For my money, I would prefer to buy a used car from a dealership ("concessionaire") or (as I did a few years back) through the used car dealer operation at the garage I have been using for the past several years (used to be a dealership).

The requirement to have a current controle technique in order to transfer the registration gives you some assurance that the vehicle is in reasonable running order (certainly compared to the periodic "safety checks" that are/were required in various US states). And many, if not most dealerships have lots of used vehicles available to see and very often will offer from 1 to 3 years of warranty. If nothing else, they are looking to get your business for their repair and maintenance department, so they have every reason to put the car in good running order before they sell it to you. (They also handle the registration change, which is extremely convenient.)

 

Have a look at this https://www.economie.gouv.fr/dgccrf/Publications/Vie-pratique/Fiches-pratiques/Vehicule-d-occasion-achat-chez-un-professionnel

 

You should also now find some extremely good deals around on both new and second-hand cars, as the industry needs to move stock as quickly as possible.

 

That's what I'm hoping.

 

For the love of god, don't buy a French car.

Especially the 208. It is bloody dangerous to drive.

Nearly new is not that much cheaper than new.

Why do you need a reversing camera on such a small car ?

 

Why do you need a reversing camera on such a small car ?

Because I sometimes put cars in Reverse, then I back up.

 

Well I have a Peugeot Partner and it is the best and most reliable car I have ever had

 

I agree, we have had three Citroën Berlingos and one Peugeot Partner (same car, different badge) and all have been excellent. We are now on a new shape Berlingo.

With two dogs and a mother-in-law who needs a wheelchair and a walking frame, it is the only car to have. In UK we had a Volvo 760 estate plus a Nissan Micra but only need one car here.

 

French utilitaires are OK. They do what they say on the box.

I'm looking for a Ford Transit van.

There are loads of S/H about, but to be honest buying new/very new is more attractive.

People are just having a laugh with their second hand prices.

 

And when they have stopped laughing you offer them the going rate. If they start laughing again you know they are bonkers and you walk away.

 

Newer cars can have either Android auto or the Iphone equivalent. That replaces the GPS. A new in dash factory GPS often costs a lot of money. Even if it didn't the automaker GPS aren't better than your phone or a cheap TomTom.

Cars that size tend to come with parking sensors and not cameras. Get too close and the thing beeps.

Final thing to watch out for 110 hp in that class of car can mean boy racer. Check the insurance and then make sure the car hasn't been abused.

 

Newer cars can have either Android auto or the Iphone equivalent. That replaces the GPS. A new in dash factory GPS often costs a lot of money. Even if it didn't the automaker GPS aren't better than your phone or a cheap TomTom.

Don't get me started about GPS.

 

I would definitely consider a hybrid, and I believe they will lose less value than many other vehicles. So clearly not a Renault. Peugeot do them, but so do lots of other makes.

 

I'd consider a hybrid and have driven a few, but the extra cost for a hybrid over a plain old petrol auto is too much for my blood. The new rebates that have been announced might swing things in their favor but if there's a €3000 difference I wouldn't buy one. I'll see what the final rebate details are when they're announced.

 

Oh and check that any built-in GPS works with your phone, because usually they are either Android or iPhone without the option for one or the other. And check out whether you can get the updates electronically.

 

Oh and check that any built-in GPS works with your phone, because usually they are either Android or iPhone without the option for one or the other.

All of the new cars I've looked into have both Android and Apple compatibility when they offer such things.

 

With the new EU rules many of the companies are pushing hybrids of various types. To do that they've dropped prices. I wouldn't count on hybrids keeping their value.

 

But they might lose value somewhat less dramatically, which is what I was getting at.

 

And in any case, most people will get much better mileage with a hybrid.

 

I rented a Toyota Yaris last year and it got a solid 3.5l/100km (67mpg) overall, with travel on motorways, urban streets and country roads. Of course, it had the acceleration of a snail...

 

If you're worried about mileage the diesels are almost always better. No matter how you drive.

Are they selling natural gas cars? They're a better option than many of the hybrids. Cheaper.

 

If you're worried about mileage the diesels are almost always better. No matter how you drive.

Diesels are great for high mileage (kilometerage?) drivers but the extra €2000 or so that you'll pay for a diesel engine is not economical if you drive a "normal" amount. Also, some cities have started to impose limits on diesel cars and more will be doing so in the future.

 

Last year we bought a used (28 000km) Citroen Berlingo from Citroen.
Completely serviced, new tyres, oil, filters, one year guarantee, windows tatooed.
We're happy. It was a former rent car but in good shape.
We got 4000€ govt eco bonus knocked off the price because it's Critair #2

Watch out for "reprise" bonus coupled with "eco bonus" plus dealer's discount.
If you have an old dirty diesel to turn in (depending on your income/tax level) you can gain €€€

 

Last year we bought a used (28 000km) Citroen Berlingo from Citroen.
Completely serviced, new tyres, oil, filters, one year guarantee, windows tatooed.
We're happy. It was a former rent car but in good shape.
We got 4000€ govt eco bonus knocked off the price because it's Critair #2

Did you get that from your local Citroen dealer or is there some sort of national website showing things like that?

 

The problem with the new bonuses they are paying for "hybrids" is that they are only applicable to "pluggable hybrids" - those you can plug in to recharge the batteries. One of the big issues with any "pluggable" vehicle is that for anyone living in an apartment or who has to park their car out on the street, you don't have the option to install a recharge point at home. And at the moment, there isn't really a well developed network of charging stations in France. (The ones I've seen seem to all be at big shopping centers.)

The French car makers have a battery "rental" scheme - where you go in and exchange a run down battery for a fully charged one (I assume at a dealership) which doesn't strike me as terribly convenient either.

And of course the whole program only applies to French manufacturers. But I'm perfectly happy with my Toyota hybrid, so no real interest in the new program.

Now, what are they planning on doing with all those cars sitting in the factory parking lots that don't yet have buyers? Those are mostly gasoline and diesel cars in the classic mode.

 

The problem with the new bonuses they are paying for "hybrids" is that they are only applicable to "pluggable hybrids" - those you can plug in to recharge the batteries.

And of course the whole program only applies to French manufacturers. But I'm perfectly happy with my Toyota hybrid, so no real interest in the new program.

Boo-hiss on both of those points.

(Isn't the Yaris hybrid made in France?)

 

Yes, I believe built in GPS still requires a trip to the dealer to pay for an update when required or when you feel it is out of date. In the US I think its in the range of $100-$125. I have a 2018 Honda CRV which has built in Apple Car Play (I'm fairly sure I did not pay extra for this) so my phone when hard wire connected mirrors the map app (usually Google maps) on my phone. I do prefer being able to look at a larger screen centered on the dash as opposed to a small phone mounted off to one side or the other. I may certainly be mistaken but I am under the impression that one advantage to a cell phone GPS app is that it is constantly being updated. Built in GPS goes out of date slowly and will need to be updated.

 

... I may certainly be mistaken but I am under the impression that one advantage to a cell phone GPS app is that it is constantly being updated. Built in GPS goes out of date slowly and will need to be updated.

Yes. An online GPS system is constantly being updated. However, they suffer from the need to be constantly connected. No service, no map. The phone knows where it is, but it can't show you in a way you can comprehend.

However, this is mitigated to some extent by apps that allow the user to cache sections of maps. On the other hand, online GPS services love to place advertising all over the map.

In the end, and I have tried every combination and service there is, I would prefer a car with a built-in GPS AND Apple Carplay and Android Auto - which is the usual case anyway. BTW, at a basic tech level both of these services are very similar.

 

GPS? No thanks. A while back we went with the French people (who live around the corner) to Fuengirola. From where we were parked (Iceland,) it was about 500 yards to get back on to the main road and head home. Monsieur decided to use his built in GPS. 5miles and half an hour later we eventually got back on the right road and then drove right past where we had been parked at Iceland. GPS - I'm not convinced. I'd rather use Google Earth to identify where I need to go and write it down in needs be.

 

GPS? No thanks. A while back we went with the French people (who live around the corner) to Fuengirola. From where we were parked (Iceland,) it was about 500 yards to get back on to the main road and head home.

That is amazing! Google maps says that it almost 3000km from Fuengirola to Iceland.

Not to mention all that water.

 

There are other GPS apps.

TomTom sells one that will turn your phone into a full fledged TomTom.

Plus others.

 

There are other GPS apps.
TomTom sells one that will turn your phone into a full fledged TomTom.

Two problems.
1) TomTom's app doesn't connect with Android Auto or Apple Carplay.
2) From TomTom's website - "Every month the app gives you up to 50 miles of navigation for free, after which you can purchase a 1-month or 1-year subscription..."

The only two apps that I can find that work with Android Auto and Apple Carplay are coded in Russia...

For simplicity's sake I'd just rather have a built-in GPS unit with its data held internally in the unit.

 

F1 cars have been hybrids for quite a few years now. Plenty of people buy Teslas (full electric) because of the performance claims .

I wouldn't claim all hybrid users are not interested in speed.

I think the problem the EU has figured out is many only care about the tax discounts. They're now trying to force the car makers to make the cars more full time "green". You see it in the methane cars having bigger methane tanks and tiny gasoline tanks.

 

They're now trying to force the car makers to make the cars more full time "green". You see it in the methane cars having bigger methane tanks and tiny gasoline tanks.

And if this pandemic has taught us only one thing it is that transportation is a MAJOR contributor to greenhouse gases.

Personally I think hydrogen is the real future, it requires the same infrastructure as gasoline/diesel and produces zero emissions.

 

Another car you might consider is a Citroen C3 with the 1.2 liter 3-cylinder turbo gas engine. We leased a new 2019 a year ago. Great car—and FWIW, I’ve owned everything under the sun, from Detroit Iron growing up to six BMW ///M’s and even a Lamborghini. the C3 is the first new car I’ve ever owned, and I like it. Billed at 110 hp, but the torque is phenomenal—more than an E30 M3, perhaps my all-time favorite car. That particular engine has won numerous international awards; just do a search and you’ll see. Fuel economy is incredible at 50+ mpg (6 l/100 km) and with a 6-speed manual it’s pretty fun to drive. The main downside, IMO, is the suspension, which is typically French Stay-Puft soft. Like a Citroen, in other words. But on secondary roads (which we drive frequently) it’s very comfortable.

 

Fuel economy is incredible at 50+ mpg (6 l/100 km) and with a 6-speed manual it’s pretty fun to drive. The main downside, IMO, is the suspension, which is typically French Stay-Puft soft. Like a Citroen, in other words. But on secondary roads (which we drive frequently) it’s very comfortable.

Um, 6 l /100 km is actually more like 40 mpg. Just saying....

 

I've driven a C3 diesel for more than awhile. The things are built to a price point. When my tail lights burned out it wasn't the bulb it was the wiring going. The dealership tried to blame me saying I'd used the lights too much.

My mechanic is an ex dealership guy and knew what the problem was before he even unscrewed anything. The smell of burning wiring was that bad. It wasn't an uncommon problem.

In addition it's not exactly designed for easy access for the mechanic . I guess that's not uncommon in cars today but changing a light bulb shouldn't require hiring a small child to slip their hand into the space. I've seen multiple mechanics spend close to 15 minutes changing a simple headlight bulb. Luckily they don't charge by the hour for the change.

Changing even something like a windshield pump seems like major surgery.

If you intend to keep the car five or six years then trade it in you'll likely be quite happy.

I'm driving so little now that I'm having trouble convincing myself I need a new car but I've more or less decided if something major comes up it's getting parked.

 

My experience is quite different. I've been driving a 208 for about two years. It's reliable with responsive handling that seems just right for the twisty little roads between the villages in la Charente. The ride is more comfortable that some other small cars I tried here. Compared to Mercedes, Audi and VWs that I drove for years, this little Peugeot stands up well.

 

Had fun today at a Seat dealer. I went in to look at their Ibiza and during a chat with a salesperson I asked if they would accept full payment for a car with a credit card (it would be do-able, and think of the points!). Stunned looks all around, mumbles, then a check with management to find that no, I couldn't pay for a car with a credit card.

Not really surprised but I dare say that if I walked into any American car dealership and asked the same question they would sure-as-hell find a way to sell me a car if I wanted to pay with a credit card.

 

No, didn't work in the US either. I did manage to pay the deposit of $5000 with the card but that was the dealerships limit. As you say, think of the the air miles on $50,000 car

 

It's not so much about who owns the brand, or even where the car is made, it's about how they choose to make it

 

Seats tend to be sportier.

VW more staid.

In both cases I mean mainly when you look at the styling.

VW tends to use nicer interior materials. You some times get a better basic package of standard equipment. VW often gets new items first. That can be new engines and transmissions but also things like dash electronics. OTOH that means VW gets all the early bugs.

Seat is cheaper which lets you pick what you want.

 

I have a friend in the UK that swears by SKoda diesels
I have owned Citroen and Peugeots and never had a scrap of trouble
Only car that caused a problem was a Fiat Punto

 

For me the only problem car was the second Montego estate. The first one and the Maestros were good to excellent. The best of all were the Volvo 245 and the Volvo 760.