€10,000 for a used car. Your recommendation?

Zakalwe

First of all let me preface this by saying I don't know a great deal about cars. I can change a tire, keep her topped up with oil, coolant etc and bring her in for servicing. I don't know much about makes, model and what's "good".

Next July I'm going to be finally free from student debt and will be chucking the old punto. I'm 27, male, will have 3 years NCB by then and live in Dublin.

I want to start getting a feeler for what I want next year.

I want a reliable car that looks decent and is comfortable to drive.
I've no interest in body kits, tinted windows or other such things.
If I need parts I'd rather they didn't cost several body parts and need to be flown in from Malaysia.
Electric windows, central locking, airbags and not easy for some 17 year old scumbag to steal would be nice.

Like I said I know little about makes/models, but something like the following car looks decent to my uneducated eyes.

http://search.autotrader.ie/www/cars_advert?country=IE&orderby=neg_price&currency=EUR&make_id_EQI=Alfa+Romeo&model_EQS=0&specified_price_GT=0&specified_price_LT=10000&county_list=3_4_5_6_7_10_11_12_13_14_15_16_18_19_20_21_22_23_24_25_26_28_29_30_31_32&x=34&y=9&locale=atie.CARS.1&id=200545177799977


Your suggestions would be much appreciated.

jesus_thats_gre

I bought a lovely 01 Nissan Primera there about 2 months ago. Fully spec'd with Sun Roof, Spots, 6 CD Changer, electrics, airbags, remote locking, plenty of space, body coloured everything etc, 45,000 miles and a year warranty for €9,500.. Its good to drive, if a little firm, and is very comfortable.

Pretty much identical to this, only a saloon:

http://www.cbg.ie/Car_detail.asp?CBGID=162122&ID=580606&NumPics=1&Make=Nissan&Model=Primera&frmFilter=Year

PlayaFlow

first you gotta tell us what body type u want
coupe/ saloon/hatchback??? etc

what engine size would also help out alot ?? 1.1 - 1.6 or above 2l ??:D


I personally for 10 grand would look into a honda prelude 2.2 vti 98 onwards

Zakalwe

Thanks so far lads, the primera is now on my list of possible cars.

I don't want to spend a fortune on petrol, but I'd like something with a bit of poke, so as far as engine size goes you can take that into account.

Body type: Based on pure asthetics I have to say I prefer a saloon or a coupe over a hatchback.

The honda prelude seems like more of a car enthusiasts car to me. Would I be right in saying so? For someone who wouldn't be bothered with modifications and just wants a comfortable reliable nice looking motor would it be suitable?

maidhc

Primeras, Mondeos, Passats, Boras and the Toyotas Avensis would all be worth considering, would be reliable, and would suit your budget.

That size car definately represents the best value for money secondhand. You almost pay as much for a Punto size car, and sometimes more for a Golf.

Of the above I only drove the Avensis 2.0TD, 2.0D4D and 1.6. the D4D was the nicest, the 1.6 was breathless. Very comfortable car though, and the saloon looks ok (from the back it resembles a 3series imo, but since they both look bland...)

Mondeo will depreciate hard, but it feels a stronger car.

I think you should really consider a Passat or Bora too.

Uuuh Patsy

Pick yerself up an A4. Touch a class! What do you want your car to say about you?

Uuuh Patsy

Uuuh Patsy wrote:

Pick yerself up an A4. Touch a class! What do you want your car to say about you?

You can get a bargin on ex fleet a4s at the car auctions. Not for the faint of heart though.

maidhc

A4 is another good idea, BUT

The parts that are Audi specific can be expensive. In particualr im talking about bumpers, bonnets, lights and bits in the suspension. Crash one and you will know all about it...

ds20prefecture

Zakalwe wrote:

Like I said I know little about makes/models, but something like the following car looks decent to my uneducated eyes. http://search.autotrader.ie/www/cars_advert?country=IE&orderby=neg_price&currency=EUR&make_id_EQI=Alfa+Romeo&model_EQS=0&specified_price_GT=0&specified_price_LT=10000&county_list=3_4_5_6_7_10_11_12_13_14_15_16_18_19_20_21_22_23_24_25_26_28_29_30_31_32&x=34&y=9&locale=atie.CARS.1&id=200545177799977

10k for a 4 y.o. 1.6 156 is well overpriced. Excellent car, but because of their poor reliability reputation, their second-hand value is atrocious. You will have lots of people advise you to steer clear of the Alfa because of this reputation, and lots of people telling you that they are the greatest car ever. This poll might help put things into perspective: http://tinyurl.com/7ayjx

bazz26

Have a look at Ford Mondeo which is a comfortable car and reliable, they depreciate hard so a 2001 model like this will fit your budget:
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=287040

Also as already mentioned look at the Nissan Primera and Toyota Avensis. Some people think they are dull and boring but they make a good second hand buy and thieves/scumbags are rarely interested in them:
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=285429

Another one to look at is the VW Passat:
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=302159
The diesel is the pick of the bunch though:
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=322658

If the above are a bit big then also consider the Skoda Octavia or Seat Toledo which are fine cars:
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=303107
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=307991
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=293516

Zakalwe

Thanks lads, I've been scouting around a lot over the past few days based on your suggestions.

What do you all think of the Prius? The technophile in me loves the idea of a hybrid engine. I'm sure my pocket would enjoy the ~70MPG and there's the environmental factor as well I suppose.

The only down factor I can think of is the fact that more complexity in the engine department is going to mean less reliability.

Has anyone driven one or owned one that could comment?

Eoin

Zakalwe wrote:

Thanks lads, I've been scouting around a lot over the past few days based on your suggestions.

What do you all think of the Prius? The technophile in me loves the idea of a hybrid engine. I'm sure my pocket would enjoy the ~70MPG and there's the environmental factor as well I suppose.

The only down factor I can think of is the fact that more complexity in the engine department is going to mean less reliability.

Has anyone driven one or owned one that could comment?

Also, it would presumably tie you into the Dealer network for most servicing, limiting your choice. Someone made a good point in an earlier thread about this, that they are probably not all that ecologically friendly due to the materials that are required to build it.

I just know this is going to kick off YAAT (yet another alfa thread), but:
The 156 is a nice car, with the following caveats:

1) Servicing and parts are probably more than most other saloons in the same range

2) They do require more TLC than other saloons, particularly Japanese ones. However, if they are looked after they should not cause any problems. As I alluded to earlier, there are loads of Alfa threads here, with contributions from Alfa owners - myself included. Have a look back, and read the comments, but try to ignore the ones that are not based on any personal experience at all.

3) Depreciation is a killer, as I found out much to my dismay. Don't pay any more than 10K tops, as it will seriously drop in value - especially as there is a newer model out now with the face lift. Don't go too cheap though at the same time, a good range would be 7 to 9.5K as this will get you a nice car for your money, but not too old at the same time.

4) The MPG isn't great, it is a nippier car than many in it's range - and fuel consumption is high enough. For example, the 1.6 model you mentioned earlier comes with about 120BHP which I would think would be a good bit more than other 1.6 saloons.

Edit:
The one in the advert is a sportivo trim (most of the 1.6 models come with this as standard). I would recommend going for this trim if you can find it*; you get a carbon fibre centre console, side skirts, CD, leather steering wheel & gear knob and 16" alloys. None of these look tacky at all, and set off the overall styling of the car nicely.

*And no, I am not plugging my car, it is off the market

maidhc

You wont get much of a Prius for 10k. It would certainly be a mk1, which by all accounts was dog slow.

Also in "normal" driving a prius will not return anything like 70mpg. Instead it will return the MPG of a 1.5l car that has to carry around batteries.

If you want to do your bit for the environment buy a small petrol or diesel. Or walk/cycle/take bus as much as possible.

ds20prefecture

Zakalwe wrote:

What do you all think of the Prius? The technophile in me loves the idea of a hybrid engine. I'm sure my pocket would enjoy the ~70MPG and there's the environmental factor as well I suppose.

The only down factor I can think of is the fact that more complexity in the engine department is going to mean less reliability.

I wouldn't share that concern.

Unlike the noise about Alfa's unreliability, Toyota's recent reputation for reliability seems to be well earned.

bazz26

Zakalwe wrote:

Thanks lads, I've been scouting around a lot over the past few days based on your suggestions.

What do you all think of the Prius? The technophile in me loves the idea of a hybrid engine. I'm sure my pocket would enjoy the ~70MPG and there's the environmental factor as well I suppose.

The only down factor I can think of is the fact that more complexity in the engine department is going to mean less reliability.

Has anyone driven one or owned one that could comment?

For €10k you are looking at a late 1990s MkI Prius. There is no way you are going to get near 70mpg out of it. As far as I know the electric engine only cuts in at low speed and the normal 1.5 litre petrol engine runs at other speeds. As they cost alot more to buy up front than other standard cars of similar age and size, the small savings you make on petrol will still not offset the initial pay out on the car itself. So unless you are better known as Swampy I would avoid this car.

As a first car you are better off sticking with something more convensional and practical, if mpg is a major concern then may be a diesel is a better option but insurance may be an issue as diesels have come along way in the last number of years.

Bluehair

With an admition of some bias (I own this one) how about a Rover 75?

I picked this up in the UK late last summer (it's a 00, Connoiseur CDT) and after paying VRT it came to just under €10k.

For that I've got a beautiful car (inside and out) with full cream leather seats and walnut wood trim, electric and heated seats, dual climate control, 2L diesel (plenty of power but great mpg) and a superb and comfortable drive especially for motorway trips.

May be a bit 'pipe and slippers' for some tastes but I love mine

Zakalwe

bazz26 wrote:

For €10k you are looking at a late 1990s MkI Prius. There is no way you are going to get near 70mpg out of it. As far as I know the electric engine only cuts in at low speed and the normal 1.5 litre petrol engine runs at other speeds. As they cost alot more to buy up front than other standard cars of similar age and size, the small savings you make on petrol will still not offset the initial pay out on the car itself. So unless you are better known as Swampy I would avoid this car.

The environmental issue isn't a major concern, but it's nice to have if a car has everything else you want. My drawing to it was more from a love of gadgetry. On paper it sounds cool, but I'll yield to those with the superior knowledge in these cases.

bazz26 wrote:

As a first car you are better off sticking with something more convensional and practical, if mpg is a major concern then may be a diesel is a better option but insurance may be an issue as diesels have come along way in the last number of years.

This will be my 2nd car. As I said in the first post, I'm 27 and have been driving for a few years. Insurance isn't a major concern for me.

Bluehair wrote:

With an admition of some bias (I own this one) how about a Rover 75?

I picked this up in the UK late last summer (it's a 00, Connoiseur CDT) and after paying VRT it came to just under €10k.

For that I've got a beautiful car (inside and out) with full cream leather seats and walnut wood trim, electric and heated seats, dual climate control, 2L diesel (plenty of power but great mpg) and a superb and comfortable drive especially for motorway trips.

May be a bit 'pipe and slippers' for some tastes but I love mine

That car just exudes class. I am seriously stunned. I thought a Rover would cost a lot more and didn't even think to look at one. What sort of mileage are we looking at here? Are there any caveats such as pricing of parts or reliability?

Bluehair

Zakalwe wrote:

That car just exudes class. I am seriously stunned. I thought a Rover would cost a lot more and didn't even think to look at one. What sort of mileage are we looking at here? Are there any caveats such as pricing of parts or reliability?

It's funny because a lot of 'not into car' types (e.g. my girlfriends mates) all just assumed it's a jag, even after being driven around in it. The car had 66k miles on it when I bought(which is nothing for a diesel).

Rovers untimely end means that second hand values are very low (My own spec would have cost close to €45k new!) but many people in the UK are waking up to how much of a bargain the 75 is. Car Mechanic magazine have done 2 front-page issues in the last twelve months promoting it as a great buy.

Bear in mind the car was designed and built while BMW owned Rover and it contains many Bmw parts, in fact the 2L diesel is the same engine that's in the 3-series! It's chain driven too so no timing belt to worry about.

Reliability is great though I must admit mines getting the clutch done today due to a slave cylinder problem. Parts are a non-issue and both cheap and easy to get despite Rover going under.

There's a great mg-rover owners forum running in the UK who have just got a 75/ZT owners club up and running. One of the guys even designed and made a tdi tuning module especially for the 75! (brings bhp from 116 to 144!). To be honest if you prefer a more 'sporty' feel to a car it's probably not for you. If however like me you like to waft comfortably along the motorway at 120kph with a warm bum cosy in the leather seats with the climate control making it nice and toasty while the world outside are freezing their arses off... then you'd love it


Since you're interested here's a few pictures of the interior to give you a flavour for that too.

bmoferrall

Bluehair wrote:

Since you're interested here's a few pictures of the interior to give you a flavour for that too.

Whoa. That's a lot of car for 10K!
Looked great from the outside Bluehair. Looks even better on the inside.
Very astute purchase indeed.

maidhc

Very interesting purchase, very classy looking car.

AFAIK rover offloaded the spare parts division to CAT many moons ago. However I would suspect in the years to come parts will get slightly rare (it certainly happed with previous abandoned BMC machines(e.g. Nuffield, Marshall).

Still for 10k, you can hardly go wrong and by the time the parts start to get rare you will be able to buy a donor car (if thats what you are into... )

Eoin

Bluehair wrote:

Since you're interested here's a few pictures of the interior to give you a flavour for that too.

That is an absolutely fantastic looking dash - would love to be looking at something like that in the car. Zakalwe, in quite stark contrast, this is the dash from my car and probably the same as the one in the advert you linked to.

The CD area looks quite ugly because I bought it from the states, and didn't fit the proper facia, so it doesn't blend in as well as the original.

Zakalwe

Since you're interested here's a few pictures of the interior to give you a flavour for that too.

I think I'm in love. Everything about that car is simply beautiful.

I had forgotten about Rover going under, but am happy to hear that parts will be available if I decide to follow your lead.

You guys have no idea how hard it has been to drive a box on wheels so I could afford to go back to college at nights. It's my final year though and I'll soon be debt free. A car like that would make a perfect graduation present to myself!

Bluehair

Thanks for all the compliments folks Tbh I waited a while to get the colour/spec I wanted and ended up going to the UK to get it. As with every marque the Irish 75s ended up with a lower spec than the UK ones. Whatever you do don't go for the classic spec there isn't even aircon!

I do love the car but I must admit it gives me a smug sense of satisfaction to know it cost a helluva lot less to buy/insure/run than anything even roughly similar in looks or comfort.

Zakalwe wrote:

You guys have no idea how hard it has been to drive a box on wheels so I could afford to go back to college at nights. It's my final year though and I'll soon be debt free. A car like that would make a perfect graduation present to myself!

Believe me I've been there. In fact I'm back in college as a mature student now (you should see the looks the car gets from the profs as I drive into the car park! ) I spent roughly 10 years driving a series of bangers to get me around and felt I deserved my 'dream car' after all that. The fact that it wasn't going to cost crazy money helped too

Dunno where in college you are but I'm in DCU and if you're around there you're welcome to have a look at the car in person sometime and see if it's the kind of thing you'd really like.

If you do decide to go down that road then the UK is the best way to go. The closest thing I could find to my own car (but without the leather) here in Ireland was €14k..

layke

Buy a comfortline Golf.

Great cars, reliable & will supply all your comfort needs.

Eoin

layke wrote:

Buy a comfortline Golf.

Great cars, reliable & will supply all your comfort needs.

For that kind of cash you are talking about the Mark IV, which isn't as reliable as you would think. I owned one for a year before my Alfa, and I had a few problems like bulbs constantly going, throttle control (or something) sticking frequently. The cup holders etc around the dash were very fragile.

Unlike the Alfa, the resale value is good - however the flip side of this is that you may feel you are paying over the odds for what you are actually getting.

faigs

layke wrote:

Buy a comfortline Golf.

Great cars, reliable & will supply all your comfort needs.

I agree, a TDI, plenty of power and comfort. Don't go near a Rover, they went into liquidation and no longer hold any value. Will also be hard to get parts for.

Golf's on the other hand are humble but classy, and hold their value better than any car I know.

faigs

A Mark IV is very reliable in Diesel, not in petrol - from a mechanics experience who sells a lot of them.

dingding

Had a 1.4 mark IV. Very little power and it seemed to use a lot of oil. Would not recommend one.

ds20prefecture

The Rover 75 diesel is a metric mile ahead of the Mk IV Golf in terms of space, performance, comfort, ability and style. As long as you buy it at the right price, they are an excellent ownership proposition.

Do not listen to parts availability nonsense - if parts are available for my 1972 Citroën DS, believe me they're available for a BMW powered modern rover.

The only objection I have to the 75 is the deliberately under-powered engine and somewhat retro styling (just my preference). Miles nicer than the X or S-type Jaguars, though.

The Rover was undoubtedly over-priced when new, which led to it's lack of popularity here. Now that they're a bargain, go for it.

maidhc

I think if it was my money I would seriously consider the 75, but in the end would probably go for a Mondeo or Passat. I wouldnt pay €15k for the 75, but at €10 it remains the most interesting proposition so far.

@ds20,
You have a Citroen DS? Nice.

unkel

ds20prefecture wrote:

The Rover 75 diesel is a metric mile ahead of the Mk IV Golf in terms of space, performance, comfort, ability and style. As long as you buy it at the right price, they are an excellent ownership proposition

Well said. The diesel was (deliberately?) underpowered by BMW so it should easily chip to around the 140-150bhp mark

@€;10k it's a lot of car for the money

Normally I'm not the biggest fan of black, but it sure looks good on your car, Bluehair

Bluehair

unkel wrote:

Well said. The diesel was (deliberately?) underpowered by BMW so it should easily chip to around the 140-150bhp mark

@€;10k it's a lot of car for the money

Normally I'm not the biggest fan of black, but it sure looks good on your car, Bluehair

Thanks I waited to find one in black for a while, all polished and waxed it looks great.

You're right about BMW deliberatly de-tuning the engine which was part of the arrangement to allow Rover to put it in the 75, basically they just didn't want to allow it to compete with the 3-series directly.

As you mention many owners remap it (in fact Upsolute here can do it) to close to 150bhp. Alternatively you can get a tuning box to achieve the same end. I was going to go for the former but got a 75 specific tuning box from a member of the mg-rover club for GBP £99, brings bhp from 114 to about 144 and has now got fantastic power where it matters (i.e 40-60 and 50-70).

unkel

Bluehair wrote:

got a 75 specific tuning box from a member of the mg-rover club for GBP £99, brings bhp from 114 to about 144 and has now got fantastic power where it matters (i.e 40-60 and 50-70).

£99? :eek:

Looks like you are used to getting value for money

How much did the torque go up?

Bluehair

unkel wrote:

£99? :eek:

Looks like you are used to getting value for money

How much did the torque go up?

From 'Rover_rons' rolling road printout; 40% more torque AT 2000rpm, 30% more at 1500rpm, 45-50% more bhp at 4000rpm. His latest results are here.

Overall he reckons you're getting 95% of max torque from 1900 - 3500rpm now with, say, 50-70 in about 7 seconds in 5th (quicker than a 330d!).

I'm fitting a new mafam too (which he also produces specifically for the 75) for £50 which should ensure I get the most out of unit.

Kell Tr

Hi,
i have an immaculate 1999 Honda civic 2 dr coupe its really flash but all std from factory it has full service histroy with 55000 miles i am willing to let it go for 9000€, call 0873857331, Private sale.

ambro25

Skoda Octavia - with no hesitation whatsoever.

VW reliablity and build, minus the badge psyche = Champagne at Cava price.

Fairly good score on the ole bland-o-meter, though - but no more than earlier propositions... in fact, a bit less

Or *if you're feeling adventurous* (although you don't seem the type, from your earlier posts), a '98 / '99 Impreza 2.0L (non-turbo) from the UK. A clean, good, unmodified/unabused 1- or 2- previous owners, under 65kmiles, with HPI/RAC check/Logistics/VRT, should come in at or just below your €10k mark.

They don't come much more reliable than that. Looks are... an acquired taste (but it grows on you ), interior is no-frills but functional and perfectly laid out. More of a knacker magnet than a Passat, but they usually turn tail as soon as they spot it's not a turbo (which is easy: no bonnet 'scoop'). Better off servicing in UK, avoid IE main dealers (differential of some 650% - don't say I didn't warn you!).

positron

Considering a new (secondhand) car on new year, and I have exact similar requirements to that of maidhc! Sorry for butting in maidhc, but this has been a very useful thread, and my list at the moment looks like this, in that order:

Skoda Octavia/Fabia
Audi A4/A3
Rover 75 (its a bit too classy for me, still...)
May be Alfa and possible Hyundai Coupe (02 or newer models)

Though Octavia is on top of my list, it is a bit boring when it comes to the looks, especially the dash etc. May be its just the model that I checked out. Any comments?

Gaz25

I'm looking to buy a car myself after i get back from holidays in the new year.
I would recommend one of these makes:

*VW Volkswagen Golf
*Ford Focus
*Seat Leon/Cordoba

The main thing about the 3 are they are all very reliable and they are built to last. My first choice would have to the VW Golf.

Best of luck

el diablo

ds20prefecture wrote:

The Rover 75 diesel is a metric mile ahead of the Mk IV Golf in terms of space, performance, comfort, ability and style. As long as you buy it at the right price, they are an excellent ownership proposition.

ha, ha, I laughed out loud when I read this. Rovers are the worst cars on the road and I certainly wouldn`t reccommend them.....

I`d take the Golf MK IV any day...... it`s far classier and far better resale value...

unkel

el diablo wrote:

ha, ha, I laughed out loud when I read this. Rovers are the worst cars on the road and I certainly wouldn`t reccommend them.....

I`d take the Golf MK IV any day...... it`s far classier

I think you'll find there are a few people out here laughing about your post now

maidhc

ds20prefecture wrote:

What an incredibly well thought out post.:rolleyes:

By the way, in English, the apostrophe looks like this ' not `. I only point this out as it somewhat degrades the value of your opinion when you appear to struggle with a simple device like a keyboard. I cannot imagine how trying choosing something as complex as a car must be for you.

A bit harsh.

I know NOTHING about Rovers, but I presume since Rover are dead, and VW are far from it, many people feel this way. I know this is a simplification and totaly ignores the crap cars (25, 45), the unions, and bad management that probably contibuted significantly.

(I think someone gave me the credit of being the OP... )

junkyard

I'd say a Ford Focus would be worth considering as they're very reliable and good spec too for the price.

maidhc

junkyard wrote:

I'd say a Ford Focus would be worth considering as they're very reliable and good spec too for the price.

I think fords are the most maligned and under rated cars on the road.

el diablo

ds20prefecture wrote:

What an incredibly well thought out post.:rolleyes:

By the way, in English, the apostrophe looks like this ' not `. I only point this out as it somewhat degrades the value of your opinion when you appear to struggle with a simple device like a keyboard. I cannot imagine how trying choosing something as complex as a car must be for you.

no need for the insults. I just made a simple observation. perhaps you should step away from your P.C. and get a life.you seem to have far too much time on your hands.....:rolleyes:

junkyard

In fairness to Ford they have come a long way in the last few years, but the older one's, around the 80's to 90's were a bit of a joke. The engine in the Escorts was the same one from the 80's to the last one and was getting dated for sure but the Ford range of today has certainly got its act together. Fords are nothing flash but they are a great middle of the road car.

unkel

junkyard wrote:

In fairness to Ford they have come a long way in the last few years, but the older one's, around the 80's to 90's were a bit of a joke

I never liked Fords much in general but I have a lot of respect for FMC in how they completely turned around quality issues. Never mind Ford branded cars over here*. Over the last decade they have turned pieces of utter crap that disintegrated by looking at them, like the Jaguar XJ-series and the Range Rover into reliable cars on a par with or even more reliable than BMW and Mercedes

I suppose we'll have to live with the other side of the coin. Aston Martins having Ford Mondeo buttons. The Jaguar X-Type being a Ford Mondeo with an extra pair of driven wheels

* As an aside, both the original Focus and the Mondeo Mk II were class leaders when introduced. A lot of good things can be said about recent Fiestas too. Did I mention Ka or Puma?

Borzoi

ds20prefecture wrote:

By the way, in English, the apostrophe looks like this ' not `. I only point this out as it somewhat degrades the value of your opinion when you appear to struggle with a simple device like a keyboard. I cannot imagine how trying choosing something as complex as a car must be for you.

Yeah, yeah, call the grammer police:rolleyes: No need for it ds20.

maidhc

unkel wrote:

* As an aside, both the original Focus and the Mondeo Mk II were class leaders when introduced.

Was the MkII not just a MKI with a different bonnet and boot?

I think the turnaround happened in 1993 with the launch of the Mondeo MkI. The first nice ford to drive, with fine Zetec engines, Mazda V6. (Only the Diesel (my car) was the fly in the ointment, but in comparison to the Primera and Carina of the era it was a flyer.)

The modeo also proved to be reliable, and soon after its launch ford went about fixing the rotten 91 model escort, which they had right be 1995. Then they fixed the Fiesta, and brought out the 1.25 yamaha engine. Jaguar started to improve within about the same timeframe.

Fey!

There are a few cars mentioned above that I'd agree with, those being the Rover 75 (class car), the Focus (seems reliable), any Honda (reliable, although I've driven a couple of '96 to '99 Civics recently and wouldn't go back to them - I traded my '95 Civic Coupe for a '95 Accord Coupe), and the Skoda Octavia (how many Skoda taxis do you see these days?). The Skoda also comes in a model called the Superb, which offers a lot more legroom.

For €10,000, you could also get a very good '98/'99 BMW 520 or 523 with (Nikosil).

Con_316

Hello. I'm a bit late joining in with this but Have you considered a volvo? Only real problems are that there arent many dealers and body parts are expensive due to being made of high grade materials and things like doors and bumpers being re-enforced for safety. You can get a great volvo for 10k or less. Since you're 27 and have NCB, and the fact people (including insurance companies) think theyre really safe and sensible, insurance on lets say , a 2 litre volvo is actuallty better than many smaller "young people's cars". Theyre very comfortable and very reliable. at least the ones ive had and/ or driven. V40 1.8, S40 T-4, S80 2.0 and 2.4, 440 and 460.
A neighbour of mine has an '88 340 with 198,000 miles that's just passed it's nct for two years and now work's been done to it since last time apart from oil changes. Now thats an achievement