1. Has to be automatic

2. Nothing too big in terms of physical length/size of car

3. 1.2 - 1.6/8l for insurance purposes, something a bit bigger than my old 1.0

4. 2016 upwards

5. Thinking along the lines of a Toyota, Hyundai, Volkswagen and hell even a Lexus

6. Willing to spend up to €14k, would stretch to €15k if it was great value but would like to spend around €12k ideally

7. Will probably upgrade to a bigger (longer/larger car) in 2 years time as hope to have kids by then so maybe something not as expensive now?

I know people suggest better value buying privately but I don’t know any mechanics, currently have no car to get around and think it’s a lot more hassle to find a mechanic, find a time that suits all parties to go and check car, so kind of feel it is more convenient to buy from a garage. At the same time if there is no value in buying from a garage and also will have to try and figure out who are the cowboys I may have to reconsider.

Dublin/Kildare based

Any advice around:

Buying from a garage, is there a few main reputable dealers/garages?

Should I straight away rule out mileage of over 70,000km for example or whatever number that may be?

Just general recommendations/advice would be very much appreciated.

Thank you

User1998

Your pretty much spoiled for choice in this segment due to all the recent Japanese imports that have been flooding the market the past few years. Put a few filters into Donedeal and see what cars you like best. I would recommend some but there are honestly so many to choose from.

Buddy Bubs

On your point 7, as a relatively new driver you'll find out soon enough that changing cars frequently is very expensive, you could try buy a car now that will also suit you in 2 years time.

If you spend 14k today on say a 2018 car and see the same 2016 car for 10k, you might think your car will be worth 10k in 2 years time but a dealer might only offer you 6/7/8k for it as they will need to make money on it too.

But as for type of car, that's a minefield. Id say something like a golf or focus would do you now but with 2 kids something like Qashqai size car will be what you'll want. You'll have to filter for automatics though and see what's available the vast majority of the above will be manual. As were most cars up until the fairly recent electric/hybrid revolution

MightyMunster

You'd probably get a 2019 Kona EV for <15k which would be around the size you're looking for and automatic.

If you've a driveway you could save a nice bit on running costs

e.g

16kwh/100km x €0.07 = €1.12

6L/100km x €1.80 = €10.80

For an average 15,000km a year you're saving €1452 on fuel alone.

fits

yes was just going to suggest EV. - but only if you have a driveway and can install a home charger.
some nice ones coming into that price range now.

tabby aspreme

How much driving will you be doing, long or short journeys, Toyota and Lexus are the same mechanically and very reliable

Inforapenny

Thanks all, I narrowed my search down to a number of brands and specific models following further research, so that has helped my search be easier.

One car I am looking at buying now from a private seller, is there a best site to do a finance check on the car to make sure the owner owns the car?

Thanks

User1998

Any history check website. Cartell etc

trindade

Toyota Aqua or Honda Fit are good options (Yes, jap import).
Make sure it has alarm and immobiliser