Can you help me choose what to do about my car situation?

Hi, I am currently driving a 2000 Toyota Yaris that has only just hit the 100k mileage mark (mainly clocked up in last three years). Still has a bit of life left in it with a bit of work, but I have been looking to change. I've done some test drives and have my eye on a Peugeot 307 1.4 diesel circa 2011, as the Volkswagen Golf was a bit out of my price range (< €10k) and I travel quite a bit for work.

Circumstances have changed though and I no longer have such a long commute to work so wondering should I invest and hang on to the old 'lady' a while longer, go for a different model/make (2008-2010), which would reduce cost, or can you recommend/suggest anything that would give me value for money, that's reliable and economically sound?

Bit of a tall order maybe but any advice would be great.

Thanks in advance, N

Nicky Dunne (Dublin)

May 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

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Expert answer

Hi Nicky,

OK, I think you have a couple of options here. First off, assuming you have a friendly, trustworthy mechanic who looks after your Yaris, it's worth having a word with them to find out how much life they realistically think is left in it and how much money you'll need to spend to keep it going. If the omens are good in that respect, then there's nothing wrong in the slightest with sticking with what you know and keeping your current, faithful steed.

If it's a poorer prognosis then I'd suggest sticking with what you know and simply upgrade to a newer Yaris. The model that's just been replaced was a fine car, sturdy as ever and really quite nice to drive. You won't go wrong. As an alternative, have a look at a Honda Jazz. They are usually a little more expensive than an equivalent Yaris but are more spacious inside and a little more technically advanced, so well worth a look.

Let us know how you get on

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe