£1.5k-£2k automatic reliable car…but which one?

[WHoSaidThis]

Helping the neighbour with some ideas who is a single mum and has a limited budget (£1.5k - £2k).

Needs to be able to seat minimum 4 passengers.

Doesn’t mind if it’s a big estate car or a small car..she’s comfortable either way.

Reliability being the main concern.

Grateful for ideas and what you’d look for. Thank you 🙏

My thoughts were, Jazz, Passat or Golf?!?

[Bobupndown]

Can't expect much reliability at that price point. Very much luck of the draw. The Jazz might be the best bet.

[anonymous-user]

WHoSaidThis said:

My thoughts were, Jazz, Passat or Golf?!?

Cheap, automatic cars must be the most in demand car sector at the moment, I find it very unlikely you are going to find anything remotely decent for under £2K

I would imagine a Jazz in this price range is likely to be written off on it's next MOT due to rust.

Personally if I were you I would not get involved. No good dead goes unpunished, and when the gearbox goes or it is scrapped due to rust it will all be your fault for recommending it.

[WHoSaidThis]

Thanks guys…what’s a sensible pricing point to look at reliable automatics? This is a new domain for me altogether.

[PositronicRay]

I recently picked up a CLK, genuinely surprised at the VFM

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302094...

[InitialDave]

I'd buy an Avensis.

[anonymous-user]

PositronicRay said:

I recently picked up a CLK, genuinely surprised at the VFM

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302094...

Ironically that is probably a great choice, but most people who only have £1500 to spend on a car won't be able to stomach the fuel or £395 road tax costs.

Plus it has advisories for corroded front brake pipes which is likely to be expensive next MOT.

But for a shedist that can do the work themselves and is happy with the fuel economy that is a great car.

[dhutch]

I am out of the loop a little, but from what I have seen; these days a £2k is all but what was a £500 car was pre-pandemic, where you almost buy on how many months MOT are left and divide the cost by that.