What's the best move for a car in this 'market'?

Skeptic

Skeptic

Skeptic

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All,

My 2012 Focus Titanium (102k miles) has today had a problem. I think it's the gears - the car has a strange grinding noise when accelerating, it is hard to get it in to gear, and it feels as though it's going to stall when idle. I've not yet contacted a garage, so this might be premature, but I think the repair will be pretty costly (though I would be THRILLED if somebody here could tell me what the problem might be and how much the fix might be - won't be able to get to the garage until tomorrow!).

Anyway: with the assumption that the cost is significant, it might well be a good time to get a new motor. Of course, in the broader sense, it doesn't seem to be a 'good' time at all - with the market conditions as they are.

Does it even make sense to go second hand? I can afford to buy new (but would rather not, if it can be avoided) - are these prices just as inflated as the second hand market? Just trying to be most efficient with my money!

I have a small family, so need a car seat, and I also do a significant amount of miles. Where should my focus (ha!) be? I'm honestly clueless with cars, so would appreciate the guidance.

So:

- Is it better to buy new in this market, or are they both inflated?
- Either way, what potential makes/models would be worth my while investigating? Have no concern about engine size, looks etc. However, if I'm going to be advised to buy new, then I will consider anything.

Budget for second hand/new is pretty flexible - but I would like the best value for money (of course!).

Thanks for helping out a real novice...
 
Sirrel Squirrel said:
It could be something simple like the master or slave cylinder, which shouldn't cost more than £2-300 to replace, fingers crossed...
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This would be my guess too. I had the exact same symptoms on my MX5 and it was the slave cylinder. In fact, if the pedal feels normal (ie. it springs back up when you lift your foot off) then I'd be pretty confident it is the slave.

Word of warning, my one went from 'a bit odd' to unable to disengage the clutch pretty sharpish so I'd aim to get it to the garage ASAP even if they can't look at it straight away.
 
Skeptic said:
Anyway: with the assumption that the cost is significant, it might well be a good time to get a new motor. Of course, in the broader sense, it doesn't seem to be a 'good' time at all - with the market conditions as they are.
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Even assuming a "worst case" of a new clutch (£500-£700), then as long as the car has no other known faults, then it's a "better the devil you know", as there is always a risk of buying into someone else's problem with second hand cars (and especially with the way the market currently is, £1k "bangers" are now £3k, and what should be £3k cars are now £6k.)
 
Real food for thought in this thread folks. Genuinely very grateful! Would the ‘engine’ light come on with any of the potential causes above?!
 
Skeptic said:
- Is it better to buy new in this market, or are they both inflated?
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There was a sweet spot about 12-18 months ago where used car prices were massively inflated but new car prices hadn't really lifted up in proportion, making new cars a good buy (relative to normal). However, most manufacturers have hiked prices multiple times over the past year, so new car prices have gone up by over 10%.

That said, after a year of terrible discounts I'm starting to see them come back in a bit more now, I think conditions are softening a bit with people being a bit more cautious with their money and interest rates on the rise.
 
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