Buying on a budget

mcirl2

I am planning on buying in the next month or two.

My budget is about €1200. (Not a lot I know).

However, seen as everyone seems to buy new now,
surely there must be some bargains out there!!

I dont care about age. I would like something bigger preferably.


Anybody have any ideas about the best bargains out there are in terms of my budget??


Any help would be really appreciated!!

Thanks,

Mike

mike65

Cheap and big is proberly unwise. Buy in the Micra/Corsa class on that budget.

Mike.

mcirl2

You mean that it will cost an arm and a leg to run???

That is my main concern.

I already have an escort (1996) runs perfect. My bro wants to buy it from me for 600 so was thinking another few hundred could sort me out well.

Would you say a Merc 190E for 900-1000 is very risky??

Thanks

mike65

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! You're in my territory! Have you spotted a candidate?

I ran a €1900 2.0 model for 3 years. I put quite a bit into it. IF you can't be talked out of it then the areas to check are body work around the rear screen (with boot lid up), the arches, the window seals, the jacking points (Mercedes use a slightly peculiar set-up with "ports" inside the body). Check it starts cleanly and idles solid on a hot engine as well as cold (fuel/air mix is picky). The Bosche KE injection system is great when its working fine but can be a bastard to diagnose.

Mike.

dogg_r_69

How about this?
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=753216

mcirl2

I have just been looking because just need to wait until I have put the cash together.

On buyandsell there are a good few for 1000 or less.

They have 140K+ but I have heard that car can easily do high milage.

Do they take much maintainance? I could do most of the work myself once I could get the parts a reasonable prices.

Here are some candidates I have been reviewing.

http://www.buyandsell.ie/browse.php?quicksearch=&textopt=all&ofr_wan=ofr_wan&priv_trade=priv_trade&area=0&s=12&g=00703&price1=&price2=&daysonline=0&automake=44&automodel=0&caryear1=1980&caryear2=2007&bSearch=Search

Thanks,

Mike

mike65

If I were in your position I'd proberly not risk it. You might, if you can bide your time save up and look for something with some history/NCT/tax. An example that looks nice could hide many horrors and you'll have little cash for parts.

Mike.

mcirl2

Mike,

thanks for the advice.

My current car is fine and I think I will stick with it.

I think I'll save until I have 3k-4k and go to UK, Buy something that will last and will be able to afford to fix it!

cheers,

Mike

mike65

Good idea in the meantime check out www.mercedes190.co.uk they have several irish members.

Mike.

woop

ah if youre still going for it a service history and nct would be good and preferably on a toyota carina....hah