Here are the Automatic Cars You Should Buy (£5k and Under)

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Today I'm discussing the best automatic cars to buy for £5k and under.
#highpeakautos #automaticcar

[@HighPeakAutos]

Click here to get 60% off your 1st box + 25% off for 2 months using my code HIGHPEAKAUTOS60 💚 Limited offer ending by the end of September.

[@mattlawton4715]

That mmt is actually good 👍

[@gilphilip3780]

Hi I’m looking automatic petrol vehicles above 2010 near 6k or 7£ need yur help to chose in Toyota and Skoda.

[@morningaftercoffee]

Why against french cars?

[@alanelsom9797]

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[@doobypowell]

The honda jazz has a cvt box but is that a good one

[@theurbannews4878]

Summary - Avoid French or Italian - Stick with Petrol or Petrol Hybrid - Avoid semi autos - Avoid CVT - Avoid twin clutch Brands/cars that are ok - BMW 1, 3 or 5 series - Honda accord, Cr-v, Jazz (gearbox may need a service). Early civics are fine. Avoid iShift gearbox - Ford Fiesta, focus, mondeo but avoid later ones. Recommended are 06/07 focus. Make sure fiesta doesn't have powershift/durashift - Jaguar X/S type but it has a massive engine, 18-20 mpg - Jeep Cherokee but it has high running costs - Kia ceed, venga, picanto (they do rust, particularly underneath) - Lexus is-250, big engine 20mpg approx, GS-300 (but 3L, 18mpg) - Mazda 3 (they do rust), mazda 6 - Mercedes C class, c180 compressor, CLK. E-class E200 - Saab 9-3 or saab 9-5 - Suzuki swift (some of them are semi auto, usually 1.5l is full auto) - Toyota Corolla, prius, RAV4, early auris mk1 are fine but later ones (mk2 or later) have semi-autos called multimode - Volkswagen mk4 golf, but mk5 onwards should be avoided - Vauxhall astra 1.8 - Volvo S40, V40

[@christhepharmacist]

I know you hate doing these videos - but they are soo useful

[@DaleSteel]

Why would hate it he's making money

[@andywells397]

Lots of money in advertising food and his business, so hate is probably not the correct word.

[@Godot28]

What a strange comment...😆

[@HighPeakAutos]

I just feel like they’re a bit of a cop-out because they dont take me long to make but if they’re popular then I’ll keep doing them.

[@Godot28]

@@HighPeakAutos nah definitely keep doing them mate. It's like sitting down with you over a pint and chin wagging about real cars that real people buy. Really useful 👍

[@DoubleDeckerAnton]

Top tips on these videos Matt. You have a lot of experience in buying/selling cars and your knowledge is valued.

[@tehklevster]

Today I learned something about "modern" automatics and what to avoid. Appreciated Matt.

[@shakim7789]

These videos are so helpful in providing step by step guide on what to look for in used cars. There's nothing like these to compare to. Keep up the good work mate.

[@Mercyme57]

At last…!! I very nearly feel like an expert for once in my life. I am an older gentleman and have driven auto only for over 40 years. I have never had a lot of money to spend so am at the bottom end of the food chain when it comes to purchasing cars. I laughed out loud when you got to Suzuki because I currently drive Postman Pat’s van, as did your sainted Grandmother. 😊 The back seats go flat which actually does turn it into a little van…almost. As you know it’s a 1.3 and mine of course has the auto box. Bought it 4 years ago for £1600 with 13.000 miles on the clock !!!!! Still running it with no issues. I do love and much prefer a big old luxury barge, and have owned a few high milers in the past. I check all car sites daily for fun and knowledge and was foolishly delighted to tick virtually all the same boxes you did. I look at your stock list often to see if something in my price range comes up (half your videos limit) but quite naturally I don’t think you sell those there although I know you pick up cheapies which you review sometimes. Anyway, great video. Postman Pat rides again !!!

[@joshuabarry6650]

What sort of Suzuki is it

[@Mercyme57]

@@joshuabarry6650 Wagon R +

[@michaelloach9461]

Thanks Matt. One of the younger members of staff where I work are having trouble learning to drive with a manual box. I suggested she take the automatic option (we are all heading that way). Your vid has given me great clues on what not to buy for her first car. Thanks again & all the best........

[@kevincroft9848]

Thanks Matt brilliant video on choice of automatics . I will always follow your advice you know more about cars than me you've been a good salesman. I like you for your no nonsense straight talk about cars. Above all you are honest and have a good character which is sadly lacking these days not many honest car sales men left in UK. I think I could count them on one hand To be honest there are alot of rip off merchants out there.

[@Pat14922]

That was fun. I am sad and flick through autotrader like that . for fun , even when I'm not buying, so it was fun so to see you do the same - and share your knowledge/ preferences. I could see several videos in that format, with a different proposition diesel estate car for £8k, saloon with quick engine £10k etc

[@ollieollie101]

I do the same 😂

[@Life_Of_AL]

Me too. I think it’s a car guy thing. Like, sitting on the bog wondering what £1500 would get me within 10 miles

[@thefonzeful]

@@Life_Of_AL lol, me too

[@trainshistory7562]

Avensis says hi upto 2009 - the 1.8 petrol after that was CVT, but reliable more than most. The 2.2 diesel was a proper torque box.

[@alexlarby7917]

Another great video, thanks Matt. I spend a shameful proportion of my life going through Autotrader and it's a neat way of sharing your thoughts with us 👍

[@briancampbell3310]

Thanks Matt, very insightful. I have a BMW series1 automatic 2010, well looked after, low mileage, had it 3 and half years, no trouble at all.

[@harveymaginnis-kelly5180]

I love that you have so much knowledge on all sorts of cars from all sorts of manufacturers. The sort of knowledge that only comes from years of experience. Thanks for the vid!

[@HighPeakAutos]

It does unfortunately 😂

[@ianevans3619]

Outstanding video Matt , really good information and agreed with most of your choices with the automatics 👍

[@jonathanholley8043]

That’s just the search criteria I have been given to look for a suitable car for a friend , really useful advice and will make my job a lot easier , thank you.

[@Mariazellerbahn]

I was looking for a petrol auto but I also wanted a 2 / 3 door and I didn't want stop/start or an electric parking brake. That narrowed the choice down considerably ... in fact it narrowed my choice down to just one car. A Vauxhall GTC. It was a great choice though, I bought my 2014 model just two years old with 12k on the meter and as Vauxhall's depreciate for fun, I only paid £7k for it .... from a forecourt. I've got 23k on the clock now and it has never missed a beat. I like the car so much, I'm thinking of getting a later one (I think 2018 were the last ones they did).

[@baarryparsons2808]

I agree with you Matt about auto's you're either on the motorway or stuck in the a city traffic jam.. an Auto is so much easier these days.

[@ouethojlkjn]

I would suggest a Saab 95 with the General Motors engine and five speed genuine auto box. I had a diesel one of these that I got off my father-in-law when Mercedes wouldn’t even offer him £50 trading and it was an absolutely brilliant car and on one magical trip back from Leeds achieved an astonishing 62 mpg.

[@bobupen6476]

I have a 2003 Merc CLK200 1.8 auto. I get over 30mpg, she's made to an extremely high standard, and the gearbox is super smooth. And I agree, I think she's a future classic.

[@grahamclark4518]

I rescued a 52 Civic auto, that hadn`t seen a spanner in years, looked like previous owner thought the brake pedal was an optional add on. It spent nearly 2months at my mechanics, he looked at me "Why do you bring me bring me knackred old shit" ad it 3 years now, it actually get serviced now, its been amazing

[@romac9516]

Superb - this landed on the very day I thought "I need to find out what cheap automatics are worth getting". It's not just a coincidence, this is biblical 🙏

[@mournfulmaurice2009]

Hi Matt, I had a 2007 Mondeo Automatic 2.0 TDCI which also was a Durashift. It had a proper 6 speed Aisin Warner torque converter box. So, with the Mondeo Durashift is good and Powershift is bad. So it seems not all Durashifts are alike. Anyway, good video and also meets my sentiments exactly, I also would never buy any dual clutch cr@p. Cheers, Marco

[@charlzoid]

after over 40hrs of lessons and failing my first test, im really thinking of going for an auto once i pass. i love the idea of manuals and would love to get used to it but just never fully have after all the time ive spent learning in one, so this video has been a massive help! 🙌

[@chrisyates2591]

Good advice. So much of what I hear you say I agree with. And with such an amusing delivery. Well done

[@iR3DEMPTIONi]

personal experience the dsg in my 2011 golf was very reliable, lasted me a few years before i sold it, in comparison my brother had an Audi A4 avant with the cvt on a 56 reg and it had to get serviced and codded twice in the same amount of time.

[@Westexec]

Likewise I ran a skoda L&K octavia estate on a 57 plate, diesel with DSG box. Never serviced the box but got to 220000 miles before I sold it and that included towing a caravan every summer. Can’t say I ever had a problem with a DSG box.

[@jamiehayn]

the dsg box is a good box, i think the point is that at this price point you may end up with a dodgy one

[@philipwholloway]

Great video for low cost motoring with an automatic license. I can highly recommend a W204 C180 pre-facelift Kompressor. I bought a 2009 C180k saloon for £5k, fMBsh, one owner with 50k miles in 2017. I traded it in this year (May 2022) with 90k miles against a 2016 E350d coupe, fMBsh, one owner 39k miles and got £3.7k for it. £1,300 for 5 years and 40k miles is a bargain. I even got 40mpg on a 2000 mile holiday in France in 2019. Never had a single issue with it either.

[@tomarmstrong1281]

To each his own. Matt appears to be a one man lexicon of facts and figures for all things on four wheels with an engine. He pushes my buttons - for a used car sales man - I mean that in a good way.

[@shawkat1649]

Honestly.... this is the best used car video on the web... wish some one had done smthing like this when i was buying used

[@2002ChrisK]

As always an interesting video Matt. I think most importantly you have highlighted the cars to avoid that could end up costing a lot of money. Glad to see that you've mentioned the Honda Jazz. Yes of course very much a car for more mature people, but a great record for reliability. A friend who's a mechanic has a 2003 model. When he noticed a problem with his auto box a fluid change sorted things. He's also impreesed that Honda have sent him a safety recall on such an old car!

[@saxon-mt5by]

Curious that he dismissed CVT gearboxes at the start of the video, yet the Jazz is fitted with one!

[@dtz1000]

Honda Jazz is a great car. The only problem is the insurance is very high. I'm selling an ulez free ford fiesta automatic for £1k on facebook and the insurance on that costs £300 less every year than the Honda Jazz.

[@damilolaakanni]

@@saxon-mt5by the 2nd generation Jazz (US 1st generation Fit) had a proper automatic transmission. Same for the 3rd gen (US 2nd gen). The previous generation was when they switched to a CVT.

[@haythemal-kishtaini9962]

Another great video Matt - as a driver of autos found it really interesting...good ones are hard to find especially if you don't want a luxo-barge. Loved the comment 'why am I instantly attracted to a 20 year old e-class'!

[@stephenmckay5731]

Great video, just the sort of knowledgeable and practical info I've been looking for, for over a year now, thanks very much. Don't care what it looks like style-wise, but reliability is all I care about. I was looking for a true torque converter auto of the old school type, but there aren't many of them around since about 2000. Liked and subscribed.

[@davidoconnor3201]

I don't think you can buy a better car for less than £5000 than a Lexus is250. Mines got heated/cooled seats, sat nav, parking sensors front and rear, Reversing camera, touch screen dvd player, Mark levinson 14 speaker stereo, memory seats, etc. Nice looking, and comfortable. And it's been absolutely bullet proof.

[@facelessvaper]

"Citroen definitely not" 🤣👍 Cracked me up right off the bat I needed that!

[@autoazure]

As an auld long distance runner, returning from Marathons and 1/2 Marathons up in the north of Scotland; I had to use an auto as my left leg would cramp up so badly having to use a clutch! Pure agree with your selection criteria, no French etc etc lol! I liked older Mercedes!

[@devanman7920]

This is such a genuinely good channel. Actually real world advice.

[@johnmichaeldorienjohn467]

Great Video Matt!,this video has come at the right time, thank you for uploading!

[@mattd-p9720]

Brilliant video Matt! I had a 67 plate Volvo V40 D3 on lease with an auto box and it was very smooth. I later established that it was an Aisin box which is a brand owned by Toyota I believe. The other brand to look out for is ZF which are used in BMW and Jags I think. My next motor will 100% be an auto from your list 💯👍

[@Garffey]

Spot-on again Matt....Autos are so much better for the 'around town daily stuff' we have two Autos one a Grand Vitara, (worth £3,500) and the other a Mazda CX-3 (Wife's and worth a lot more than £5k) but both great and do a job well and not had any trouble with either. The amount of ruined clutches I've seen at fairly low miles because people 'ride' them in town is silly....and the main reason why an auto is so much better. Keep up the good work!

[@williamgoss4691]

Very (very) useful video - I’m looking for exactly that, an Auto under £5k, but not a Saloon…. Doesn’t take longer to do a 200 mile search ! But you’ve given me excellent reasons to cut out lots of manufacturers, massive help, thanks

[@Ronin247]

Many years ago I had a Volvo 340 with a cvt gearbox and didn’t have any problems and it performed better in snow than any other at I’ve had powered up hills range rovers etc were getting stuck on. I now have a Saab 9-3 auto which is a great car.

[@MrALFRUNNER]

My wife has owned a 2006 Fiesta 1.6 Ghia petrol Auto since 2008 with the full fat auto box. Its done around 95K now and we have had no issues with the the engine or gearbox in all the time we have had it. The only drawbacks are the car tax and fuel consumption compared with my Fiesta 1.4 TDCI manual.

[@phoenixignitus]

About to get nerdy: about the Audi/VW DSG I think you have to make a difference between the 6 and 7 speed versions. The 6 speed uses a wet clutch and is reliable as long as it gets serviced every 60k km. The 7 speed uses a dry clutch, with this one I wouldn't bother. (Fun fact about the 6 speed: if I'm correct the earlier versions (starting 2004) use only one hydraulic system to both control and lubricate the clutch. The marketing promise was you never have to service them, but with such a set up and the oil getting dirty, it's actually very critical to stick up to the 60k km figure...). I did have a second generation A3, but why the hell do I still know this while I'm working in IT service??!

[@Mingbat76]

Agree with you on this. I had an early DSG Golf that had the gearbox fail shortly after I bought it, metal in the oil was the issue. Had two further later DSG 6 speeds - on a Skoda Octavia vRS and VW CC that were both absolutely fine - they used different oil reservoirs. Also had a 7 speed die on me on the motorway which was unbelievably hairy - wouldn't touch one again.

[@LordBumSniffington]

Yep - 100% this, I had a 2016 1.6 diesel passat with the dry clutch transmission. Started acting up. Called a few VW dealers and most service guys didnt know what I was talking about when I mentioned it was a dry clutch. Ditched the passat.

[@allosaurusfragilis7782]

I've been using 6 speed dsg boxes for the last 15 years with no issues. I do get them serviced though. I really like them. I should add I don't do big miles though.

[@keithdavenport6612]

Absolutely agree I have the VW Golf Sportline Estate with the 6 speed Dsg which has been serviced regularly every 40 k mls and it is perfect

[@Substantiate]

The newer (Around 2017 ish?) cars with 2.0L+ engines have 7 speed wet dual clutch versions - just to clear up a little confusion! Typically you should look at the engine size to determine if it's a dry or wet clutch car. It's quite normal for the DSGs to be dry-clutch if the car has an engine under 2.0L :)

[@davidfletcher682]

Have had 2 Japanese hybrids with CVT autos. Very smooth and reliable. No complaints.

[@davidbennett906]

Really sound advice on buying automatics, where I found myself nodding in agreement about what makes to avoid. Time I treated myself to a nice C180 again, having downsized some months ago and missing that nice easy drive (showing my age haha!). Keep up the good work lad!

[@CiarayBoyDJ]

Interesting your views on the DSG. I'm an ex Taxi driver and alot of the drivers have the DSGs. We find them alot more reliable than the manuals. We've seen them go past 350k on Orginal clutches and flywheels. I think their reputation of unreliability comes from owners not getting the gearbox oil changed.

[@meteor1522]

100% correct.however in used market you’re more likely to find neglected examples.alot of people,even mechanics don’t even know that they MUST change DSG fluid at 40k miles..hence why alot of them develop problems.

[@karazor-el9596]

he knows nothing keeps talking about "propper" auto says avoid mini's when there one of the most reliable auto's out there

[@Tom-je4tt]

​@@meteor1522Depends what Dsg box your car has. Some don't have oil changes and are "sealed of life" according to VW.

[@imyahmed999]

​@@Tom-je4ttyes dry and wet clutches. Its the dry "sealed for life" boxes which are problematic

[@cryptoax9407]

Never skipped a beat my dsg gearbox. Deffo change the fluid you be sound

[@chazprouk]

In the gym on a Friday evening listening to you talk about cheap automatic cars….and I love it! 😄

[@qaiserk7305]

I watch em driving on the way to work in my RS7 😂😂

[@abdillahrafi7992]

Please make a video on what auto is good for under £10k, would be an interesting watch, love your videos mate keep it up !!

[@Harley-ir4er]

I recently bought a 2009 3series Auto Petrol estate to keep back in my country to use on my holidays only - Petrol because Diesel's simply dont like siiting around with they're dpf filters clogging up due to lack of use. I did the same 20 years ago with an E30 BMW which has now become very valuable and collectable hence the reason for buying the recent one.

[@michaeljohnson1006]

If you look at a proper automatic look at the colour of the gearbox oil on the dipstick. If its black forget it. It should be red, but a tinge of brown is OK. Then when you get it change the gearbox oil 3 times to flush some new oil in. You can measure how much u get out and re fill with the same amount . Then check the level after. Some gearbox's don't have dip sticks and all sorts of various ways of checking the level.

[@aurel882000]

The Focus had a true auto gearbox until 2010, so a 2010 Titanium petrol would be a great choice. You get the facelift looks too, which personally I prefer.

[@WavScorn259]

Thanks, i'll take a look at them too. Friend wants to buy an automatic car but doesn't know much so he's asked me for help. Only issue is Focus usually have a timing belt? and often not they're on sale at the time the belt is due to be changed, which is unfortunate really.

[@turgs1]

I love how you browse like anyone else would on the internet, good idea - appealed to me in Australia...

[@hungrysurfer9471]

A very nice bmw with a proper auto is the 325i with 214hp. Upto 30 mpg in town and 50 mpg on the highway. 155 mph top end. Lovely smooth 6 cylinder engine. Shapes available were coupe, sedan, convertible or estate. I had a 2007 325i touring for years until it was written off in a KFC car park when a big truck reversed into it while it was parked and I was eating a zinger inside the resturant. I ran outside but the trucker took off.

[@JonasOsmundsen]

I have an Audi A3, its reliable and a good first car. I have it with an automatic transmission and haven't had one singular problem as of the 2 years I've had it.

[@MP-py1ei]

Mazda 3 it is

[@paulbird1808]

Wonderfully straightforward - thanks Matt!

[@MartinGallagher1]

Excellent Vid. You clearly know your stuff, not a wasted talent.

[@ianashton1593]

Picked up a 2006 Auto Honda Jazz for my wife a couple of years ago. CVT gearbox but the previous owners maintained it really well and it’s been totally reliable. Although slow, it’s good fun to drive and I find myself taking it over my new car. Don’t worry about where I park it and it’s cheap to run. Lot to be said for owning a car like this for local use, tip runs etc. Great Video, really useful info 👍

[@scotstrowger3885]

Totally agree. The jazz had never featured on my radar until I recently came across a pristine 04 auto jazz for my wife with 44k, but suffering the jazz judder, for £700. Changed the gear box oil, taking all of 10 minutes & it was perfect. Fun to drive with the shift buttons & averaging an amazing 54 mpg. Jazz = best kept secret out there!

[@ianashton1593]

@@scotstrowger3885 Still see loads of them of a similar age to my wife’s locally and most of them are in very good condition. Probably because older people tend to buy them and look after them properly. Well built reliable little cars that won’t let you down 👍

[@dtz1000]

Honda Jazz is an amazing car except the insurance on it every year is £300 more than on my Ford Fiesta automatic, which i am selling for £1k on facebook in London btw. Anyone interested in ulez free automatic that is cheaper to insure than many manual gearbox cars then let me know quickly.

[@si4632]

I WILL NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER BE SEEN IN A HONDA JAZZ SHOPPING TROLLEY FOR SPINSTERS

[@ianashton1593]

@@si4632 That of course is your choice, nobody is forcing you to go out and buy one !

[@Nikochicoo]

Just a note! Geartronic box on Volvos are the same as Saab, Aisin AW55 gearboxes. So it's a traditional greatbox that is super stoute without any major issues. I would go Newer S40 P2 plattform anyday over the old one that is based on mitshubisi carisma :) Also note about Saab 9-5, Always for the 2.3, it has higher compression and as lower fuel milage than the 2,0 Saab 9-3 1.8t and 2.0t is the same engine just diffrent SW Tid is a fiat motor same as JTDM :)

[@johnsmith-jy7px]

Hi Matt, my wife has 1997 Nissan Micra 1.3 Automatic,75000 mls, full service history, my wife is the second owner, we absolutely love it. Top of the range, electric front windows & sun roof!!! 😅😂. This our second Micra, our 2004 is still going with just over 235000 mls. I'm a biker, so you often get bikers acknowledge one another. To my surprise, people in Micra's get so excited when they see you they start waving, and I'm waving back. How sad is that,but so much fun. 😂😂😂

[@usmanfarooq96]

Please make more of these, feel like I’ve just had a lesson! Thank you

[@MongoPayne]

The Geartronic on the Volvo is a great box, plenty with 250k on the clock and still going strong. So that gets you into some c30s, s60, s80, c70, v70, xc70, xc60 and xc90 but usually have to have the 2.4, 2.5 or 3L engines. The 2.4 D5 diesel will go on and on.

[@JimmyJamesonJnr]

Had a 12 v50 D3 auto 275k still going strong, serviced the box once.

[@davyarthurs]

No surprise really a lot of those auto boxes in those cars were all made by the same company aisin - and they’re good boxes! Ford and Mazda share Mazda boxes. I’ve owned and own some of the cars mentioned and I agree are excellent

[@colinjones2505]

Good advice, and something I'd not really given much thought to tbh, but will bare in mind if and when I decide to go down the auto route. Thank you. Very interesting.

[@kvidden22]

I own an automatic volvo S80 from 1999. absolute banger of a car. has about 450000 km but still runs perfect. bit thirsty with 0.8 liter per 10 kilometer but otherwise never really had any problems with it. altho a bit big but considering that i spend a lot of time and almost always need stuff with me its absolutely amazing. great tips also, learned a lot today

[@jacksonmiked]

Fantastic video, thanks for sharing. I’d love to see you do one on the best cars to give you a bit of luxury under £10k without them becoming a massive headache. Those old jags are very tempting but I’m sure there are better alternatives or a better sweet spot between luxury and reliability.

[@giorgosloizou9522]

Brother what do you thing about citroen ds5 2013 auto?

[@vladg2239]

Lexus ES300/330/350 or LS430.

[@axwelln]

Great video, as always! I would like to mention that Volvo's "geartronic" gearboxes are regular torque converter autos, not CVTs or dual-clutches. I think most of them are sourced from Aisin. Some models, at least here in Sweden, between, let's say, 2010 and 2015, used Ford's "Powershift" box, but the rest of them should be reliable if taken care of.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks for the info!

[@1000sofusernames]

I would never entertain the idea of an auto for literally 3 decades. Then I got one because it was a bargain even though I didn't want the auto, I still wanted the car. Its' actually quite relaxing. No more knee pain from 200 clutch presses in traffic. No more messing about a handbrake on hills.

[@Pmjs]

I had a top of the range SEAT Alhambra 2.0TDI DSG 2016 courtesy car. The DSG became hesitant when parking, at roundabouts etc. I liked having the paddles to manually override the DSG when it started acting up.

[@boojum]

I'd avoid any W203 C Class registered before 2005 - the engine and gearbox are excellent but they suffer terribly from rust.

[@petticlone]

Same is true for the E class of that era

[@nikkosten9266]

@@petticlone the sbc braking system was also garbage and is not cheap to fix

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

Yeah they were shìt plenty of gearbox problems

[@rob5944]

Any old Merc I wouldn't bother with really.

[@nikkosten9266]

@@rob5944 they are super nice cars if you can do stuff yourself. And with the amount of information avalible on the internet you can learn pretty fast. I had a great indie mechanic so the bills werent that high and i loved my w211 untill the day i sold it. There are some high ticket items that you need to look out for but they usually last a long time after the change. My sbc went out at just over 300k kilometres. With thr amount of milleage i was putting on the car i wouldnt have to servicd it for the next thousand years lol. The dude i sold it to regularly makes 800km round trips with it and it never skips a beat.

[@thedublinkitchen9680]

Hi. Love the videos. Bought a Ford Focus 4 years ago for my daughter, it was 2006 automatic. Still going and passes its NCT in Ireland every year. I paid €500 for it. I thought if she gets a year out of it happy days. Nearly 5 years later no problems. Just service them regularly. The second hand market has gone crazy here now and would be lucky to pick up an automatic mk 2 Focus for less than €2000.

[@noelmccormack1862]

True, I paid 6.700€ for a 2010 c220 merc in 2019. sold it months later for 7.700€ just before covid took off. Possibly could have got 8k or more Id say if I waited. the days of cars for 500€ and a year nct & 4 new tyres are long gone 😢

[@tabriz1359]

Cheers Matt. propper consumer advice. much appreciated .

[@patlin3651]

Hi Matt, thank you for all the great comment. Very appreciated for my search of a used car! I'm a little confused though on your thoughts about Volvo. In earlier videos on your V70 aquisitions you seem rather excited about the quality of V70 in general (2.4 petrol, gearbox, etc). But now in this video about automatics, you wouldn't recommend buying a Volvo. Would appreciate your thoughts on that. Thank you and regards. Pat

[@darrenwilson8042]

As for the Kia's - these are replicated in the Hyundai ranges - i10- i20- i30 - just the same cars

[@AfjeerOf]

Toyota Corolla 2002-2007 Toyota Yaris 1999-2005 Toyota RAV4 2000-2011 Mazda 3 2003-2007 Mazda 6 2002-2006 Ford Focus 1998-2009 Volvo S40 1998-2004 These ones are the best in my opinion and they are all in order from best (top) to less best (bottom) :)

[@user-te1le7ck6b]

ULEZ is the biggest problem and tax

[@doggy55915]

Yaris and Corolla . Smooth as butter and very reliable.

[@philh1462]

Aren't the 1st Gen Mazda 6 total rustbuckets? I nearly bought one about six years ago and went on an owner's forum. General opinion was that the best thing to do was to paint the entire underside in Hammerite! 😂

[@Islam_is_the_truth.4]

I Had a 2004 Yaris t spirit 1.4 D4d 3 door although it was manual its was dirt cheap to run and never caused me any problems 30£ road tax and £10 worth of diesel got me on average 90 miles and had 160k miles

[@taggthis]

Anything more modern?

[@williamfence566]

Superb knowledge and general advice. Can't decide to either admire the dedication or tell you to get out more

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks 😂

[@pobinr]

Can't believe how cheap basic older cars are. Really helpful useful tips. Thanks

[@BOD98]

Totally agree about the Ford Dura-shift gearboxes. Avoid. Avoid. Avoid! My grandmother had a 2008 Ford Fusion with this gearbox and it’s slow between changes, slow to react, and genuinely felt like it was going to break every time you drove it.

[@stephaniefarwell3210]

Hi Matt..I have a 2011 pergeot bipper semi auto .50mpg £20 tax ...cracking run around camping gear in the back and kyack on the roof makes no difference to mpg

[@kieranblenkinsop7610]

I can vouch for the 1.5 Swift auto, my other half has an auto only licence and he had one for his first car, in nearly 5 years of ownership and 74k covered (we sold it with 96k on) it never put a foot wrong, we went all over the country in it. I miss it dearly.

[@timwillocks4695]

I'm surprised why he dosent reccomend CVT's ?most Japanese car manufacturers use CVT and I'm pretty sure Lexus and Toyota do too. I wasnt surprised he failed to mention the Kizashi, a lot of car for the money but because no one has heard of them they get looked over, oh well their loss.

[@Nooziterp1]

I have a Skoda Citigo. I really wanted an automatic, having come from 19 years of automatic scooters. But they have one of these semi-auto boxes. After I did a little research I went right off the idea. Full of problems regardless of make. So I decided to put up with a manual. It's been a great little car by the way. Three years of 100% reliability and the only problem I have had is one of the exhaust heat shields underneath coming away. If you want a very small car I recommend them.

[@artbag10]

I was dreading an steep uphill climb coming home from work in a snowstorm in Liverpool. It was very slippy but my 2 litre Accord auto. The traffic was heavy and with a pedestrian crossing and a big busy junction made that hill start - stop from bottom to top. But my 2 litre Accord auto handled it easy. No searching for the clutch bite point..just lift foot off the break pedal and it moved onward and up.

[@WeFlyEMA]

Bought myself an Auto Astra when I passed my test. Mostly drove locally but have ventured on some 100+ mile trips in it. It had 84k on the clock now it has 89k. Starts first time, gearbox is smooth 99% of the time. It struggles sometimes to change to a higher gear when you pull off after a cold start but apart from that it's a wonderful little run around & a great gearbox. Doesn't struggle in sports mode either, handles the revs nicely.

[@jacomps1]

which auto astra did you get as I want to get one after my test please let me know cheers

[@WeFlyEMA]

@@jacomps1 An 07 plate Astra H Elite model. I got lucky and found it at a local dealer who gave us discount as they wanted to get rid. Had a few little dings to the bodywork but apart from that it's been a great car. You can probably pick one up for around 1500 these days, mine was just under 1900.

[@doodzy2]

tbf 5k miles isnt a lot to judge a car by

[@WeFlyEMA]

@@doodzy2 same story a year on, 102k on the clock now, no complaints from me! Fully get your point though.

[@hybelabels247]

this really helped me find out like what cars i should get when Im older so thank you.

[@davidstenhouse5908]

Nice vid Matt, you mentioned maybe doing a vid on future classics, that will be really interesting to see what you think future classics are

[@karolnowosad9765]

If you are on tight budget never take automatic. I made that mistake twice and costs of repairs in uk are horrendous. Now only petrol, manual with timing chain. As an example: whole gearbox for mazda 6 costed me 1750 what was nearly half of the price of car.

[@rain-bender4712]

But remember if you buy a car with cash, you don't have the massive lease or loan payments every month. I have a colleague who leases a Mini Cooper for £380 per month. She'll never own that car. It's dead money. My advice when buying an old car is put the lease payment amount away in a separate bank account for a year. At the end of the year, you will have £4560 to cover future repairs. You then stop the £380 and just top it up with fifty quid every month. You're pretty much covered!

[@johnmcdonald9977]

I just love the confidence in your explanation - even as an OAP! I am due for a total left knee replacement soon and at 6'3" and 15st10lbs may need an auto for a couple of months during recovery. The up to 5k price is a good starter as it is imperative that my housebound period is a short as possible, as I have wife who is losing her sight rapidly! Much appreciate the advice!

[@Bleedforme-zq2uf]

I'm 58 and I just bought a 2005 Toyota Corolla Colour Collection. One previous elderly owner, full service history and the thing drives like a new car. The build quality is amazing. I sat in a colleague's new Mercedes a few weeks ago and the interior felt like cheap Chinese tat. The Corolla's interior may lack all the toys (which I don't want anyway) but it feels like it was built by the Gods. So that's my recommendation.

[@ilkinhamidov]

Absolutely spot on video about every manufacturer and gearboxes they use. Had Peugeot 206 and own now 207, 4 speed gearbox is a joke in 2022, not very fun to drive, jerky occasionally, 35-50mpg at best. The only positive is that it could be fixed for 260-350£ if stops working.

[@kez2k]

Just what I need mate, looking for a car for the mother within this price range and this video pops up! Cheers!

[@johnpowell5433]

After a mild stroke left me with chronic left leg pain I bought a low mileage, semi-auto, Peugeot 206. Pile of p**p! After much research, I found a battered old 2006 Prius and took a punt. The hybrid battery only lasted 10 months but the car was cheap. A good quality, high-end replacement hybrid battery has transformed the car, which I really liked for the spec (T3 Spirit) and the ease of driving. I should also mention the £10 a year tax! A solid and reliable car for the more stately or cost-conscious driver.

[@mymama420]

Q

[@LboroWick]

I can vouch for the pre 2010 Suzuki swift 1.5 auto. Its actually a Toyota engine & trans. Excellent cheap auto and takes a good thrash with no issue.

[@ln5747]

She does.

[@meteor1522]

Greatest video,he knows what he’s talking about.I know for a fact most semi-automatic systems are rubbish,the MMT that Toyota used in Aygo,Yaris and Auris is terrible same as I-Shift Honda used in some Civics. BUT CVT is not a bad gearbox and used in most makes.the DSG that Volkswagen uses is actually a great system only issue is it needs oil change every 40k miles,and MANY people neglect this and damage their gearbox so the used ones are risky.but if maintained,it’s a great system.

[@54mgtf22]

My daughter has a Hyundai Accent Sport 1.6, 6 speed auto in Australia. Brilliant car. Love your work 👍

[@tiguanman1170]

Ford Focus 2.0 Ghia auto is good. No timing belt and gets cruise control. Economy isn't much different to the 1.6. Better is Mondeo with Aisin automatic. Same 'box in V70, Freelander and in the Tiguan which is why I bought mine because I wasn't going to own DSG. Fancied an S-Max but only Powershift so No. The 2.2 diesel is also the same Aisin auto and in the Sovereign spec is a very good car. Vauxhall problem was failure of radiator internals so coolant could mix with ATF and get into the 'box. The Mondeo 'box is also the Geartronic in the V50, v70, s80 and V90 and there's no significant reliability problems.

[@angrymuffinsb]

Merc CLC is a decent auto. Had one for over ten years. Loved that car! Edit; the mk1 Yaris also did a semi auto. My grandad had one and the gearbox went, TWICE in 34k miles 🙃

[@HighPeakAutos]

Oh dear. Yes good call on the CLC

[@matthewgriffiths9403]

This man is as funny as he is knowledgeable. I've subscribed ! Made me interested and I LOL on a few occasions. Brightened my day up somewhat. Thank you.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Awesome, thank you!

[@MrG.42]

Great video as usual Matt. Can I suggest that you make a video on recommend tow cars.

[@axlcinema]

Love these videos. Personally I’d love to see the best Estate cars for under £5000.

[@HighPeakAutos]

I’ll keep doing them if they’re popular

[@Joe_-_-_]

@@HighPeakAutos please 🙏

[@harrygiles1098]

@@HighPeakAutos was it a Mercedes GTC you drove on the video? x

[@Finn11233]

09 Saab 9-3 Vector Sport estate, Auto diesel. Fair power. Great mpg. Spacious interior, heated leather seats. Solid built to last. Best grand i ever spent, running very well! It was cheap as it has slightly damaged passenger side body work

[@clarksonoceallachain8536]

Toyota blit mk2?

[@greyknightsrealm8251]

Actually, on the Ford's the PowerShift is the crap one, it's the DuraShift you want, the DuraShift is a proper torque converter auto.

[@19grand]

Love this type of video. Getting good cars at good price point.

[@grahamgilbert9331]

Good video Matt p/ex my BMW Series 1 Auto 59plate with 45k mls about a month ago.Probably the best Autobox I’ve had ,better than the DSG’s which I also liked of which I’ve had several. Finally got my Audi TT 14- plate 1.8 TFSI 49k miles in White with no Arsenal Red Leather seats,or Red callipers…lol