Best 10 year old car, pre-poll research

dnme · 26-01-2011 10:55pm #1

There is lots of talk and questions on here about what to buy for low cash etc, So I thought it might be worth a thread to come up with a definitive poll on the best used car as voted by boards-motors folk. I am asking people to suggest a car or two to include. Maybe we'll end up with 15-20 cars that we can then poll.

We probably need to define criteria so basically, if you are suggesting a car, bear in mind the the following . . .
Reliability
Economics (cost of ownership, running costs, parts costs, insurance, fuel)
Safety
Popularity
Looks

I'll kick off - Toyota Corolla 97-01.

Very reliable if a little boring. 1.3L struggles a little to pull the chassis but if you're light footed you'll get 40mpg. Not the best looker (vastly improved with the 01 facelift) and I imagine it has an average safety rating. Every mechanic in the world knows the car and parts are relatively cheap.

colm_mcm · 26-01-2011 11:27pm

I'll throw a few in:

Toyota yaris 99-05
Ultra reliable, 65hp from 1.0 vvt-I
4 star safety
Decent space from quite a small car
Neat digital dash
Timing chain

Mazda 323 98-04
Very reliable
Decent power from 1.5 and 1.6
Mid spec very generous
Quite cheap second hand

Toyota avensis TD
Uber reliable
Good on diesel
Old school electrics

Bigus · 26-01-2011 11:29pm

Unmodified civic 1.4 96 ~ 01

dnme · 26-01-2011 11:31pm

Bigus wrote: »

Unmodified civic 1.4 96 ~ 01

sigh, any particular reason ?

andyseadog · 26-01-2011 11:32pm

indeed, mk1 yaris, as was said, cheap to run, chain driven engine, very dull but capable of galactic milages with no major faults.

the e10 or e11 corolla, maybe not so much the e10 or e11 corolla as the 4E-FE engine they use, smooth running, economical, low service costs, again galactic mileages are well within grasp.

the k11 micra, same as above, very economical, no major faults as such, chain driven, massive mileages not an issue.

admittedly all the above are a little uninspired and boring, but they are bulletproof motoring in its simplest form.

why do i get the feeling a 1.9 TDi octavia will win this

dnme · 26-01-2011 11:34pm

many thanks folks for the contributions but . . .

if you could give a line or two as to why you are suggesting the cars, that'd make the contributions valid.

squod · 26-01-2011 11:40pm

Mk1 focus. Pretty much the benchmark car in its segment. Very reliable and winner of car of the year awards for every year of t's production. Stand out feature is it's ride and handling.

Bigus · 26-01-2011 11:41pm

dnme wrote: »

sigh, any particular reason ?

Built in Japan
Economical
Quick
Bullet proof
Cheap to Tax
Loads of s/hand bits around.
Simple mechanically no complicated electronics.
Nice clutch and gearbox.

A saloon or hatch with factory roof and electric windows is a good cheap run around for somebody who had a new yoke repossessed.

Ok image lets them down big time but that's not the question..

UNMODIFIED owned by an aul wan and you'd have a car for life

Matt Simis · 26-01-2011 11:45pm

Why is popularity rated? Toyotas are the most popular car on the road.. are they the "best"? Obviously Im not suggesting an obscure hard to find parts car is a valid alternative, but average popularity is any normal car.

Anyhow, your direction and selection of the "best" is not my car forte, I have had 4 10year old cars in the last year and none fit into a category that is shared with a Corolla, best car in the world or not.

Figerty · 26-01-2011 11:46pm

Any Honda...

kerten · 26-01-2011 11:54pm

I believe most of the people who is asking for sub 3 grand good buy is looking for a economy and reliability. So most of the japanese brands will win here easily. I throw pre-2002 manual Nissan Primeras as bulletproof high mileage eaters. economical engines chain driven, spacious inside, 99-2002 facelift model interior is better place to be than other same age japanese competitors.

dnme · 27-01-2011 12:02am

Matt Simis wrote: »

Why is popularity rated? Toyotas are the most popular car on the road.. are they the "best"? Obviously Im not suggesting an obscure hard to find parts car is a valid alternative, but average popularity is any normal car.

Anyhow, your direction and selection of the "best" is not my car forte, I have had 4 10year old cars in the last year and none fit into a category that is shared with a Corolla, best car in the world or not.

Yea no worries, I was only trying to come up with a rough(ish) set of guidelines for us to measure by, this is just the research stage. You can use some or all the criteria, its up to you, it just helps to compare like with like I guess. Please feel free to ad your car and your reasons why.

dnme · 27-01-2011 12:04am

Figerty wrote: »

Any Honda...

For the sake of compiling a list, can you suggest a model and your reasons why.

boatbuilder · 27-01-2011 12:11am

Peugeot 306 estate (don't laugh)

Pros:
1.9d engine is reliable and replacements easy to find
Good motorway cruising speed
Comfortable
Stylish (open to debate I suppose)
Parts cheap and readily available.
Simple to work on.
Rust protection is excellent.

Cons:
Back suspension can sag with age and is not easily fixable without replacing the whole rear beam.
Electrics can stop working properly (wipers, central locking etc)

golfbgud · 27-01-2011 8:58am

Bigus wrote: »

Built in Japan
Economical
Quick
Bullet proof
Cheap to Tax
Loads of s/hand bits around.
Simple mechanically no complicated electronics.
Nice clutch and gearbox.

A saloon or hatch with factory roof and electric windows is a good cheap run around for somebody who had a new yoke repossessed.

Ok image lets them down big time but that's not the question..

UNMODIFIED owned by an aul wan and you'd have a car for life

+1 Wife had one for 8years - no problems. Reliability excellent...

greenermetals · 27-01-2011 9:27am

mk1 toyota yaris by miles, my cousin had one, she ran up 60,000 miles before she hit a cow. '01 bought 4 years ago with 50000 miles for 3500 stg, written off 2010 with 110000 miles 1900 stg paid out by insurance. Apart from servicing, the only expense was 2 anti roll bar bushings, before she made the beefburgers

yaris.jpg

Anan1 · 27-01-2011 11:58am

dnme wrote: »

We probably need to define criteria so basically, if you are suggesting a car, bear in mind the the following . . .
Reliability
Economics (cost of ownership, running costs, parts costs, insurance, fuel)
Safety
Popularity
Looks

How about if (like me) you care not a jot for popularity or looks, little enough for running costs, but value performance, handling, versatility, and overall fun-to-own? My point here is that there's no best used car per se, it's all down to finding the right car for the person. And even for one person, at 10 years old it's as much down to the actual car as the make/model.

I'll vote 2001 Forester S-turbo auto, as it's: quickish, handles well, comfortable, reliable, can manage a big IKEA run, can cross a muddy field, loves snow & ice, doesn't cry at the first scrape or dent, and generally mucks in with everything thrown at you/it. Cars for life, at 20mpg.

27-01-2011 12:21pm

Anan1 wrote: »

How about if (like me) you care not a jot for popularity or looks, little enough for running costs, but value performance, handling, versatility, and overall fun-to-own? My point here is that there's no best used car per se, it's all down to finding the right car for the person. And even for one person, at 10 years old it's as much down to the actual car as the make/model.

+ 1

I reckon a Celica GT or a Jap spec ss2, 3S GE non interference engine, good performance, not too heavy on juice, decent sized boot but tiny back seat. Buy them for tiny money now and a decent one will cost tiny money to maintain. Particularly the UK/Irish ones as they don't have the superstrut suspension.

Also I'd throw in the Preludes from the 90s too, savage yokes that are economical enough, I ran a 2.2 auto when I was in Galway last year for a few months before I bought the ole W124, I don't think the overall mpg was too bad at all, will have a peak when I go home.

Of course now that I mention it a decent W124 would be a nice bus too, older than 10 though, but big, comfy and reasonable running costs if you buy a solid one.

About the Civics, the saloons aren't too skangery image wise, neither are the 5 door hatches.

About the Forrester, does the engine in them not start knocking like a good few of the 2000 Imprezas?

colm_mcm · 27-01-2011 1:13pm

To be fair dnme laid down criteria in the original post that are on the wish list of someone looking for cheap ownership costs for who I would take to be your average Joe doing reasonable mileage.

The bangeromics thread what value there is in old barges with big engines, but this is for a different type of buyer.

dnme · 27-01-2011 1:27pm

colm_mcm wrote: »

To be fair dnme laid down criteria in the original post that are on the wish list of someone looking for cheap ownership costs for who I would take to be your average Joe doing reasonable mileage.

The bangeromics thread what value there is in old barges with big engines, but this is for a different type of buyer.

Exactly, lets keep Jeremy f'n Clarkson outa this one. The poll is really about whts a good everyday car to buy if you're on a serious budget, unemployed etc.

cadaliac · 27-01-2011 1:28pm

Peugeot 406 2.0 hdi - 00 to 03
50 mpg
very very comfortable
excellent road holding and handling
very reliable (yes very reliable)
cheap to service - oil and filter can be done by an amateur, easy to re-set the on board computer.
Cheap tyres - 16in (common tyre size) can be got for €65 or so for decent tyres.
bad residuals - because its French, you win!!

After 3 years of ownership, the fuel supply pump located in the tank (comon fault) failed. That was all that failed.
It is a very underrated car. Try to get the Rapier version with all the goodies.

Conor_M1990 · 27-01-2011 1:57pm

Carina E Animal of a car

cheap to buy run etc
will go forever if looked after
nice inside
GTi model same engine as a celica but four doors

96-01 Civic iLS vtec

better specced from factory then alot of 1.4s
vtec
better on juice then a 1.4
hard to get a good one tho

MR2

Cheap to buy these days
midship
doesnt have the hairdresser image of the celica
bit rarer then a celica

Viper_JB · 27-01-2011 2:00pm

RoverJames wrote: »

+ 1
I reckon a Celica GT or a Jap spec ss2, 3S GE non interference engine, good performance, not too heavy on juice, decent sized boot but tiny back seat. Buy them for tiny money now and a decent one will cost tiny money to maintain. Particularly the UK/Irish ones as they don't have the superstrut suspension.

Also I'd throw in the Preludes from the 90s too, savage yokes that are economical enough, I ran a 2.2 auto when I was in Galway last year for a few months before I bought the ole W124, I don't think the overall mpg was too bad at all, will have a peak when I go home.

Funnily enough I was going to say the MR2 turbo, same engine as the GT4 but goes way over the 10 years mark. Actually had a 94 prelude myself, very fun but got broken into twice in the space of the 3 months I had it....heart breaking stuff.

If the only qualifiying factor here is the car has to be 10 years old...and something I like then...probably the best car would be a S2000 - a proper fun sports car that pretty much done everything right for what it was with out impacting reliability Hondas and toyota's seem to be the order of the day really.

What I'd have if I were to buy something 10 years old though .... http://www.carzone.ie/search/Porsche/911/3.6-TURB/201040199795424/advert?channel=CARS just sheer engineering brillance (not at that price mind you) and something that is as desireable today as it was the day it rolled of the production line.

Anan1 · 27-01-2011 2:10pm

colm_mcm wrote: »

To be fair dnme laid down criteria in the original post that are on the wish list of someone looking for cheap ownership costs for who I would take to be your average Joe doing reasonable mileage.

The bangeromics thread what value there is in old barges with big engines, but this is for a different type of buyer.

dnme wrote: »

Exactly, lets keep Jeremy f'n Clarkson outa this one. The poll is really about whts a good everyday car to buy if you're on a serious budget, unemployed etc.

If we were car-as-appliance people, we most likely wouldn't be here to answer.;)

ShadowHearth · 27-01-2011 2:11pm

cadaliac wrote: »

Peugeot 406 2.0 hdi - 00 to 03
50 mpg
very very comfortable
excellent road holding and handling
very reliable (yes very reliable)
cheap to service - oil and filter can be done by an amateur, easy to re-set the on board computer.
Cheap tyres - 16in (common tyre size) can be got for €65 or so for decent tyres.
bad residuals - because its French, you win!!

After 3 years of ownership, the fuel supply pump located in the tank (comon fault) failed. That was all that failed.
It is a very underrated car. Try to get the Rapier version with all the goodies.

I second that, pug 406.

406 00-04, any engine, even 1.8 petrol.

Reliable
Comfortable
Briliant mpg
Cheap to run
Cheap to buy.

Moust reliable car i ever owned. Misses drove it to ennis from cork and back, 5 days per weak for 4 months. Only changed oil and brake pads. After 1 year of ownership i sold to friend. After 3 years she still drives it with no mechanical faults. Damm she evem forgot that nct ran out, booked to nct, newer even went to garage and it passed!!!

Performance wise i recomend mx5 mk1 or mk2.

Very cheap to buy
Very cheap to run
Moust fun you will have in a car
Reliable as hell, even if its clasified as a sports car.

Like lads said there is no criteria, so i droped bouth, ecomic amd performance bargains.

murphyaii · 27-01-2011 2:12pm

have it 2 years and no problems whatsoever
great engine as well

PaudyW · 27-01-2011 2:52pm

00 Honda civic 1.4,

Cheap car to run, does'nt have any insurance loading as someone posted early (they may have been but not in the last 5 years) loads of parts avail. cheaply, saloon is same size as carrolla, comes with el w/m and sunroof, cheapish tax, once you change oil once in a while car is bullet proof, any decent mechanic can fix them, tyres cheap as chips, that and nothing gets a chick hornier than the back seat of a civic, i had one for years, only changed it recently cause i got offered a cheap avensis 1.6 and find it awful, its sluggish and expensive to run and tax,

27-01-2011 2:59pm

Anan1 wrote: »

If we were car-as-appliance people, we most likely wouldn't be here to answer.;)

True

If we stuck to the criteria it would be a smelly boring ole thread.

Anyway, seems as I'm here, pre 00 Hyundai Accents, they can be bought for peanuts and have 90s Corolla reliability, only sip fuel and are nippy enough, eat a 1.4 Focus no bother. Put 175 70 13s on and the not great handling improves a lot.

dnme · 27-01-2011 4:27pm

yea 10 years old (ish), give or take. It would be nice to have a poll compiled of cars that only get 1 year nct. that's what I'm thinking.

Anyone wanna comment on the Hyundai Accent? I know fcuk all about it, should we throw it into the hat?

Viper_JB · 27-01-2011 4:54pm

dnme wrote: »

yea 10 years old (ish), give or take. It would be nice to have a poll compiled of cars that only get 1 year nct. that's what I'm thinking.

Anyone wanna comment on the Hyundai Accent? I know fcuk all about it, should we throw it into the hat?

I got a 99 hyundai accent, as a loaner when my car was in the garage before...possibly may have been the individual car but it would be one of the worst cars I've ever driven, the interior made me want to kill myself and performance was non existant unless driving down hill, I've never had to live with one though so probably not the best person to comment, just sharing my experience.

challengemaster · 27-01-2011 5:00pm

dnme wrote: »

sigh, any particular reason ?

dnme wrote: »

For the sake of compiling a list, can you suggest a model and your reasons why.

Jeez, you really don't like hondas, do you? :pac:

dnme · 27-01-2011 5:04pm

challengemaster wrote: »

Jeez, you really don't like hondas, do you? :pac:

Oh god no, not at all, I was just trying to get people to explain "why" they were suggesting any given car.

27-01-2011 5:25pm

RoverJames wrote: »

Anyway, seems as I'm here, pre 00 Hyundai Accents, they can be bought for peanuts and have 90s Corolla reliability, only sip fuel and are nippy enough, eat a 1.4 Focus no bother. Put 175 70 13s on and the not great handling improves a lot.

dnme wrote: »

yea 10 years old (ish), give or take. It would be nice to have a poll compiled of cars that only get 1 year nct. that's what I'm thinking.

Anyone wanna comment on the Hyundai Accent? I know fcuk all about it, should we throw it into the hat?

Is my opinion not worthy unless it's 2nd ed or something :cool:

dnme · 27-01-2011 5:28pm

RoverJames wrote: »

Is my opinion not worthy unless it's 2nd ed or something :cool:

Jesus I am sorry James, I missed that. Anyone here wanna mention the Ford Focus?

2011abc · 27-01-2011 5:36pm

K11 (92/93-02 )Micra for sure(newer one far less reliable) ...only thing that consistently causes (small) trouble is door handles and (more so on 3 door) door hinges ...Not so keen on the early 90s Civics ,shocks go early enough and can be VERY dear .Celica nice luxury/sporty choice ,Prelude not as pretty but sensible too...

oicherider · 27-01-2011 8:15pm

2.0l Vauxhall Vectra CD

Ive had a '00 Vectra for the past 8 years and has cost me feic all! I also have a 06 2.0l Passat Sport and I actually dont mind which one I drive..

Reliability - Very good
Economics - Was cheap to buy, tax & fuel expensive, parts cheap
Safety - Good
Popularity - Hatchback version not that common
Looks - I reckon they look well

Its no boy racer car but has all the extras - Longest ive ever had a car and i have to say after 8 years I am still really happy with it!

Green Hornet · 27-01-2011 8:25pm

The 98-02 Honda Accord 1.8 VTEC. Built like a tank and reliable as hell. Mid 30's mpg.

fonecrusher1 · 27-01-2011 10:19pm

10 year old reliable, easy to run small engined cheapy? Gotta be a 1.4 honda civic. I used to own a 1997 civic, own a 2000 corolla now & in all honesty i'd prefer the civic as an allrounder.
The corolla is a spongey fisherprice car. Nippy enough & reliable but a dull pig of a car. Not saying the civic is a thrill ride but dynamically its better than the toyota. Always has been.

Ive done a little bit of light repair & maintenance on both & i consider the civic to be a better built machine.

Back to the original question, first choice; 1.4 honda civic 2nd choice; 1.3/1.5 mazda 323 as a cheap oul runaround.

VolvoMan · 27-01-2011 11:00pm

I sort of fell into ownership of a '00 Yaris and I have to say it is quite a good little car. There is masses of space in the cabin and reliability has been fantastic so far except for one little fault that cost me a good few quid to get sorted. That timing chain is also great peace of mind and I wonder why all manufacturers can't fit them.

Fuel economy is quite good I think and it's very easy to work on and do basic DIY servicing. The only criticism I'd have is that fifth gear isn't long enough, making motorway journeys rather unpleasant with the engine screaming at high RPM.

dnme · 28-01-2011 5:39pm

OK thus far I have collected the following (not tidied up in anyway, just a generic preliminary guide)

Audi A4 1.8SE
Ford Focus
Forester S-turbo auto
Honda Accord 1.8 VTEC
Honda Civic
Honda Prelude
Hyundai Accent
Mazda 323
Mazda MX5
Mercedes W124
Nissan Micra
Nissan Primera
Peugeot 306
Peugeot 406 2.0 hd
Toyota Avensis TD
Toyota Carina E
Toyota Celica GT
Toyota Corolla
Toyota MR2
Toyota Yaris
Vauxhall Vectra CD 2.0l

In the poll, I'll be specific about year range and model. So are there any we should add or subtract at this stage?
Any glaring omissions anyone ??? :cool:

If I have left anyone out - I do apologise, please let me know. Is there a limit to the number of entries in a poll here?

colm_mcm · 28-01-2011 5:54pm

Suzuki swift/Subaru justy and particularly Daihatsu Sirion definitely up there, overlooked and great value.
Sirion is basically a yaris only cheaper.

Bigus · 28-01-2011 5:54pm

You need to be model specific. British civics are real crap so pre 02 in civic case

fonecrusher1 · 28-01-2011 6:32pm

Bigus wrote: »

You need to be model specific. British civics are real crap so pre 02 in civic case

The 5 door civic was built in the UK's honda plant from 1995 - 2000 (2001?). Its based on the rover 400 body shell but the civic has all honda components. They're a great car as well. The fact that its hatchback as well is a bonus.

maidhc · 28-01-2011 6:51pm

dnme wrote: »

Mercedes W124
Toyota Carina E

Fall outside the age bracket, with the youngest being late 90's.

Avensis and W210 will have to fly the flag.

I would also include the MKIII Mondeo, VW Golf IV, BMW 5 series, Skoda Octavia, Toyota Landcruiser, Lexus LS, and I can't think of anything else right now.

andyseadog · 29-01-2011 11:55am

free bump, i want to see how this goes

dnme · 29-01-2011 7:52pm

again guys and girls, are there any "GLARING" omissions that anyone can think of......?

anyone??

MinnyMinor · 29-01-2011 7:59pm

dnme wrote: »

again guys and girls, are there any "GLARING" omissions that anyone can think of......?

anyone??

Fiesta 00/01 ish

squod · 29-01-2011 7:59pm

dnme wrote: »

again guys and girls, are there any "GLARING" omissions that anyone can think of......?

anyone??

1990–1993 Daihatsu Charade diesel (G102)? Or something with a bigger boot?:D

dnme · 29-01-2011 8:22pm

ok but even more glaring, manufacturer beginning with S

andyseadog · 29-01-2011 8:48pm

dnme wrote: »

ok but even more glaring, manufacturer beginning with S

i hope you dont mean an Octavia TDi? :rolleyes:

squod · 29-01-2011 8:52pm

andyseadog wrote: »

i hope you dont mean an Octavia TDi? :rolleyes:

The list of crteria/benefits of owing one would mean writing down more stuff than the internet can hold.

Best 10 year old car, pre-poll research

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