Ask Honest John

Honest John Ask Honest John » Big banger theory

Big banger theory

I have just had a nightmare situation. I went out and bought a Vauxhall Vectra 2.0DI. 3 weeks later the diesel pump has gone and the car is on its way to the scrapyard. In four weeks time I will have £500 again to purchase a family car. I used to have Toyota Carina that was OK, but cost quiet a bit to get right. I have used your website to try find a car with 5 stars, finding the Peugeot 205 as probably the best small car. What old family car would you rate best, either diesel or petrol? I’m quiet put off by diesel after my last experience. I am only getting a £60 for it as scrap. Any advice would be appreciated.

Asked on 14 November 2009 by

Answered by Honest John
You might be right about the 205, if you can find one that hasn't become an innocent victim of the scrappage scheme. Its ugly sister the 309 was okay too. But it's difficult to be definitive. A model with an (undeserved) good reputation (like a Polo) could easily be a heap of junk. And something normally untouchable (like a Daewoo Lanos) could be a gem. Mondeos can be excellent, but if they need a new clutch that will cost more than the car is worth.

Our honest used car pricing is a little bit different to all the others. You can get to our values through make or model - you don’t have to follow a prescribed route. Plus, it’s live, which means we can react to changes in the market quicker than any printed price guide.

Honest Used Car Prices

From which small car to buy at which price point to the best UK-built cars, our Top 10s have the lot. Click now for your shortlist.

Unsure of what to buy? Our Top 10s are here to help you....
Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:
    Select a few terms below
Similar questions
I had a bad experience buying a second hand Peugeot for £695. Which car would you recommend going for and what should I particularly be looking out for when I buy it?
I'm test driving a Skoda Octavia estate 1.9 DSI 2002 with 180k on clock, it has a lot of service history and i've seen they go on for well over 300k. I'm not a high mile user Prob 5-6000 a year , I don't...
I want to buy this used Peugeot: Special Eds £1,795 1999 (S reg), Hatchback Trade seller, distance: 34 miles 62,000 miles Manual 1.9L Diesel, only 62,000 miles with full Peugeot service history 12 stamps...