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Buying a used car in Ireland guide

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Comments

  • #2202
    hoody
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 698 ✭✭✭hoody


    hoody wrote: »
    Hi there,

    Posted here recently when the other half was about to buy, got some great advice so hoping that I can get some myself now. New arrival on the way in January next year, so I need to move from my 00 1.4 Astra that has 231k miles on a petrol engine to something a bit fresher and with a bit more room.

    Budget would be around €6500 - €7500 and I'm thinking diesel as I do about 15000 miles of mostly motorway driving each year. Any suggestions or am I best to stick to the obvious choices like 08/09 Ford Mondeos or Skoda Octavias? Probably won't be buying til later in the year but want to keep an eye out in case a bargain comes along!

    Thanks for help

    Had a look at a Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDI this morning, dealer is asking €8500, car has 81000 miles on it. Would give me about €500 for the Astra. Car seems fairly solid and I reckon I could get him to €7500 + my Astra. Any thoughts on these? Solid but dull?


  • #2203
    bazz26
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,293 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    With your Astra having such a low value why not take it out of the equation when buying the new car? This allows you to negotiate a better deal on the newer car as you have no trade-in. In reality the dealer is not really giving you €500 for it, he is just taking €500 off the discount on the Octavia. I bet if you forgot about trading the Astra you would probably buy the Octavia straight for a bit less than what you are being offered now with the trade-in. Then sell the Astra privately, anything you get for it will be money in your pocket towards taxing the Octavia.


  • #2204
    speakelton
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17 ✭speakelton


    Hey,

    I'm looking at getting a new car and was thinking of this - http: //cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/audi-a4-2004-1-8t-convertible-s-line/7852579

    I'm driving a 96 starlet at the moment and have been looking for a while but I'm waiting for a car I really like before purchasing. Aside from the starlet having a few scratches it goes like an absolute dinger and hasn't given me any issues in the 18 months I've had it. Im mainly a town driver mid week with some further trips at the weekend. Annual mileage wouldn't be much more than 10k.

    I originally looked at some 318s but heard running costs were quite high on the older BMWs so was put off. Most recently I've been looking at 04(ish) A4s and A3 (1.6) or potentially an Astra.

    Anybody have any opinions on any of the above models? Or suggest any alternatives?

    Thx in advance


  • #2205
    L-M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,694 ✭✭✭✭L-M


    I think firstly you need to decide what you want from your car, you've given a hugely broad specrtrum of cars there.

    Do you need a family hatch? Something with a big boot? Roof rack? Something for just you? Stylish? Economical?

    Narrow that down first.


  • #2206
    bazz26
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,293 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    speakelton wrote: »
    Hey,

    I'm looking at getting a new car and was thinking of this - http: //cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/audi-a4-2004-1-8t-convertible-s-line/7852579

    I'm driving a 96 starlet at the moment and have been looking for a while but I'm waiting for a car I really like before purchasing. Aside from the starlet having a few scratches it goes like an absolute dinger and hasn't given me any issues in the 18 months I've had it. Im mainly a town driver mid week with some further trips at the weekend. Annual mileage wouldn't be much more than 10k.

    I originally looked at some 318s but heard running costs were quite high on the older BMWs so was put off. Most recently I've been looking at 04(ish) A4s and A3 (1.6) or potentially an Astra.

    Anybody have any opinions on any of the above models? Or suggest any alternatives?

    Thx in advance

    If your used to the reliability then the obvious choice would be to look at a Corolla. The others on your list there have the potential to break your heart.


  • #2207
    a.ginoli
    Registered Users Posts: 5 ✭a.ginoli


    Hi Guys!

    recently relocated to Ireland, just joined Boards.ie and lloking for a used car in €2000 budget (more or less).

    I already read the initial LM post (great and useful advice) and few pages later.

    I have contacted a private seller for a 2002 Honda Civic 1.4 (3 drs) with 99,000 miles NCT'd till Oct 15 and taxed until Apr 15 and 4 new tires.

    The price is 1700€, it seemed very good to me and pictures (i don't have yet pics for the back and left side, but i'm viewing the car today) don't show any problems so far.

    I just wanted to ask an opinion about the price and/or any suggestion about this particular model.

    Thanks a lot for the help!


  • #2208
    larrymiller
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,456 ✭✭✭larrymiller


    a.ginoli wrote: »
    Hi Guys!

    recently relocated to Ireland, just joined Boards.ie and lloking for a used car in €2000 budget (more or less).

    I already read the initial LM post (great and useful advice) and few pages later.

    I have contacted a private seller for a 2002 Honda Civic 1.4 (3 drs) with 99,000 miles NCT'd till Oct 15 and taxed until Apr 15 and 4 new tires.

    The price is 1700€, it seemed very good to me and pictures (i don't have yet pics for the back and left side, but i'm viewing the car today) don't show any problems so far.

    I just wanted to ask an opinion about the price and/or any suggestion about this particular model.

    Thanks a lot for the help!
    Can't go to far wrong with that car. There's 3 of them in this house and gear box went in one of them. That's all the trouble we've gotten.
    All 3 have past there last 3 ncts with little hassle


  • #2209
    bazz26
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,293 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    Gearbox bearings give trouble on that model Civic as can the power steering. Also be aware that alot of the 3 dr models are bought by young lads who turn them into replica Type Rs so there are alot of abused and tired ones for sale.


  • #2210
    a.ginoli
    Registered Users Posts: 5 ✭a.ginoli


    Thanks a lot for the replies. The car seems to be original from the pics and at the phone the guy seemed more "mature" and relaxed :).

    Any idea on i can spot problems to the gearbox? i.e. difficulty in insert gears


  • #2211
    bazz26
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,293 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    Yes, if the gearbox is clunky then the bearing is probably on it's way out and afaik costs around €700/€800 to replace which is half the asking price of the car. If it's been replaced already then that's a big plus.


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  • #2212
    a.ginoli
    Registered Users Posts: 5 ✭a.ginoli


    bazz26 wrote: »
    Yes, if the gearbox is clunky then the bearing is probably on it's way out and afaik costs around €700/€800 to replace which is half the asking price of the car. If it's been replaced already then that's a big plus.

    Great information, thanks!

    I'll be very careful on that point then.


  • #2213
    Esel
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,507 ✭✭✭✭Esel


    a.ginoli wrote: »
    Great information, thanks!

    I'll be very careful on that point then.
    Have a look/ask in the Bangernomics thread. You will get good advice there too (meaning as well as here...).

    Post a link to the ad for the car you are thinking of there.

    Not your ornery onager



  • #2214
    a.ginoli
    Registered Users Posts: 5 ✭a.ginoli


    Thanks a lot Esel, i will jump there for sure.

    Anyway i went to see the car and the owner confirmed that the car was affected with the gearbox problem... :( pity i really liked it.

    Back searching now :)


  • #2215
    larrymiller
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,456 ✭✭✭larrymiller


    a.ginoli wrote: »
    Thanks a lot Esel, i will jump there for sure.

    Anyway i went to see the car and the owner confirmed that the car was affected with the gearbox problem... :( pity i really liked it.

    Back searching now :)
    If it was sorted I would chance it!
    But then again it depens if u trust him or not


  • #2216
    a.ginoli
    Registered Users Posts: 5 ✭a.ginoli


    larrymiller wrote: »
    If it was sorted I would chance it!
    But then again it depens if u trust him or not

    Oh no, no. :)

    The problem begun few months ago (very feeble sound) and it growth with time. When i tested the car it was quite strong in the first 3 gears, the disappeared. He wanted to go down to 1500 keeping in consideration the repairs cost, but i think a repair would have been much more expensive.


  • #2217
    larrymiller
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,456 ✭✭✭larrymiller


    a.ginoli wrote: »
    Oh no, no. :)

    The problem begun few months ago (very feeble sound) and it growth with time. When i tested the car it was quite strong in the first 3 gears, the disappeared. He wanted to go down to 1500 keeping in consideration the repairs cost, but i think a repair would have been much more expensive.

    Yeah I suppose i took out the gear box myself and brought it saved me a lot of money


  • #2218
    mauricebrown
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1 ✭mauricebrown


    I have been driving a 04 model Skoda Superb and I have found it to be outstanding. Very reliable and economical to drive and after an bad accident a couple of weeks ago I can highly recommend them for safety as while my Superb is heading for the highway in the sky, I am still living and breathing thankfully.
    Therefore I am in the market for a car. I am waiting on the insurance to come back to me, so I am counting my euros and looking at what is best value out there. I am toying with the idea of coming up into the lower tax groups and looking at a '09 to '11 model Superb.
    I am hearing a lot of stuff, some of it I am letting over my head i.e - the 1.6 model engine is too light, the 2.0 model give trouble, the suspension is not as reliable as my old model.
    Has anyone out there gone from the 04 - 07 model to the 09 to current model that could give me an honest comparsion?


  • #2219
    leakyboots
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,998 ✭✭✭leakyboots


    Howdy all,

    Great thread, enjoyed the initial post Limerick_man, good stuff.

    Currently driving an 06 Ford Focus Estate, looking to upgrade to (hopefully a 2010) estate. Finding it hard to find something though. After something with a big boot, low mileage and diesel 1.6-1.9.

    Looked at a Hyundai http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/hyundai-i30-1-6-litre-diesel/6777868 and a few Vauxhall imports but wasn't mad about the interior (and I'm hesitant to go with an import). Was looking at Cargiant and there's good deals to be had, but like I said, not sure I'm bothered with the hassle of going through all that. The Volkswagen Estate are like hen's teeth and I won't go French.

    Anyway, starting to think what I'm after is out of my price range, could anyone recommend a large hatchback that might come close to the space you get in an estate?


  • #2220
    L-M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,694 ✭✭✭✭L-M


    What's the budget?


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  • #2221
    leakyboots
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,998 ✭✭✭leakyboots


    Limerick man wrote: »
    What's the budget?

    Max is 12 grand all in including tax or vrt if importing


  • #2222
    Irishsnake
    Registered Users Posts: 21 ✭Irishsnake


    Hi All

    Would like your advice on purchasing 08 - 10 estate diesel with low tax, high mpg was considering between these

    Opel Astra 1.7
    Ford Focus 1.6
    Kia Ceed 1.6
    Skoda Fabia 1.6 or 1.9

    also is it better to go with older low milage say (2008 - 80000miles) or newer (2010 - 120000miles) for approx. same price

    Thanks in advance for your opinions


  • #2223
    L-M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,694 ✭✭✭✭L-M


    Go with the lower mileage but with FSH.

    All those cars have plus and minus' so the best thing really is to get out and drive them. Those Astra estates are starting to look awful dated at this stage, though.


  • #2224
    peaceboi
    Registered Users Posts: 587 ✭✭✭peaceboi


    Am planning to get a 2010 or '11 Honda Civic 1.4 model in the New year. Can anyone give suggestions on it please? I really like the looks of it, but know nothing much about how good it would be to drive?? Upgrading from 08' Yaris


  • #2225
    colm_mcm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,477 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    peaceboi wrote: »
    Am planning to get a 2010 or '11 Honda Civic 1.4 model in the New year. Can anyone give suggestions on it please? I really like the looks of it, but know nothing much about how good it would be to drive?? Upgrading from 08' Yaris

    Don't bother with the 1.4. Its as slow as a 1.0 Yaris.
    The 1.8 petrol is more economical in real life and has de chape tax too!


  • #2226
    peaceboi
    Registered Users Posts: 587 ✭✭✭peaceboi


    colm_mcm wrote: »
    Don't bother with the 1.4. Its as slow as a 1.0 Yaris.
    The 1.8 petrol is more economical in real life and has de chape tax too!

    Thanks for the reply, just checked the 1.4l has 135gm co2 emission with 280e road tax? while the 1.8l with 155gms.


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  • #2227
    colm_mcm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,477 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    Cheap compared to cc based tax
    Tax is €390. Which is cheap for a 140bhp 1.8 petrol
    I get mid 40s mpg from mine, and could do better if I drove more economically.


  • #2228
    peaceboi
    Registered Users Posts: 587 ✭✭✭peaceboi


    colm_mcm wrote: »
    Cheap compared to cc based tax
    Tax is €390. Which is cheap for a 140bhp 1.8 petrol
    I get mid 40s mpg from mine, and could do better if I drove more economically.

    I see....that's impressive. Also which one has better specs, is it the type S or SE one better equipped? Thanks


  • #2229
    colm_mcm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,477 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    Type S is 3 door and the tax is €570.

    On the 5 door ones you mainly have SE, ES And SE executive.

    Spec is a mixed bag, example, SE exec has leather but no cruise control or glass roof.


  • #2230
    Tipperarymike
    Registered Users Posts: 288 ✭✭Tipperarymike


    Hi all,

    I hope this is the correct forum, part of the forum to be asking this. We are thinking of changing our car in the spring but might do it a bit sooner if we found the right yoke. Currently we have a 06 2.0 Passat, tis going fine at the moment but a few things went wrong with it since we bought it in 09 from the North, and tis nearly time to be getting rid of it now. My wife does a good bit of driving for work, in or around 30k miles a year, lot of driving to Cork and Dublin from Limerick on the motorway, so a bit of comfort and economy would be the main things I guess.

    Ideally I was thinking we might be a 12 Passat, Highline or an Avensis maybe though we only ever have had VW. I am a bit clueless on cars so is there any other make or models in the same sort of range as the Passat or Avensis that I could be thinking of? Budget would be anything up to 23k ish.

    Thanks for taking the time to read this.

    Michael


  • #2231
    bazz26
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,293 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    You should have a look at the Hyundai i40 too, €23k should get you into a 2013 model which will still have the balance of the 5 year unlimited mileage warranty left on it.

    Try and get a UK spec model as they got the more powerful 138bhp engine in manual whereas Ireland only got the 115bhp in manual.

    Example:

    media?xwm=y&id=6c9a6ecc-5a2b-43a9-9586-0dd5485490a4&width=400&height=300
    http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Hyundai/i40/Style-BlueDrive/42913962840714590/


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  • #2232
    Tipperarymike
    Registered Users Posts: 288 ✭✭Tipperarymike


    Hi Bazz,

    Thanks for the info, had never even thought of one of those so I must start keeping an eye out for them. Definitely the warranty aspect is a big plus. I assume one of those would be as efficient as the Passat? I will have a look on autotrader and see what the craic is on these.

    Michael


  • #2233
    colm_mcm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,477 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    Keep a look out for the Kia Optima too. Same car basically just nicer looking.
    7 year Warranty is capped at 150kkm though, which may be an issue with the mileage being done.


  • #2234
    doctorwho-fan
    Registered Users Posts: 182 ✭✭doctorwho-fan


    Any advice please, have bought a ford Ka 2011, was advertised as having central locking and didn't realise till got home it doesn't. Passenger door only locks and opens from inside car, no key whole on passenger side, would have thought driver side would lock and unlock. Car advertised on their website and on another website both saying same specifications. Garage says they just type in type of car and rest is automatically filled in. They have to come back to me with cost of getting dental locking put in. I told them they would have to meet me with half of the cost. They have not been in contact with me since last wednesday


  • #2235
    L-M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,694 ✭✭✭✭L-M


    Sounds very odd that a 2011 Ford Ka wouldn't have bloody central locking! Are you sure there just isn't an issue with the car/key?

    Edit: After 20 seconds research it seems possible! Jaysus!


  • #2236
    doctorwho-fan
    Registered Users Posts: 182 ✭✭doctorwho-fan


    No I brought it back to garage and they said it is not fitted. Brought to ford garage to get a second opinion, they said some models made that way, no locking, manual windows and no spot lights


  • #2237
    colm_mcm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,477 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    Maplin do central looking kits


  • #2238
    doctorwho-fan
    Registered Users Posts: 182 ✭✭doctorwho-fan


    Oh didn't know that, thanks


  • #2239
    colm_mcm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,477 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    They also do electric window kits!


  • #2240
    Danger Mouse Ahead
    Registered Users Posts: 18 ✭Danger Mouse Ahead


    Just wondering if anyone has any experience on 1.6 Passat, reading both good and bad reviews


  • #2241
    colm_mcm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,477 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    Danger Mouse Ahead wrote: »
    Just wondering if anyone has any experience on 1.6 Passat, reading both good and bad reviews

    Year? Petrol/diesel


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  • #2242
    Danger Mouse Ahead
    Registered Users Posts: 18 ✭Danger Mouse Ahead


    05 petrol


  • #2243
    colm_mcm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,477 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    New model 05?


  • #2244
    Danger Mouse Ahead
    Registered Users Posts: 18 ✭Danger Mouse Ahead


    colm_mcm wrote: »
    New model 05?


    yes, or an 06 2.0 Diesel, any advice appreciated


  • #2245
    bazz26
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,293 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    Those early new model Passats can give plenty of niggly problems. If you could stretch your budget to a 1.4 tsi from 2008 they would have had most of those problems ironed out and you'd also have a more powerful petrol engine.


  • #2246
    LimerickCitay
    Registered Users Posts: 3 ✭LimerickCitay


    Ladies and Gents, your advice would be most appreciated.

    I am looking to buy a car, I have my heart set on an estate as it will more often than not be filled with lads going to matches or have a bike and sleeping bag thrown in the back. It will be used almost exclusively for long trips at weekends and sit in the driveway during the week.

    I am on a tight enough budget (2500-2750 max) and was looking at the 1.2 Fabia of which there are currently three on donedeal.

    However, a friend told me today that getting an estate with a petrol engine was going to be tantamount to burning money every time I took to the road.

    Someone else then said that if I am going for an estate I need to go diesel...I am not sure why.

    Then having probed them further, they told me that the 1.9 diesel engines in Passats and Skodas from the early noughties are indestructible and if I get into one now, I will have a car for life, so to speak. As such I am now looking at 1.9 tdi Octavias from 04/05.

    So I have a number of questions:

    1) If I am going estate, do I need to go diesel?
    2) Will a petrol estate cost more week to week than a diesel anything?
    3) Are Skodas good because they are good, or are they just easy to find parts for?
    4) What else should enter the conversation when talking about hardy, spacious, reliable, economical estates?

    Much obliged!


  • #2247
    JayIre
    Registered Users Posts: 73 ✭✭JayIre


    Just wondering how heavy 2ltr diesel jeeps are on fuel. Rav, Freelander, Santa Fe etc. Has anyone any experience on them?


  • #2248
    colm_mcm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,477 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    LimerickCitay wrote: »
    Ladies and Gents, your advice would be most appreciated.

    I am looking to buy a car, I have my heart set on an estate as it will more often than not be filled with lads going to matches or have a bike and sleeping bag thrown in the back. It will be used almost exclusively for long trips at weekends and sit in the driveway during the week.

    I am on a tight enough budget (2500-2750 max) and was looking at the 1.2 Fabia of which there are currently three on donedeal.

    However, a friend told me today that getting an estate with a petrol engine was going to be tantamount to burning money every time I took to the road.

    Someone else then said that if I am going for an estate I need to go diesel...I am not sure why.

    Then having probed them further, they told me that the 1.9 diesel engines in Passats and Skodas from the early noughties are indestructible and if I get into one now, I will have a car for life, so to speak. As such I am now looking at 1.9 tdi Octavias from 04/05.

    So I have a number of questions:

    1) If I am going estate, do I need to go diesel?
    2) Will a petrol estate cost more week to week than a diesel anything?
    3) Are Skodas good because they are good, or are they just easy to find parts for?
    4) What else should enter the conversation when talking about hardy, spacious, reliable, economical estates?

    Much obliged!
    Estate will only use a marginal amount of extra fuel. You most certainly don't have to go diesel

    Petrol will use more fuel, but tax/insurance/maintenance will be cheaper, you'll pay more for a diesel car and will be often be looking at cars with bigger mileage.

    Maybe look at a suzuki liana.


  • #2249
    Igotadose
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,826 ✭✭✭✭Igotadose


    Hello all.

    We're relocating to Dingle in the next few months from the USA. Is there an online resource that describes what's involved with insuring a car? I think it has to be similar, but the terms are very different than what I'm used to in the US. Is there the equivalent of liability insurance, comprehensive insurance, collision, etc?

    What's the 'no claims' bonus? What is 'voluntary excess' and 'compulsory excess?' It seems like 'compulsory excess' is 'deductible' in the US, and maybe there's a minimum (compulsory) amount, where 'voluntary' you can buy into via higher premiums?

    A pointer to a dictionary would be much appreciated! Thank you


  • #2250
    bazz26
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,293 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    Insurance probably works differently here to the US and is not very transparent.

    NCB - No Claims Bonus is basically the number of previous years claim free driving you have under your own policy or as a named driver on someone elses policy. Insurance companies offer discounts when you have xx number of years claim free driving but will require documents from your previous insurance companies as proof.

    Involuntary Excess - This is basically a set figure that you have to pay if making a claim against your own insurance policy. For example if you have an involuntary excess of €250 and you make a claim of €1k for damage then the insurance company will only pay you €750 (the cost of the claim minus your policy excess).

    Voluntary Excess - This is similar to the above where you have the option to add it onto your policy on top of the involuntary excess, in order to make the annual premium more affordable. So take the above example again. Add a voluntary excess of €100 to the already involuntary excess of €250 means any settlement the insurance company pays you out on your own policy will be the settlement figure minus the €250 and €100.

    We have different levels of cover on offer here and depending on which insurance company you are with the cover will vary. Generally these are main policies:

    1. Third party - this covers any damage/liability made by you to another individual or their vehicle only. This is the minimum level of insurance cover required by law.

    2. Third party Fire and Theft - as above but also covers your own car against being stolen or if it is destroyed by fire.

    3. Fully comprehensive - This is the most comprehensive (self explanatory) insurance policy out there and covers you pretty well as the other injured party. This can include legal fees, medical bills or car rental while your car is off the road.

    However insurance companies also offer add ons at an extra charge such as windscreen cover, breakdown recovery, No Claims Bonus protection, etc.


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  • #2251
    L-M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,694 ✭✭✭✭L-M


    LimerickCitay wrote: »
    Ladies and Gents, your advice would be most appreciated.

    I am looking to buy a car, I have my heart set on an estate as it will more often than not be filled with lads going to matches or have a bike and sleeping bag thrown in the back. It will be used almost exclusively for long trips at weekends and sit in the driveway during the week.

    I am on a tight enough budget (2500-2750 max) and was looking at the 1.2 Fabia of which there are currently three on donedeal.

    However, a friend told me today that getting an estate with a petrol engine was going to be tantamount to burning money every time I took to the road.

    Someone else then said that if I am going for an estate I need to go diesel...I am not sure why.

    Then having probed them further, they told me that the 1.9 diesel engines in Passats and Skodas from the early noughties are indestructible and if I get into one now, I will have a car for life, so to speak. As such I am now looking at 1.9 tdi Octavias from 04/05.

    So I have a number of questions:

    1) If I am going estate, do I need to go diesel?
    2) Will a petrol estate cost more week to week than a diesel anything?
    3) Are Skodas good because they are good, or are they just easy to find parts for?
    4) What else should enter the conversation when talking about hardy, spacious, reliable, economical estates?

    Much obliged!
    7


    http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/vw-golf-estate-1-9-tdi-2001/8526485?offset=3

    Buy the above and never look back! They're fantastic engine (Same as the Octavia). I have one with 210k miles on it and I sold it with 250k miles on it and it was still going like a clock!

    As for the insurance argument, it shouldn't be much more than the equivalent 1.4 etc. and definitely a lot more reliable than the 1.2/1.4 of that era also!


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