We have €3,500 plus an 01 Clio to sell or trade in.

Hey, just looking for advice for buying a used car. I'm looking to get something for a new family (expecting in four months). We have €3,500 plus an 2001 Clio to sell or trade in. Needs to be 1.4 or 1.6 and would prefer something 2005 upwards. We're not picky just confused on what to get so any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks :)

Aidan Ryan (Lucan)

May 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

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Expert answer

Hi Aidan,

The only concern here really is the value of your old Clio. As someone who recently traded in an early 2000s Renault, I feel your pain, but the sad fact is that it ain't going to be worth much. Even so, the best thing you can do is to start searching for a Volkswagen Golf. If you've got a family on the way, and you need something safe, solid and with a decent bit of space, then you won't go wrong, although it is of course worth looking for those evergreen Golf spinoffs, the Skoda Octavia and SEAT Leon. All three are equally good and the Octavia is particularly spacious.

Come back to us if you need more assistance.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe