What real-world 2 car garage for 10k?
Discussion
This is a genuine what 2 car garage, not just hypothetical, so read the criteria carefully!
Just moved back to the UK after living overseas for the last 12 years and looking for a couple of vehicles for me and my wife. Reliability, practicality and cheap to run and insure are our biggest priorities but it would be nice to have something with a bit of style and that’s enjoyable to drive too. We have 2 school aged children and are both in our 40s but our insurance may be costly due to our lack of UK NCB, so probably not anything too high performance.
My wife would like an A/B segment sized hatchback with 5 doors and a manual transmission and probably petrol rather than diesel. My daughter is 14 years old as well, so it may become her first car in 3 years time, so that’s something to bear in mind.
I would like a larger C/D segment sized “family” hatchback or estate, again manual and possibly diesel as I’ll be doing around 20k+ miles per year.
Ideally looking for cars less than 10 years old with a maximum budget of 10k to purchase both vehicles (if I could get that closer to 8k then all the better).
For my wife, I’ve always quite liked Fiestas but am put off by the 1.0 Ecoboost engines, which many of them seem to have, as I understand that they have a multitude of reliability problems. Likewise, any Peugeot/Citroen/Vauxhall with the “Puretech” engine.
For this reason, I am leaning towards a current shape VW Polo/SEAT Ibiza or a previous generation Skoda Fabia Estate with the 1.0 TSI engine. Is that a belt or chain driven engine? The SEAT Ibiza FR models in particular are very good looking. Not sure about other options, Renault Clio etc but I would prefer to avoid main dealer servicing and I know that there is a very well regarded VW specialist local to us.
A bit leftfield and they’re a bit older but I also quite like the 2nd generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class or the Peugeot 207 SW. Both small but very practical cars and I’d probably go diesel on either because the Mercedes/Peugeot diesels are more reliable than the petrols?
For me, I’m also leaning towards a SEAT/Skoda, as I really like the look of the mk3 (previous generation) SEAT Leon FR or the mk3 Skoda Octavia vRS hatchback/estate, probably all with a manual transmission and the 2.0 TDI engine. They are belt driven engines but as long as you change the belt on time, VW diesels are pretty bombproof in my experience. I owned a mk7 Golf for several years and it was a fantastic car, so although I’m not against trying something different, there’s an element of stick with what you know.
In the same vein, I would also consider an Audi A3 Sportback (8V) with the 2.0 TDI engine.
I haven’t driven any Peugeots/Vauxhalls for years but the 2010s Astra (J?) and Insignia with the 2.0 CDTI both look like pretty good value, as do the 2nd generation Peugeot 308/308 SW with the diesel engines. I would also consider a previous generation Renault Megane Sport Tourer with the dCi engine. 2nd generation Mazda 6 but go petrol instead of diesel, although a 2 litre plus petrol will be less economical?
I’m not really an SUV/crossover kind of guy but the Dacia Duster dCi 4x4 also looks like pretty good value for 4-5k and I also quite like the look of Land Rover Freelander 2s.
So bearing in mind that the budget is only 4-5k per car and many of these options will be honing in on or over 100,000 miles, what 2 cars that meet the above criteria would be the best buy in terms of reliability, insurance and running costs? Any other options that I’ve overlooked?
Just moved back to the UK after living overseas for the last 12 years and looking for a couple of vehicles for me and my wife. Reliability, practicality and cheap to run and insure are our biggest priorities but it would be nice to have something with a bit of style and that’s enjoyable to drive too. We have 2 school aged children and are both in our 40s but our insurance may be costly due to our lack of UK NCB, so probably not anything too high performance.
My wife would like an A/B segment sized hatchback with 5 doors and a manual transmission and probably petrol rather than diesel. My daughter is 14 years old as well, so it may become her first car in 3 years time, so that’s something to bear in mind.
I would like a larger C/D segment sized “family” hatchback or estate, again manual and possibly diesel as I’ll be doing around 20k+ miles per year.
Ideally looking for cars less than 10 years old with a maximum budget of 10k to purchase both vehicles (if I could get that closer to 8k then all the better).
For my wife, I’ve always quite liked Fiestas but am put off by the 1.0 Ecoboost engines, which many of them seem to have, as I understand that they have a multitude of reliability problems. Likewise, any Peugeot/Citroen/Vauxhall with the “Puretech” engine.
For this reason, I am leaning towards a current shape VW Polo/SEAT Ibiza or a previous generation Skoda Fabia Estate with the 1.0 TSI engine. Is that a belt or chain driven engine? The SEAT Ibiza FR models in particular are very good looking. Not sure about other options, Renault Clio etc but I would prefer to avoid main dealer servicing and I know that there is a very well regarded VW specialist local to us.
A bit leftfield and they’re a bit older but I also quite like the 2nd generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class or the Peugeot 207 SW. Both small but very practical cars and I’d probably go diesel on either because the Mercedes/Peugeot diesels are more reliable than the petrols?
For me, I’m also leaning towards a SEAT/Skoda, as I really like the look of the mk3 (previous generation) SEAT Leon FR or the mk3 Skoda Octavia vRS hatchback/estate, probably all with a manual transmission and the 2.0 TDI engine. They are belt driven engines but as long as you change the belt on time, VW diesels are pretty bombproof in my experience. I owned a mk7 Golf for several years and it was a fantastic car, so although I’m not against trying something different, there’s an element of stick with what you know.
In the same vein, I would also consider an Audi A3 Sportback (8V) with the 2.0 TDI engine.
I haven’t driven any Peugeots/Vauxhalls for years but the 2010s Astra (J?) and Insignia with the 2.0 CDTI both look like pretty good value, as do the 2nd generation Peugeot 308/308 SW with the diesel engines. I would also consider a previous generation Renault Megane Sport Tourer with the dCi engine. 2nd generation Mazda 6 but go petrol instead of diesel, although a 2 litre plus petrol will be less economical?
I’m not really an SUV/crossover kind of guy but the Dacia Duster dCi 4x4 also looks like pretty good value for 4-5k and I also quite like the look of Land Rover Freelander 2s.
So bearing in mind that the budget is only 4-5k per car and many of these options will be honing in on or over 100,000 miles, what 2 cars that meet the above criteria would be the best buy in terms of reliability, insurance and running costs? Any other options that I’ve overlooked?
If you don't need the space and long range refinement you could drop a class down from Fiestas and 208s to Toyota Aygo/ Pug 108/ Citroën C1 or VW/Up/ Skoda Citygo/ SEAT Mi sized cars.
Cheaper to run and insure and easier for a learner/new driver to get to grips with.
The money saved can put you a nicer big car.
Cheaper to run and insure and easier for a learner/new driver to get to grips with.
The money saved can put you a nicer big car.
Tannedbaldhead said:
If you don't need the space and long range refinement you could drop a class down from Fiestas and 208s to Toyota Aygo/ Pug 108/ Citroën C1 or VW/Up/ Skoda Citygo/ SEAT Mi sized cars.
Cheaper to run and insure and easier for a learner/new driver to get to grips with.
The money saved can put you a nicer big car.
And I forgot to mention Hyundai's i10 and the Kia Picanto. Cheaper to run and insure and easier for a learner/new driver to get to grips with.
The money saved can put you a nicer big car.
Both are sweet little drives, nice light and easy and Both are rated for better than average reliability.
I'd be going for a 1.25 fiesta, bullet proof simple engine, drive well, still look/feel modern enough and practical in 5dr form - allow £3-3.5k
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2025100268...
Then for yours I'd be looking at something like the below:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2025101571...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2025100268...
Then for yours I'd be looking at something like the below:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2025101571...
Tannedbaldhead said:
If you don't need the space and long range refinement you could drop a class down from Fiestas and 208s to Toyota Aygo/ Pug 108/ Citroën C1 or VW/Up/ Skoda Citygo/ SEAT Mi sized cars.
Cheaper to run and insure and easier for a learner/new driver to get to grips with.
The money saved can put you a nicer big car.
Good shout, I do quite like the VW Up and was thinking that would be what I would get for my daughter when the time comes but it is tighter in the back for teenage children than something like a Polo, small boot and my wife has been used to having a bit more power. I thought that the 1.0 TSI might be a bit zippier. She wants a small car whilst she gets used to driving on narrow UK roads again but still wants something with a bit of pep.Cheaper to run and insure and easier for a learner/new driver to get to grips with.
The money saved can put you a nicer big car.
If your OH likes the A class then look at the Infiniti Q30 range (they're an A Class in everyway apart from the body panels) you'll get a nice one for around half your two car budget:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509025...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510117...
Or there's the Mazda3:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510097...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510157...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509176...
For you I'd recommend the Insignia they're a good buy & ypu'll get a nicely spec'd one with sensible miles for your budget, the drivetrains are well proven & they;re sensible on running costs:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507174...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505313...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510056...
Or there's the Q50 (this use the C220cdi drivetrain, as long as a saloon is ok) which is a very good buy at this price point & they're ULEZ compliant:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508105...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508085...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508105...
M30 d:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509036...
508's are well proven but most won't be ULEZ compliant:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505132...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510167...
DS5:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510127...
Mondeo's are a great option but they hold they're money compared to the above.
All the above are very decent reliable cars that will soak up 20k a year with ease.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509025...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510117...
Or there's the Mazda3:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510097...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510157...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509176...
For you I'd recommend the Insignia they're a good buy & ypu'll get a nicely spec'd one with sensible miles for your budget, the drivetrains are well proven & they;re sensible on running costs:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507174...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505313...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510056...
Or there's the Q50 (this use the C220cdi drivetrain, as long as a saloon is ok) which is a very good buy at this price point & they're ULEZ compliant:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508105...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508085...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508105...
M30 d:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509036...
508's are well proven but most won't be ULEZ compliant:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505132...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510167...
DS5:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510127...
Mondeo's are a great option but they hold they're money compared to the above.
All the above are very decent reliable cars that will soak up 20k a year with ease.
Edited by ZX10R NIN on Friday 24th October 19:12
Buying a cheap car to do 20k miles a year in, you need to ask yourself how long you expect it to last.
If you insist on a car less than 10 years old, if it's cheap it will be high mileage, so won't last many years x 20kmiles without high risk of needing a lot of repairs. Also you can wipe a lot of value off some cars by taking them from say 110k miles to 150. Another year and it's 170k and has zero trade in value.
I think you'll struggle to get your wife a decent car for less than £4k, so that leaves £6k for a long distance car.
If you want it to still be acceptable with another 60k miles on it, I don't think I'd suggest something that's already high mileage.
Doing 20k miles a year will cost you £3k or upwards in fuel each year.
Taking a view over say two years, you could consider putting that fuel money into going electric.
Other than that, I'd look for any shed as cheap as possible that you feel confident will do you a year, and keep plenty of money in your pocket for the next one.
When you get out and look at actual cars in the metal, they often don't look as nice as they do in the photos on Autotrader. In this price range, many are an utter disappointment. To be fair, I mostly look at estates which makes things worse.
If you will be earning lots and only need to get through the first year before dumping the high mileage car on Gumtree, that's different.
If you insist on a car less than 10 years old, if it's cheap it will be high mileage, so won't last many years x 20kmiles without high risk of needing a lot of repairs. Also you can wipe a lot of value off some cars by taking them from say 110k miles to 150. Another year and it's 170k and has zero trade in value.
I think you'll struggle to get your wife a decent car for less than £4k, so that leaves £6k for a long distance car.
If you want it to still be acceptable with another 60k miles on it, I don't think I'd suggest something that's already high mileage.
Doing 20k miles a year will cost you £3k or upwards in fuel each year.
Taking a view over say two years, you could consider putting that fuel money into going electric.
Other than that, I'd look for any shed as cheap as possible that you feel confident will do you a year, and keep plenty of money in your pocket for the next one.
When you get out and look at actual cars in the metal, they often don't look as nice as they do in the photos on Autotrader. In this price range, many are an utter disappointment. To be fair, I mostly look at estates which makes things worse.
If you will be earning lots and only need to get through the first year before dumping the high mileage car on Gumtree, that's different.
vaud said:
OP
Also look for non internet sources - even supermarket notice boards can bring up the odd surprise from a non technical generation.
That's fair comment.Also look for non internet sources - even supermarket notice boards can bring up the odd surprise from a non technical generation.
If you can find someone who needs to sell, you may get something for what WBAC would pay.
If you want a bargain, it helps if you are very flexible about what you buy.
But I think it's got harder to find cheap cars that don't have issues.
A lot of people keep things until they sense trouble, then get rid.
Probably not anything too high performance but you'll take a VRS on the chin;)
"an A/B segment sized hatchback with 5 doors and a manual transmission and probably petrol rather than diesel."
You've pretty much got all the sensible options here, 1.25 Fiesta is good, plenty of Clios (Inc estates of the 207SW appeals), the A class can have serious gearbox problems and the rear seat base is oddly short, not ideal with teenagers.
I'd be all over Facebook marketplace and fine tune your search skills for spelling mistakes/ incorrectly classified cars. I'd look at almost anything close by which has had recent consumables and has been fairly honestly looked after. Generally I find you get the extremes on that platform, professional wasters who lie about what they have not caring one bit, hoping to fleece you. Easy to spot. Or genuine sellers trying to get more than WBAC, often kids selling for parents/ grandparents for a week or two before they get chopped in on the off chance they can make them more money. Also easy to.spot. beware Cat S/ N of course.
Yours,
"would like a larger C/D segment sized “family” hatchback or estate, again manual and possibly diesel as I’ll be doing around 20k+ miles per year."
I'd avoid the Nissan/ Renault/ is in Dacia 1.5D as where it's as old as the hills, it needs a belt/ pump every 5 years, and the euro6 version needs adblue. The Insignia suggested by ZX is great, they are underrated for a big, comfy economical car with sufficient go. Bit boxy inside but you'll get one for 4-6k and it will be quiet on the motorway and easy to drive. The VRS will be firmer, dark inside, not actually real world fast, at this price level leggy, and probably 20-40% more to insure.
"an A/B segment sized hatchback with 5 doors and a manual transmission and probably petrol rather than diesel."
You've pretty much got all the sensible options here, 1.25 Fiesta is good, plenty of Clios (Inc estates of the 207SW appeals), the A class can have serious gearbox problems and the rear seat base is oddly short, not ideal with teenagers.
I'd be all over Facebook marketplace and fine tune your search skills for spelling mistakes/ incorrectly classified cars. I'd look at almost anything close by which has had recent consumables and has been fairly honestly looked after. Generally I find you get the extremes on that platform, professional wasters who lie about what they have not caring one bit, hoping to fleece you. Easy to spot. Or genuine sellers trying to get more than WBAC, often kids selling for parents/ grandparents for a week or two before they get chopped in on the off chance they can make them more money. Also easy to.spot. beware Cat S/ N of course.
Yours,
"would like a larger C/D segment sized “family” hatchback or estate, again manual and possibly diesel as I’ll be doing around 20k+ miles per year."
I'd avoid the Nissan/ Renault/ is in Dacia 1.5D as where it's as old as the hills, it needs a belt/ pump every 5 years, and the euro6 version needs adblue. The Insignia suggested by ZX is great, they are underrated for a big, comfy economical car with sufficient go. Bit boxy inside but you'll get one for 4-6k and it will be quiet on the motorway and easy to drive. The VRS will be firmer, dark inside, not actually real world fast, at this price level leggy, and probably 20-40% more to insure.
Here are some 2 car garage ideas
Italian combo
Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2.0 JTDM-2 Speciale
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510016...
Fiat Panda 1.2 Pop
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507224...
Audi
A3 2.0 TDI S-Line Sportback
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510177...
A1 1.4 TFSI Sportback
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510217...
BMW Group
BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Plus Touring
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509286...
Mini One
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510137...
Ford
Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Titanium
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510237...
Fiesta 1.25 Zetec
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510187...
Honda
Civic Tourer 1.6 i-DTEC
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202506113...
Jazz 1.4 i-VTEC
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508125...
Kia
Optima Sportswagon 1.6 CRDi
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510137...
Picanto 1.0
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509166...
Mazda
6 Sport Nav Tourer
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510097...
2 1.5 Skyactiv-G
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510097...
Mercedes
C220d Estate
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510177...
Smart forfour 1.0 Passion
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510227...
Seat
Leon 2.0 TDI FR Sport Tourer
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202504111...
Ibiza 1.2 S
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510157...
Skoda
Octavia vRS 2.0 TDI
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509236...
Fabia 1.0 S
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508275...
Vauxhall
Insignia 2.0 Turbo D Grand Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510117...
Corsa 1.2i
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509296...
Volkswagen
Passat Variant 2.0 TDI
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508015...
Up 1.0
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509116...
To answer some of your questions:
You are right to avoid the Ecoboosts from Ford and Puretech engines from Peugeot/Citroen.
The small TSI engine from VW group post 2013 are belt driven with an interval of 133,000 miles and no time limit, though many replace them well before this mileage. This is also true of their 2.0 TDI engines.
The Renault Clios (and related Nissan Micras) with the 3 cylinder engines are all chain driven and pretty reliable.
You are also right to plump for diesels with the older A-class and Peugeots. For the A-class, try and get the A220 CDI if budget will allow, but they are all reliable.
If you think your daughter will be driving the second car in a few years, I'd pick the lowest power engine option to keep insurance costs down, i.e. don't be picking the 1.0 turbo, go for the normally aspirated version.
Italian combo
Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2.0 JTDM-2 Speciale
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510016...
Fiat Panda 1.2 Pop
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507224...
Audi
A3 2.0 TDI S-Line Sportback
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510177...
A1 1.4 TFSI Sportback
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510217...
BMW Group
BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Plus Touring
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509286...
Mini One
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510137...
Ford
Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Titanium
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510237...
Fiesta 1.25 Zetec
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510187...
Honda
Civic Tourer 1.6 i-DTEC
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202506113...
Jazz 1.4 i-VTEC
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508125...
Kia
Optima Sportswagon 1.6 CRDi
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510137...
Picanto 1.0
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509166...
Mazda
6 Sport Nav Tourer
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510097...
2 1.5 Skyactiv-G
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510097...
Mercedes
C220d Estate
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510177...
Smart forfour 1.0 Passion
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510227...
Seat
Leon 2.0 TDI FR Sport Tourer
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202504111...
Ibiza 1.2 S
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510157...
Skoda
Octavia vRS 2.0 TDI
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509236...
Fabia 1.0 S
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508275...
Vauxhall
Insignia 2.0 Turbo D Grand Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510117...
Corsa 1.2i
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509296...
Volkswagen
Passat Variant 2.0 TDI
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508015...
Up 1.0
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509116...
To answer some of your questions:
You are right to avoid the Ecoboosts from Ford and Puretech engines from Peugeot/Citroen.
The small TSI engine from VW group post 2013 are belt driven with an interval of 133,000 miles and no time limit, though many replace them well before this mileage. This is also true of their 2.0 TDI engines.
The Renault Clios (and related Nissan Micras) with the 3 cylinder engines are all chain driven and pretty reliable.
You are also right to plump for diesels with the older A-class and Peugeots. For the A-class, try and get the A220 CDI if budget will allow, but they are all reliable.
If you think your daughter will be driving the second car in a few years, I'd pick the lowest power engine option to keep insurance costs down, i.e. don't be picking the 1.0 turbo, go for the normally aspirated version.
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