Another Car Question
Posted by: Lo Fi Si on 28 April 2004
Help needed.
My parents are visiting for 3 months and need a car – smallish and automatic. The cheapest rental I can find is going to be about £1500. I reckon I can pick up a car for about £3000, insure it, sell it once they’ve gone back to NZ and still be less than £1000 out of pocket.
Is this reasonable ?
If so, what are good small autos?
They drive a Toyota Yaris, but these are still pretty expensive S/H. I was thinking of a Civic, anything else I should consider?
Simon
My parents are visiting for 3 months and need a car – smallish and automatic. The cheapest rental I can find is going to be about £1500. I reckon I can pick up a car for about £3000, insure it, sell it once they’ve gone back to NZ and still be less than £1000 out of pocket.
Is this reasonable ?
If so, what are good small autos?
They drive a Toyota Yaris, but these are still pretty expensive S/H. I was thinking of a Civic, anything else I should consider?
Simon
I'm not sure it's a good idea to limit yourself to any particular brand. Hondas and Toyotas will be expensive compared with other cars of a similar size and age, and I don't really see the point of spending more on one for a three-month car if cheaper alternatives are available in good condition. I imagine a Ford Fiesta or FIAT Punto in good condition would survive three months. 
Also, I don't know about Toyotas but a Civic will be expensive to insure compared with a Fiesta or Punto etc.
I think the main thing is to be aware of typical used prices, buy privately - after first having the car checked by the AA or a trusted expert mechanic - and sell privately.
Also, I don't know about Toyotas but a Civic will be expensive to insure compared with a Fiesta or Punto etc.
I think the main thing is to be aware of typical used prices, buy privately - after first having the car checked by the AA or a trusted expert mechanic - and sell privately.