Sub £500 cars?

[Sleepy]

Was looking on cbg.ie earlier and was spotted quite a few decent enough looking runarounds for well under a grand.

Obviously, they're mainly old, small engined, few nicks and scrapes cars (96/97 Fiestas, 106's, Astras etc.). Most of 'em probably need a good service and an NCT but I'm wondering if there's anything else to be concerned about if thinking about getting one for the other half as a run to the shops car?

[ytareh]

If youre planning on getting NCT you could run into lots of expensive jobs ...pair of shocks for something japanese and slightly rare could be hundreds...rear brake imbalance on small french cars could break yer heart and wallet...ecu on a small italian etc etc or else just a pile of little jobs could soon turn your 500 euro bargain into a 1500 euro nightmare...

[Volvoboy]

Originally Posted by Sleepy

Was looking on cbg.ie earlier and was spotted quite a few decent enough looking runarounds for well under a grand.

Obviously, they're mainly old, small engined, few nicks and scrapes cars (96/97 Fiestas, 106's, Astras etc.). Most of 'em probably need a good service and an NCT but I'm wondering if there's anything else to be concerned about if thinking about getting one for the other half as a run to the shops car?

Bangernomics my good man, i'm a subscriber to this wonderfull motoring way of life.

What ya have to look at are the basics.

Driving and running fine?
Condition of the tyres?
Timing belt last done?
NCT and Tax?
These are very basic things that a half wit can check, most rules apply to buying a car like this the same as buying a 4K car.

Older jap cars are a safe bet, but beware most of 'em have had a hard life, but check the basics and you should be golden.

[Vanhalla]

<snip>

[Volvoboy]

http://www.gumtree.ie/dublin/28/49724328.html

http://www.gumtree.ie/dublin/93/49799393.html

http://www.gumtree.ie/dublin/16/49918816.html

http://www.gumtree.ie/dublin/58/48097458.html

http://www.gumtree.ie/dublin/11/49747011.html

http://www.gumtree.ie/dublin/62/49382462.html

http://www.gumtree.ie/dublin/40/49863640.html

http://www.gumtree.ie/dublin/30/49841130.html

http://www.gumtree.ie/dublin/31/46134631.html

http://www.gumtree.ie/dublin/45/49816545.html

FTW

[alias no.9]

This months Car Mechanics Magazine has an article on the mk 1 Fiat Punto and they reckon it's the best value in bargain basement motoring. Worth a read if you're looking at this end of the market even if you wouldn't touch a Punto with a barge pole.

[Sleepy]

Thanks VB! There really does seem to be some decent little motors out there if you're not bothered about style or number-plate!

Any thoughts on old Fiestas?

[itarumaa]

You should buy a car not the brand.

So instead of thinking that what would be good car brand to buy, you should see a car and make the decision based on that.

In my eyes, a car with one year NTC and maybe some tax could be worth 500e, if the same car does not have neither of those then it is worth maybe 100e, no more.

And there are things you should always remember to check, like tyres, timing belt are more important than you might think, because they can easily cost the same than the car.

Ready for NTC is usually waste of time and money, if you can get for same money a car with NTC. This because if you can see the NTC paper, you can check right away things like brakes, handbrake etc.

More you know about cars the better, but even you bought a lemon, well at least you did not spend too much money of it.

[Lex Luthor]

My mate has a 97 Almera 1.5 I think getting ready to put up for sale...Daily run about, has had it most of its life and never gave a spot of bother..PM me if you're interested

[Longboard]

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Opel/Ti...t?channel=CARS

Nct is the one downfall.

[bazz26]

How about this:

http://www.adverts.ie/showproduct.ph...t=152371&cat=2

[zilog_jones]

Originally Posted by Sleepy

Any thoughts on old Fiestas?

Watch out for rust (under fuel cap, door seams, a-pillars, etc.), noisy suspension (knocking, squeaking) is probably one or many bushings which could set you back a few hundred depending what needs to be done (rear shock mounts cost the most for me, common failure after about 8-10 years), Endura-E engines (1.3 OHV) can be crap (look for a 1.25).

Non-funtioning rear window demister, rear wiper, or heater stuck on hot or cold are common enough problems but easy fixes.

[ToxicPaddy]

I'm gonna be in the market for one next year, so something reasonably large to hold 4 adults comfortably would be the one for me.. diesel would be the preference as I'll be covering a few thousand miles in a short period of time.. lots out there, if only I had the cash now..

Tox

[Plates]

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showt...p?t=2055752995