Ask an expert

I’m looking to purchase a car for my kids and have a budget of around $3,000.

Can you provide any information or advice on a 1998 1.6 manual Daewoo Lanos travelled 110,000km's and a Renault Megane (year and exact model unknown).

Fiona

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 4 March 2011

The Daewoo Lanos is one of those cars that is simply a no frills way of getting from A to B.

When they are running they are a cheap form of transport however, once they develop mechanical problems it is often a better option to walk away and sell them for scrap rather than repair.

You need to make sure the seller is not trying to pass on their problems to somebody else, so some form of mechanical inspection would be advisable if you do proceed.

The brand has all but disappeared from our roads so parts may also be a problem and they would not be the safest budget car around.

While the Renault would be a safer car, it potentially could be no more reliable. If it has an automatic transmission I would definitely walk away.

The European brands in this price range are best avoided. I suggest you try and stick to the mainstream Japanese brands such as Toyota and Nissan.

Nissans in particular are a very good low risk car especially in this price range.

Whatever you decide, make sure the car you end up buying has a warrant of fitness not more than 1 month old. At least that will provide some peace of mind the car is mechanically sound.