New car suggestions

Alanstrainor · 17-05-2011 10:21pm #1

Alright everybody, it's about time I upgraded my car! So in the next few months i hope to buy something awesome. This is just one of those threads where i'm looking for as many different suggestions as possible!

Requirements:
I'm primarily looking for something fun. I don't need space, and don't travel all that much.
Mileage per year would be less than 10,000km. So petrol all the way.
I'm not against large petrol engines.
A good looking car is always a plus!

Budget is around 5000, cash buyer, no trade in.

The biggest problem i'll have is insurance. I'm 23, i have one year no claims in my own name, but also have 4 years named driving experience on top of that too.

The cars i've been looking at:
Corolla T sport: Not all that many about, and a lot of them look like they've seen better days.
Audi S3: Again, not a tonne around, I was surprised what online quotes were showing up on this one. About 1200, which seems reasonable!
Audi TT: A lot around, i like the look of them, and insurance seems surprisingly okay.
...

I'd usually have tonnes of potential cars on the go. But they're the ones off the top of my head!

So what think yee???

EPM · 17-05-2011 10:25pm

Mk 1 Focus ST170 or mk 1 Leon Cupra?

Alanstrainor · 17-05-2011 10:28pm

EPM wrote: »

Mk 1 Focus ST170

Had been looking around online at those alright, but a lot of them look abused! I suppose it kind of comes with the territory when looking at the kind of cars i'm after!

The Cupra is definitely on the cards, online quotes seem a bit iffy on them though. Any of them i've tried have just refused to quote. But I suppose online quotes are terrible!

colm_mcm · 17-05-2011 10:39pm

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2006958

This is a very last of the line Ralliart FTO. I Think its the one that vicky butler Henderson tested on top gear.

Insurance can be tricky but worth it.

Alanstrainor · 17-05-2011 10:51pm

colm_mcm wrote: »

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2006958

This is a very last of the line Ralliart FTO. I Think its the one that vicky butler Henderson tested on top gear.

Insurance can be tricky but worth it.

That's beautiful! And V6! To say I want it would be the understatement of the year.

As you said, insurance could be difficult/pricey. Would have to get some quotes on it!

LIGHTNING: Re Fiat Punto Sporting, it's one I had considered, and i suppose i wouldn't knock it off my list just yet. It would certainly be the cheapest to insure compared to the rest. But it really doesn't compare to the performance of the others either.

The celica has the same engine as the Corolla Tsport, but is more difficult to insure. Not wild on the looks either tbh.

johnos1984 · 17-05-2011 10:52pm

MG ZT 190 or MG ZS 180:cool:

17-05-2011 10:57pm

johnos1984 wrote: »

MG ZT 190 or MG ZR 180:cool:

ZS180 or ZR160 JohnBoy :P

Any interest in the likes of an e46 325i or 330i Alan??? They'll be insurance friendly but not tax friendly.

johnos1984 · 17-05-2011 10:58pm

RoverJames wrote: »

ZS180 or ZR160 JohnBoy :P

I am a spakka.

Other things on the mind :mad:

17-05-2011 11:04pm

The likes of this.......

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/330Ci-mi/201105201121698/advert?channel=CARS

For the extra tax it's a savage car in comparison to a T sport Corolla or an ST170.

Gary ITR · 17-05-2011 11:12pm

What about an automatic Polo?

johnos1984 · 17-05-2011 11:15pm

Could I suggest a nice "IRISH SPEC" Corolla diesel

All the car you'll ever want

simoniz · 17-05-2011 11:15pm

Go for T-Sport mate

Alanstrainor · 17-05-2011 11:20pm

Onkle wrote: »

What about an automatic Polo?

You know the way i can ban you????

Yeah...

Ardennes1944 · 17-05-2011 11:31pm

LIGHTNING wrote: »

Wow a suggest me a car thread not started by Deutschlandfürimmer7 So in that case I suggest a Fiat Punto Sporting. How about a Celica?

i think you'l find i never actually started a suggest me a car thread, more an advise me on this car thread really

Gary ITR · 17-05-2011 11:38pm

Alanstrainor wrote: »

You know the way i can ban you????

Yeah...

LOL, actually Ottostreet from here is selling a 330ci for small money if that's your bag

Alanstrainor · 17-05-2011 11:50pm

The 330ci does interest me, but in reality, it'd probably cost me too much to justify. I mean 1200ish tax, 1200 insurance, + BMW running costs = unhappy student!

Although, that being said, for 3500 or there abouts it's one hell of a car. Maybe just keep it for a year...

Drummerboy08 · 17-05-2011 11:55pm

I've been looking at the very same thing for the last few weeks, and I had it narrowed down to 2 choices.

Choice 1 - the half sensible choice. A mk1 Focus ST. Very few for sale around Ireland, so I'd be going swimming for one. A few rough figures suggest a decent, low mileage 03/04 3dr could be landed for around 4.5/5k.

Choice 2 - The not-so-sensible choice. A Civic EP3 Type R. Deemed to be the softest of Type R Civics, they're going fairly cheap at the minute. Probably could pick one up for same as the Focus above. And what's not to like about a 200bhp hot hatch!

The insurance could be killer on the Civic though, but it should be too bad on the Focus.

As a cheaper resort, those FTO's seem to be going for cheap money at the minute. I'm considering buying one as a runaround for a few months.

Alanstrainor · 18-05-2011 12:01am

Drummerboy08 wrote: »

As a cheaper resort, those FTO's seem to be going for cheap money at the minute. I'm considering buying one as a runaround for a few months.

I like the look of the FTO, but i'm worried insurance would be an issue. I'd be more interested in a 2.0 FTO V6, than a straight 6 330ci tbh. The bmw is a cracking car no doubt, but the cost of owning/running one worries me!

Drummerboy08 · 18-05-2011 12:05am

Alanstrainor wrote: »

I like the look of the FTO, but i'm worried insurance would be an issue. I'd be more interested in a 2.0 FTO V6, than a straight 6 330ci tbh. The bmw is a cracking car no doubt, but the cost of owning/running one worries me!

Well, if you pick up an FTO for 2.5/3k, you'll have the extra wedge to insure it. That's how I'm looking at it.

Also, if you want something a little different, I think a Fiesta ST could just squeeze into your budget. They seem to be cheap in the UK at the minute.

andyseadog · 18-05-2011 12:06am

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1965947

missing its center caps, but still a fine looking car.

Alanstrainor · 18-05-2011 12:08am

andyseadog wrote: »

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1965947

missing its center caps, but still a fine looking car.

Not for me. Too large, don't like the look of them, and even from reading the title, i presume it would be next to impossible to insure for a 23 year old!

Cheers for the suggestions though!

bazz26 · 18-05-2011 1:11am

Surprised it hasn't been mentioned already:

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201116202075384
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201118202262728

Squall19 · 18-05-2011 1:12am

Drummerboy08 wrote: »

Well, if you pick up an FTO for 2.5/3k, you'll have the extra wedge to insure it. That's how I'm looking at it.

Also, if you want something a little different, I think a Fiesta ST could just squeeze into your budget. They seem to be cheap in the UK at the minute.

I would go that way as well, they are a class machine.V6 sound is just class, great performance, light, last of a dying breed of cars.

Fiesta's, Corolla's, just cant compare.

What's the difference between the Ralliart and standard GPX?

dan hibiki · 18-05-2011 1:34am

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Fiat/Coupe/20V/201015197598601/advert?channel=CARS

lots of fun!! lhd only though.

Gary ITR · 18-05-2011 2:05am

That car is RHD chief

dan hibiki · 18-05-2011 2:13am

Onkle wrote: »

That car is RHD chief

sorry, I was thinking of the barchetta.:rolleyes:

Mully_2011 · 18-05-2011 5:10am

bazz26 wrote: »

Surprised it hasn't been mentioned already:

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201116202075384
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201118202262728

What is the obession with those yokes round in nearly every thread there metioned good yokes all the same

this is quite cool

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1927278

that red fto is a beaut good money too considering how many rough 96 spec itrs are out there for 3.5k

colm_mcm · 18-05-2011 8:16am

Squall19 wrote: »

What's the difference between the Ralliart and standard GPX?

Very little. At the time RalliArt were importing the evo, galant vr4, and fto, fitting them with immobilisers, mph clocks, rear fog lights for the uk market.
Big difference is that they were sold new in the uk as opposed to being 'grey' imports.

-Corkie- · 18-05-2011 10:40am

Isnt Draffodx selling his ST. I know it might be out of budget but its very clean

Alanstrainor · 18-05-2011 1:44pm

bazz26 wrote: »

Surprised it hasn't been mentioned already:

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201116202075384
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201118202262728

I had considered it, and it would probably be the easiest to insure, but it's just fugly as hell! If the insurance quotes on the FTO and the likes are flat refusals i'll come back to the octy vrs and the likes.

-Corkie- wrote: »

Isnt Draffodx selling his ST. I know it might be out of budget but its very clean

I could push out the budget to a ST, but I just couldn't justify it at the minute. Maybe in a few years!

Cionád · 18-05-2011 2:43pm

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2130059

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2154677

Insurance might be a problem for the T5's, a less potent option:

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2140448

savagecabbages · 18-05-2011 3:22pm

Ha was thinking about starting a thread re: what people think of the Fiat Coupe 20vT. Its def something different, fast as hell (220bhp) and dirt cheap. Then again your going into 1990s second hand Fiat territory with one...
I know nothing about them, but like something a bit different. Or the idea of something a bit different anyway;)

Or something the same as everyone else but better:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2165574

Ardennes1944 · 18-05-2011 3:29pm

what about? this: http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2152526 as an example

giles01 · 18-05-2011 4:18pm

What about this? I think it's one of the best looking cars in its class, cracking little engine, good performance, reasonable mpg and it has a few nice gadgets!

Ardennes1944 · 18-05-2011 4:19pm

giles01 wrote: »

What about this? I think it's one of the best looking cars in its class, cracking little engine, good performance, reasonable mpg and it has a few nice gadgets!

my next car to be too id say

Mr Benevolent · 18-05-2011 4:30pm

I know I keep mentioning them, but what about an MX-5 or Fiat Coupe?

Alanstrainor · 18-05-2011 5:09pm

Deutschlandfürimmer7 wrote: »

what about? this: http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2152526 as an example

I'll run into trouble with insurance on something like that i'd imagine. And although it's great it's a big car, for someone who doesn't need any space. I'd rather a nimble, not so fast car over something that's nearing barge territory.

savagecabbages wrote: »

Ha was thinking about starting a thread re: what people think of the Fiat Coupe 20vT. Its def something different, fast as hell (220bhp) and dirt cheap. Then again your going into 1990s second hand Fiat territory with one...
I know nothing about them, but like something a bit different. Or the idea of something a bit different anyway;)

Or something the same as everyone else but better:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2165574

The golf GTI is one of those cars that I never understood why people went mad for them. It's not one i'd be mad keen on. Although i've never driven one.

Cionád wrote: »

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2130059

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2154677

Insurance might be a problem for the T5's, a less potent option:

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2140448

Again, that's getting more into luxobarge territory, good fast cars, no doubt. But it's just not something i'm after.

I've been looking around at FTOs online, and a lot have been skangerised, so it might be difficult to find a good one. And insurance would be a problem. Haven't rung my broker yet, (I'm months away from purchase anyway). But it's probably my favourite so far.

As for MX5, it's always one i'd recommend on any of these threads, purely from reading about them. But unfortunately I just can't insure one at 23, most insurers run a mile from a 1.6 soft top!

Fiat coupe, look great, but what about reliability on them? I've heard they're a disaster. And that's not you're generic fiat pub talk kind of stuff!

savagecabbages · 18-05-2011 6:15pm

Alanstrainor wrote: »

The golf GTI is one of those cars that I never understood why people went mad for them. It's not one i'd be mad keen on. Although i've never driven one.

Theres nothing to drive one mad about them really. Its still a Golf, A GTI is just a higher spec faster one with better suspension/brakes. Same as any other hot version of a hatchback...

They are well built, well specced, comfortable etc. The 25th Anniversary one is the only one i'd bother with as its 180bhp, all the others are 150bhp. (i think)

colm_mcm · 18-05-2011 9:19pm

Alanstrainor wrote: »

I've been looking around at FTOs online, and a lot have been skangerised, so it might be difficult to find a good one. And insurance would be a problem. Haven't rung my broker yet, (I'm months away from purchase anyway). But it's probably my favourite

Sign up to www.fto-ireland.com
Get a feel for the different modifications available
Most of the ftos on donedeal etc get commented on so it'd save you a bit of legwork. In my opinion the club cars are the best minded and its easy to search owners posts to see any issues the car might have had.

There are a good few badly modified ones out there, the owners are generally not on the site.
You probably know I've had a few of them.

Alanstrainor · 19-05-2011 5:00pm

Have just been looking at online quotes, and ringing around to my broker, and it appears that my assumption of not being able to get insured on an MX5 was wrong! Got quotes of less than 1000 for a 2002 1.6 and a around 1100 for tpft on the 1.8!

It will probably be a few months before I do anything. But tbh, an MX5 seems to be the best option! Fun, decent looking, rwd, reliable, cheap to run/tax/insure. Ticks all the boxes!

Ardennes1944 · 19-05-2011 5:11pm

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Have just been looking at online quotes, and ringing around to my broker, and it appears that my assumption of not being able to get insured on an MX5 was wrong! Got quotes of less than 1000 for a 2002 1.6 and a around 1100 for tpft on the 1.8!

It will probably be a few months before I do anything. But tbh, an MX5 seems to be the best option! Fun, decent looking, rwd, reliable, cheap to run/tax/insure. Ticks all the boxes!

^^^ usually the conclusion these type threads come too

Alanstrainor · 19-05-2011 5:27pm

Deutschlandfürimmer7 wrote: »

^^^ usually the conclusion these type threads come too

Indeed! But even last year when I was pondering the same question MX5 quotes were impossible.

New car suggestions

Comments