The Best Automatic Used Cars under £10k ...and the ones to avoid

[@timcollins380]

Good advice re DSG transmissions Jim. Most 7 speed DSG use one clutch pack for gears 1,3,5 and 7 and the other clutch pack for gears 2,4,6 and reverse. A faulty DSG clutch pack will have a shudder, normally between 1st and 2nd. A faulty mechatronic will normally show itself up as a momentary flash of the gearbox warning light or difficulty selecting D through N to R. Clutch packs and mechatronic units are expensive to fix and normally require gearbox removal. Mechatronic issues also require re coding to the car which not every workshop can do.

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

Cheers Tim, hope you're keeping well mate.

[@timcollins380]

@@DefinitelyNotAGuru Yes, thanks Jim. We have done a few DSG clutch kits for customers and a couple on our own VW /Audi loan cars.

[@mostelusive4313]

Very insightful video. Thanks alot, definitely will try use that veihcle check in the future

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

Glad it was helpful!

[@uwtab6898]

My absolute most favorite gearbox is the CVT, no matter which car, i just love the extreme smooth driving. From start until end of acceleration you keep it around 2k-2.5k rpm, such a pleasure.

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

Does the mooing not bother you? They're certainly pretty reliable, the Japanese ones anyway.

[@elianioriofarrell]

@@DefinitelyNotAGuru ease on the throttle instead of going flat to the floor and it doesn't get as ridiculous where it just makes noise without the cvt doing anything extra for all that noise

[@alanfurness8466]

Very good sensible information as always Jim, keep up the good work.

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

Thanks, will do!

[@francisoleary7010]

Thanks for this really helpful video. It’s worth mentioning regarding the VAG DSG, that later series do not require an oil change - so I’m told by my mechanic, they are sealed for life. (Whether that’s a good thing. I don’t know) I have had a 2011 Golf DSG since 2017, now with 80k that is economical and still lovely to drive. The only problems I have had is binding front brakes and a failed (original) battery. Otherwise it is a quiet and refined runabout that takes the occasional marathon in its stride.

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

VW will tell you that too “it’s a sealed unit” - check the forums and you’ll see the truth. Look after the DSG and it’s brilliant, don’t and it will bite your bank account. There are several independent DSG specialists around thankfully.

[@Brian-om2hh]

Ignore the DSG "sealed for life" thing. Get the box serviced every 30 to 40k miles anyway....... If they're serviced when they should be, they're fine The Ford Powershift a.k.a. Powersh*t in the trade, should be avoided.....

[@lesleywillis6177]

I agree about the dynamics of driving a Toyota hybrid. However it should be noted that they are not the same as the “ rubber band “ cvt boxes. They have an excellent reliability record. On another matter I drove a Suzuki Baleno with a proper torque converter box and it was great. On the downside they stopped sell them here in 2018. Great smaller car though.

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

👌

[@nickcarvell8635]

good video. As a disabled driver i always use an automatic. currently have an A7 S-tronic. smooth changes but a bit dozy, need to give it a few seconds going from drive to reverse. Ford auto gearbox is actually made from biscuits. It’s true. ‘

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

😆👍

[@rascal1956]

Thanks Jim, good advice as always 👍

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

No worries

[@JD-kp6ev]

The Volvo Geartronics are not the same as the Ford Powershifts. The Volvo units are also called Powershift. The Geartronics are more reliable than the Powershifts. *I see it's been corrected

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

👍

[@MoizZahidChohan]

3:29 best explanation of a CVT ever 😂

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

😂👍

[@worldofcars_ldn]

Top advice as always!

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

Glad you think so!

[@h.bsfaithfulservant4136]

😂...and here was me thinking of getting another Honda Jazz as an automatic this time, only to find the CVT is made of cheese 😮😮😮. I can stick with a manual then! Which I still suspect is made of cheese 😁 Very helpful vid Jim... lots of info on the different types of automatic gearboxes 👍

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

The manual is a safe bet, it’s far less cheddary.

[@h.bsfaithfulservant4136]

@RX-1 Thanks 👍... that's good to know. My Honda Jazz is a little trooper TBH...I think any niggles are largely due to previous owner neglect.

[@leighonigar]

I had thought the Jazz CVT was fairly well regarded. The ishift automated manual they briefly used was a different matter.

[@avs040288]

Great insightful video! 😊

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@pauljenkins6239]

Hi. Love your videos but a slight inaccuracy in your Volvo gearbox comments. You mentioned Volvo call their dual clutch transmissions geartronic? Not really true. My V50 dual clutch is a powershift (same name as Ford use) and the Volvo Geartronic boxes use conventional torque converter 🙂

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

Yes, I’m an idiot!!! Mouth engaged before brain!! I’ve put a correction in the video description. Thanks for correcting me Paul 👍

[@mohamedchatt4543]

Thanks for the advice

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

You’re welcome

[@glengosling5636]

Your v check has proofed invaluable 😊

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

Great to hear. Did you find something nasty?

[@rollingnome]

My Volvo V40 T3 (2018) geartronic is a 6 speed asin box. Nothing to do with Ford and is wonderful.

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

👍

[@bernardchalk1617]

Thanks this has been very helpful 😊

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

I'm so glad!

[@MH-sf3oj]

I’m considering buying a 2016 Nissan Qashqai 1.2 DIG-T N-Connecta with the XTRON automatic gearbox. Could you share your thoughts on the reliability of this specific CVT gearbox? Would this be a good long-term choice for a family car?

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

I think they’re pretty unreliable in those.

[@HugoRodallega20]

Hi, I'm looking to buy my first car, want a automatic suv or hatchback around 7-10K that drives well and is cheap to insure. Any advice please.

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

You'll struggle to get anything that's cheap to insure. Just look for somethign with a torque converter that's within budget and appetite; the insurance will sting.

[@lesleywillis6177]

See my comment further up about Suzuki Baleno.

[@simonh870]

I wouldn't touch a car with a wet timing belt with a bargepole. The DS' gearbox might be good but the engine is just too much of a worry.

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

If it’s serviced properly and regularly these things perform extremely well; nothing like the Ford abomination

[@jeremywentworth1833]

Should be mandatory that insurance companies record they have written off a car even if a car is recorded as it's had a complete respray as the car was coined on every panel. If every car was recorded at least if someone wanted the recorded car they would know and it would also cost less and always be worth less than an identical car.that was written off for whatever reason. Insurance companies always record stolen recovered and sometimes they have no damage so what's the difference infact id rather buy a car that was stolen that wasn't damaged etc than 1 in an accident.

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

I agree

[@iaing9028]

All insurance repairs should be recorded on the cars history even a dented bumper that is filled & painted.

[@mohamedchatt4543]

Would you recommend a dsg 6speed from year 2017 , 1.4 tsi150 ps audi q3 , heard some bad things about the 7 speed automatic

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

Yes, just make sure you do a PROPER road test with it, at least 20 mins to allow the gearbox oil to get up to temp, go up and down the rough the gears then do stop start driving and go from reverse to neutral to reverse to neutral to drive etc plenty of time. You’re looking for excessive jerkiness or the box struggling to find gears. If you get none of that it’s all good. If the gearbox oil has never been changed consider getting it done and don’t listen to the “lifetime oil” BS.

[@shellydimple28]

So, I'm considering buying an automatic that looks better than Honda... not liking the appearance of Honda cars!... is the VW Golf 2016 or Ford Fiesta 2018 (not powershift) any good?

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

Golf is but take note of the advice on the DSG. Don’t ever buy a Ford with an ecoboost engine.

[@shellydimple28]

@@DefinitelyNotAGuru thanks, you are great!

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

@@shellydimple28 thank you!

[@rimmerblues1586]

Useful info, cheers 👍 You showed the Mk1 X1, what about the DCT gearbox in the newer front-wheel-drive X1 also found in many other FWD BMWs like the new 1 and 2 Series, does it have same concerns as the DSG in VAG vehicles? Some of the more powerful front-wheel based BMW also use a torque-converter which is different to the rear-wheel drive models, i suppose that's potentially more reliable than the DCT?

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

The torque converters are much better for longevity and reliability. The DCTs sometimes feel a bit sportier.

[@donaldstokes.3014]

Just found your channel and watched a few videos great content. What do you think of the Hyundai Tucson DCT do you think it’s long lasting?

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

Hey thanks 👍 Like many DCT’s they can become prone to slipping and jerking but should be good if properly maintained. 5 year warranty on a new one.

[@donaldstokes.3014]

@@DefinitelyNotAGuru thanks for your reply👍

[@hannahjane9469]

I am really stuck with finding a new auto. I have a Peugeot 2015 auto and it’s garbage so I want to get rid of it. All I want is a decent looking car and reliable, max £6000. Thinking a regularly serviced Fabia or Leon, Yaris, or Swift?

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

All great shouts. Stick to petrol on the Fabia and Leon unless you do big miles, also put the DSG auto through its paces and make sure there’s no jerkiness going through the gears or going between drive and reverse etc.

[@allanbriggs9007]

What sort of Peugeot and what size engine and what type of auto gearbox. I had a 2012 Peugeot 308 HDi 6 sp auto. Absolutely brilliant. No problems at all. The 6sp. gearbox is pretty good (although not as good as the present 8sp. gearbox.)

[@dakzer55]

Been following you for awhile. Great video on < 10k value cars. What are your thoughts on paying premium from approved Toyota dealership for a 2018 corolla and taking advantage of the remaining 4 years warranty as long as its serviced with Toyota? I would like a Toyota petrol or petrol/hybrid, and wanted to possibly use your 1 to 1 call service for advice if you still offer this servce?

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

Hi, it’s a pretty safe bet although will likely cost you over the odds. You can book a call here www.notaguru.co.uk/book-a-call

[@andrewjones5570]

Cheers Jim, it's a minefield out there

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

👍👍👍

[@Peter-in-Somerset]

Would a driver who has always been happy manual be better off avoiding automatics? Another great vid!

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

No I don’t think so. Lots of friends of mine have had an automatic as a hire car on holiday etc and been converted by the time they return home. 👍

[@Brian-om2hh]

Not at all. I had manuals for 40+ years, then I tried a VW Golf DSG auto. Wonderful. The easiest most relaxing drive ever, and soooo easy in traffic jams... As with any auto box, keep it serviced at the appropriate intervals..... Mine returned high 40's mpg on a decent run... As Jim says above, it may convert you for good...

[@lotus.vk1]

Thanks a lot for this video!! 🏆 What type of auto gearbox do a VW polo 1,4 tsi from 2002 have? I love this car but rust is becoming a problem and I need air condition 😅 any suggestions for a newer auto car that is cheap to run? I have around 10.000 £ to spend 🙏🏼

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

Look at Toyota instead

[@lotus.vk1]

Thank you! 🙏🏼 So a Toyota Yaris, 1,3 petrol, MDS? Is that a proper automatic?

[@byJEWKN]

Looking at a 1.6 petrol automatic 2015 Kia Venga - 48k miles. Anyone have any views / things to note on this one?

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

Fairly decent motor I think. Google common issues so you know what to look out for.

[@billakis2000]

You cant go wrong with toyotas ecvt. It is a bit strange at the start but you do get used to it. I have a yaris 2015 and it drives like new with no problems what so ever, and ive done quite a few long journeys in europe and UK

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

👍

[@Brian-om2hh]

Hi Jim re: French cars coming a long way..... Getting a long way was always an issue with my Pug 405 back in the early 90's......

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

I bet 😆👍

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

@RX-1as I said in the video, Japanese box, German design. Not a bad combo.

[@robertpollock2037]

No problem with the 405 I had back in the 90s - 100k without a breakdown before I traded it in for an equally great 406. And it could go round bends unlike the Vauxhall cavalier I occasionally had as a hire car

[@jamesroche6138]

Would you recommend a bmw auto over Audi and vw ? BMW has the proper gearbox?

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

If it’s got a ZF gearbox, BMW did have a bad period for auto boxes too.

[@JonnyS281]

You would need to be very wary of that Octavia, it is two different colours!

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

Yes!!! Looks like I sprayed it!

[@andyrobertshaw9120]

Presumably the DS3 gearbox is the same as the one in your recent outgoing car? Didn’t realise those ‘boxes were so good. When you say ‘death trap’ for older Citroën auto ‘boxes, do you mean the gearbox can terminally pack in (as opposed to being a deathtrap for the driver and occupants)?

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

Yes! I had the EAT8. Death trap should be taken literally; you’d be pulling away from a roundabout and it would just suddenly have doubts about which gear it would like to choose and just do nothing by for 2 or 3 seconds. If you were lucky your passengers wouldn’t be joined in the back by a transit.

[@carolharkness5023]

l was disappointed you didnt show any smaller automatics

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

there's a reason for that, a lot of small autos have poor gearboxes

[@carolharkness5023]

@@DefinitelyNotAGuru Ok. At the moment l have a Toyota Almera which has been brilliant. , but lfeel it doesnt have long to live ! l think its 23 yrs old

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

ah ok

[@hs-qx5hv]

Thanks very inform, what about mercedes?

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

Most are good old torque converters in the older stuff, some of the more modern ones use DCT

[@alanlee2751]

Cheers Jim. Good summary. Auto boxes are either pure, lazy luxury or a flippin (often expensive) nightmare.

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

👍👍

[@bassmana2z686]

Great. Sub'd.🙂🚗

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

Thank you! 👍

[@farhan70]

I am a first time driver and I’m looking at 2009-2012 Ford fiesta titanium which ranges from 4-6k for good mileage. From the research I’ve done I feel like this is my best option for this price range. What are ur options on this?

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

Don’t get anything with an ecoboost engine or a powershift gearbox.

[@farhan70]

@@DefinitelyNotAGuru thanks yeah the 09-12 range doesn’t have ecoboost or power shift hence why I picked it. It’s also the cheapest insurance for me coming at a whopping 3.5k

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

wow!

[@farhan70]

@@DefinitelyNotAGuru sorry but I’ve also question about the Vauxhall Astra Sri 2014 plate auto, is this good? Or should I stick with a 09-12 fiesta instead. Both would cost around 5k and both have 60-70k mileage.

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

I'd probably stick with the fiesta

[@Pete.Ty1]

👍👍👍.Thanks Jim

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

Cheers 🍻

[@eu_leandro]

Saving this video to watch, as I am looking for a automatic car around £10k for my wife

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

👍

[@stewthorne]

nothing wrong with the JAZZ

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

👍

[@josephsaleh7433]

Insurance premium s have sky rocketed

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

They have

[@volt8684]

Suzuki vitar

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

👌

[@volt8684]

Dsg are worse that old French ones

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

The ETG’s etc are a flaming dog turd from day one, death traps. The DSG is absolutely great (until is goes wrong).

[@volt8684]

@@DefinitelyNotAGuruI said old French ones ie torque converters not Citroen eggs. Dsg are abs not fine. Plethora of failures. My neighbour 5k Tiguan 2023 needs new gearbox😮Vw doing but wtf. The Japanese made gearboxes used by Toyota, suzuki, honda and now Psa Eat 8 like you had are all fine

[@ArtNomad3]

No way there 100,000s of cars that are write off but not cat listed. Maybe low thousands.

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

Do you know the difference between your statement and mine? Facts and figures. The last time I got a scrape of the data there were 3,000+ currently listed for sale on the various platforms. This has been going on for YEARS.

[@ArtNomad3]

@@DefinitelyNotAGuru with 3000 cars a year, you need to at least 33 years to even reach 100,000

[@nickyboy.]

17th

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

🤌🤌🤌

[@DefinitelyNotAGuru]

✅ 𝗩𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 (𝗖𝗮𝗿 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆) : www.vcheck.uk/?aid=31442 😊 𝘽𝙐𝙔 𝙈𝙔 𝘽𝙊𝙊𝙆 𝙃𝙀𝙍𝙀 : amzn.to/3HMF9eH Correction - the nasty Volvo gearbox is called Powershift (just like Ford) - the Geartronic is a perfectly decent torque converter!