Which cars have cheap parts?

15

Hi guys,

I'm looking at cars atm, not too fussed what I get really, but I've been advised to look into the cost of parts. I'm looking at the usual small cars - fiesta, corsa, punto, clio etc. I know Ford Kas and Fiestas have relatively cheap parts but can anyone tell me anything about the others in terms of reliability and in particular, cost of parts?

Also, if anyone could give me any idea what kind of age and mileage car would be realistic to be looking for, that'd be great. My budget is around £3000, and I'm looking for a 1.2-1.4.

This is actually my second time round buying a car - I had a fiesta a few years back. For some reason it seems so much more scary and confusing this time around!

Thanks in advance for any responses :smile:

Reply 1

Hoody555

10

VW Polo. You probably won't have to replace any parts for a good long while..

Reply 2

friendly_fiend2

fleur de lis

Hi guys,

I'm looking at cars atm, not too fussed what I get really, but I've been advised to look into the cost of parts. I'm looking at the usual small cars - fiesta, corsa, punto, clio etc. I know Ford Kas and Fiestas have relatively cheap parts but can anyone tell me anything about the others in terms of reliability and in particular, cost of parts?

Also, if anyone could give me any idea what kind of age and mileage car would be realistic to be looking for, that'd be great. My budget is around £3000, and I'm looking for a 1.2-1.4.

This is actually my second time round buying a car - I had a fiesta a few years back. For some reason it seems so much more scary and confusing this time around!

Thanks in advance for any responses :smile:

I think Japanese car manufacturers such as Honda are generally regarded as having the best reliability, though I'm not sure of the cost of parts. You could look at Honda civic maybe. As you mentioned, Fords are reliable cars and there are loads of cheap parts available. My Focus has had no problems in over a year, unlike the Megane I had previously.

Whatever manufacture of car you get, the way it has been looked after will have a drastic impact on the reliability of the vehicle. Get a mechanic or AA / RAC inspection to avoid buying a lemon. Furthermore, check through the service history to check for regular servicing.

Good luck.

Edit: I would avoid the last three cars highlighted in bold, as they don't have the best reputation for reliability.

Reply 3

Walter Ego

12

Japanese are definitely the most reliable. VW reliability is a myth, they break down just as much as everything else in my, and everyone I knows experience (note, I didn't say opinion, as I and many friends have owned them). Having said that, many VW (and other VAG cars; Skoda, Seat, Audi) parts can be had cheaply at Euro Car Parts and GSF (German Swedish & French). As an example, when I needed a distributor for a VW Corrado, VW wanted £170+vat, GSF sold me one for £55 inc. French cars are pretty dire for stuff breaking, but it tends to be silly little things rather than major failures, but in general cars these days are pretty robust. Fords are always cheap to repair, but for some reason I'd never want one, and I'd NEVER own a Vauxhaul again. I'd rather have a bus pass than another Corsa !

Reply 4

Né Stig

15

Ford have very cheap parts as they exist in many models and makes of vehicles and they do offer a couple of good deals for your requirement.

I think middle of the road option is Honda who are extremely reliable and have parts that aren't that expensive. Not the prettiest of cars, but the Civic on a 2004 plate should easily fit within your budget. You should have a really nice reliable vehicle for that which will sell with no problems. Also look at the Jazz, although I think these are still slightly overpriced for what they are.

With Ford, the Focus with a Zetec engine will offer a very reliable car, great engine and great chassis. It's extremely cheap to run, maintain and insure. If you want a smaller variant, simply get the Fiesta Zetec.

Peugeot & Citreon share parts and are extremely cheap to buy (GSF) but have extremely unreliable cars.

VAG has great interiors and great residual values, but reliability, servicing and costs are all horrendous for a £3k budget.

Reply 5

RezM

The drawback on honda is the insurance is expensive because it is seen as a boy racer car. other japanese options are the suzuki swift 1.0, nissan sunny 1.4 , toyota corolla 1.3, all good cars.

Reply 6

Tinsley

15

I love my Seat Ibiza, its literally a polo, sportier image and cheaper to buy. Some nob literally this morning caught the back left corner with a massive thump, could have cried it felt so awful! I literally excepted to see a massive hole in the back of my car but there is next to no damage there, one panel is slightly out of alligment and it has a graze, but that is it..!

I swear I thought they had really really smashed it up, but its OK! I would recommend my car to anyone, its a 1.2, black 3 door and the insurance for me, female fuly comp just passed test etc is £1335.

Aside from that, like someone else said Hondas are nice but my brother had a little accident in the snow and it was NOT cheap to fix, it was the spoiler on the front and his insurance had to payout over £3,000 for that and a couple engine bits (he went into the back of a van at about 10mph in the snow).

KAs and Corsas are popular, but I like my little car, made by VW and my local VW garage said literally all the parts inside are the same as a polos and they can do anything that may need doing, whenever I need it :smile:

Which cars have cheap parts?

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