€6000 Budget. What Car?

Kai · 22-01-2007 2:08pm #1

Hi,
My girlfriend has just got a new job and our working hours differ by about 1.5 hours so we are thinking of getting a 2nd car. We currently have a 99 Polo 1.0. We are also buying a house this year so the budget available for a 2nd car is pretty slim but we can afford up to 6000 euro.

We live about 30 minutes from work so im not really looking for a city type car, something around 1.4 - 1.6. What do you guys recommend ? I'm not overly worried about looks but reliability is a high concern.

rcs · 22-01-2007 2:35pm

I would highly recommend the old model Nissan Almera saloon. The new model came out in 2000, however, you should be able to pick up a good '00 of the older model for around €5,000.

From personal experience, ( I have one, 100k plus on the clock & not a days trouble with it ) & from speaking to mechanics they are one of the most reliable cars out there & the old model is more reliable than the newer one.

Best of luck

connundrum · 22-01-2007 3:03pm

A couple of options tbh.

I'd immediately suggest a Honda Civic.

Other than that, a Ford Focus is decent, I've had mixed reports back from Opel Astras, and haven't heard a bad thing about Skoda Octavias.

Of course you could stick with VW and go with a Golf or Passat.

Biro · 22-01-2007 3:41pm

A nice clean Civic saloon should be attainable for around the €6000 mark. Honda are number 1 in the reliability stakes! Mazda 323 would be a sound buy also, or as mentioned the Almeara. The newer almeara has a 1.5, and really is a sub-standard engine coming from Nissan. Might be better off with an older shape 1.4 and save on the tax! A corolla might find itself within that budget, but is usually dearer.

gary the great · 22-01-2007 7:34pm

I suggest one of these. You will get a lot of change to which yopu can put to your new house. There good looking, very reliable and have tonnes of toys.

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=526821