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Advice on picking a car

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  • 21-02-2013 8:57am
    #1
    DocMcStuffins
    Registered Users Posts: 10 ✭


    Hello all,
    Long time reader, 1st time poster - need some specific advice pls.
    I have 15 yr old Micra which I love but it is falling to pieces at this stage. It has a fuel leak which will cost E350 to fix, plus 2 windows won't wind down properly, and I am sure the NCT people will find something else - so all in all, I think I'll have to bite bullet and think about replacing it.
    Money is tight, but at the same time I am reluctant to buy anything over 10 yrs old as I've seen with the Micra how much maintenance an older car needs. I am not bothered about engine performance - I'd like a 1 litre car or similar. For the most part, I drive locally, with 3hr journeys maybe once every 6 weeks or so. (I am used to the Micra so climbing slowly up hills doesn't bother me!).
    I know feck all about cars, but I would be aiming for smth bigger than a Micra. I have 2 children and already their legs are truncated in the back :-) I was thinking of something along the lines of Ford Focus size-wise. If anyone could offer any suggestions, I would be most grateful.
    Thank you.


Comments

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    #2
    natnifnolnacs
    Registered Users Posts: 755 ✭✭✭natnifnolnacs


    It will be difficult to stay with a 1 litre and go up in size of car....If you can live with the size, I would just buy a newer 5 dr micra. They are very reliable and if you buy well (ie - bring someone that knows about oily bits) you shouldn't have much maintenance to do for the first while anyway.

    If you definitely want to go up a size, a focus is a pretty good bet. They are very cheap now (€1500 will probably get you an 02/03

    something like this maybe
    http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4609032

    Just be aware, once you go over 1 litre, your tax will pretty much double.


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    #3
    Barry Barry
    Closed Accounts Posts: 494 ✭✭Barry Barry


    Whats your budget?


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    #4
    DocMcStuffins
    Registered Users Posts: 10 ✭DocMcStuffins


    Thanks for replies.
    I am pretty sure I would like to go up in actual size - I understand the tax will go up, and I presume fuel consumption will go up too?
    My budget would be not any higher than 4K.
    Thanks again.


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    #5
    JohnBoy26
    Registered Users Posts: 8,532 ✭✭✭JohnBoy26


    A focus as mentioned by another poster is a good car and is reliable. In 1.4 form though they are underpowered, the 1.6 focus better in this regard but might be too big of a step for you.

    A Corolla is another good car which is very reliable and unlike the focus, it has decent performance for a 1.4. It is also very economical and cheap to maintain.

    My last suggestion is a Mazda 3. Again these are very reliable and have adaquete performance for a 1.4. The interior quality in them is not as good as a corollas though imo.


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    #6
    MugMugs
    Registered Users Posts: 17,875 ✭✭✭✭MugMugs


    How much are you willing to spend?


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    #7
    colm_mcm
    Registered Users Posts: 73,388 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    Something like this 04 civic, very big inside, very reliable and as air conditioning

    http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4435327

    €3400


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    #8
    vectra
    Registered Users Posts: 15,511 ✭✭✭✭vectra


    ^^ I am with the Civic.


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    #9
    JohnBoy26
    Registered Users Posts: 8,532 ✭✭✭JohnBoy26


    colm_mcm wrote: »
    Something like this 04 civic, very big inside, very reliable and as air conditioning

    http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4435327

    €3400
    Nice Car but keep in mind the issues these give with the power steering and gearbox.


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    #10
    DocMcStuffins
    Registered Users Posts: 10 ✭DocMcStuffins


    Thank you.
    MugMugs- I am will to spend up to 4K.
    Actually I don't mind diving into the savings for this spend and to pay the tax. Its more the week-by-week outlay on petrol that I am bothered about. Something that is economical and reliable are probably my top priorities and that is why I am leaning towards a Corolla based on the feedback from JohnBoy26.


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    #11
    colm_mcm
    Registered Users Posts: 73,388 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    Problem with corolla is they command a premium, even the knackered ones.


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    #12
    NobodyImportant
    Registered Users Posts: 585 ✭✭✭NobodyImportant


    JohnBoy26 wrote: »
    Nice Car but keep in mind the issues these give with the power steering and gearbox.

    Is that issue not with Electric power steering on later models?


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    #13
    JohnBoy26
    Registered Users Posts: 8,532 ✭✭✭JohnBoy26


    NobodyImportant wrote: »

    Is that issue not with Electric power steering on later models?
    No that very model linked. 00-05 hatchbacks.


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    #14
    bazz26
    Registered Users Posts: 51,147 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    Mazda 3:
    View2-17706199.jpeg
    http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4605151


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    #15
    pred racer
    Registered Users Posts: 4,385 ✭✭✭pred racer


    ^^
    +1

    Thats a nice car for very reasonable money.


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    #16
    randy hickey
    Registered Users Posts: 1,935 ✭✭✭randy hickey


    What about this OP?

    http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4599058


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    #17
    anoda_username
    Registered Users Posts: 135 ✭✭anoda_username


    bazz26 wrote: »
    Mazda 3:
    View2-17706199.jpeg
    http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4605151

    This car is up as sold priced at 3200 and with 130,000 miles add from 2 days ago

    Below appears to be the same car up for 2950 and 130,000km put up today

    http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4615985


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