2nd hand motor for 5 grand

mkennedy · 21-04-2007 6:55pm #1

hi.
just wondering if some of the experts here can advise me.
I can spend about 5000 on a car-6000 at a stretch.

i'm considering either a newish (2000-2001) small car e.g polo/ corsa/fiesta or an older bigger car (thinking about something like a megane/corolla circa late 90's).

i'm thinking when it comes to small cars I should be able to get a trouble-free post-2000 one easily enough for under 5000. is this right.

on the other hand i'm wondering would it be worth going for a slightly bigger older car e.g megane, corolla etc.

my main concern would be reliability tbh-don't care too much about fancy extras but wouldn't mind something with a bit of power as well.

i'm guessing I wouldn't be spoiled for choice with a budget of 5000 when it comes to mid-size motors but as long as it's reliable i'd be happy with a late 90s car.
do such cars exist and what would you recommend.
thanks.

tuxy · 21-04-2007 7:46pm

Well since realiability is the main thing you want, Toyota and Honda come to mind.
Something like this
http://carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=659636
or
http://www.usedcars.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=577294

Those prices are only asking prices and you should be able to get it reduced by a few hundred especially if you pay in cash.

So you can get a reliable mid sized car (post 2000) for about 5k

bazz26 · 21-04-2007 7:46pm

mkennedy · 21-04-2007 8:27pm

thanks.
the mazda, astra and green corolla look ok for the money.

there seem to be dealers as well as private sellers in there. should I be wary of dealers selling in this way.

also I forgot to ask about running costs for a mid-size car compared to a small one-things like fuel economy, servicing insurance and tax. how would these be affected.
(e.g average corolla vs average polo say).
is there a huge difference generally.

and what is the most significant factor in determining such a difference-is it engine size.

also, what's the best place to look for a second hand car- online or paper.
thanks.

Webmonkey · 21-04-2007 8:49pm

mkennedy wrote:

there seem to be dealers as well as private sellers in there. should I be wary of dealers selling in this way.

No I doubt it, you shouldn't be any more wary than with private sellers. A lot (probably most) dealers sell online these days. That said be careful, there have being known scams on carzone.ie.

mkennedy wrote:

also I forgot to ask about running costs for a mid-size car compared to a small one-things like fuel economy, servicing insurance and tax. how would these be affected.

Fuel economy, for 1.4's wouldn't be too bad but that depends on the car. Some 1.6's could be as economical as other 1.4's. Depends on car but research it.

Servicing - as far as i know, toyota garages charge a bit more for repairs and stuff but i could be wrong on this.

mkennedy wrote:

and what is the most significant factor in determining such a difference-is it engine size.

Insurance typically deals on what litre CC, the engine is along with a few more factors but i would imagine that the main one.

mkennedy wrote:

also, what's the best place to look for a second hand car- online or paper.
thanks.

I would go online - more than likely find what you want there and a hell lot more than would be listed on your local paper. But then again, keep an eye on the paper as well as some people wouldn't bother advertising online and you might end up missing a bargain there.

Stephen · 21-04-2007 8:56pm

Carzone.ie is, in my experience, the best place to find used cars in Ireland.

drdre · 21-04-2007 9:28pm

yes carzone is your best bet.Its got so much choice.I would go for something like a golf or polo.

tuxy · 21-04-2007 9:29pm

mkennedy wrote:

thanks.
the mazda, astra and green corolla look ok for the money.

there seem to be dealers as well as private sellers in there. should I be wary of dealers selling in this way.

I have a green corolla like that only mine is a saloon. It's my first car and am very happy with it. Insurance will vary for different people but once you are over 21 there should be very little difference between insuring a 1 litre and 1.4.
As for fuel I havn't gauged it exactly but I think i'm getting about 35 mpg. Haven't needed to stop at the fuel pumps too often anyway.

Spitfire666 · 22-04-2007 1:07pm

You could pick up a peugeot 206 for that money i fits a small car you wanted. i got a 1.4 '01 last year for about 6500.

Im hoping to sell mine on soon as i dont need to worry about fuel economy or insurance now.

mise · 30-04-2007 11:48am

Just bought my first car, 99 Megane 1.4, found it on carzone. Got a good deal comparing it to some of the 1 litres you will look at. The insurance was the was cheaper than a 99 Corsa 1L

Henry Ford III · 30-04-2007 12:58pm

Depends on what kind of driving you want to do.

A friend bought a 1.25 16v Fiesta recently and is very happy with it.

Jrad · 30-04-2007 10:00pm

Ive gota silver 3 door corolla 99 that i wil be selling in the next two weeks. Perfect condition and has never given any problems in any way shape or form. Its up in dublin right now, nct till 09

HashSlinging · 01-05-2007 7:26am

Heres an '02 seat leon for 4999

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=633259

2nd hand motor for 5 grand

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