Reliability, Economy AND Safety

Vegeta · 07-08-2008 7:17pm #1

Hey folks my car is getting on in life 97 corolla xli approaching 190,000 miles and I have been thinking about a replacement

So in order of importance I am looking at
Reliability
Economy
Safety.

What in your opinion is the most reliable, economic and safe car for around 5 grand (not a lot to work with I know but I'm a tight arse)

crosstownk · 07-08-2008 7:29pm

Another Corolla, if you can find one. Your current one has made it to 190,000 miles and you're only 'thinking' about a replacement. Reliability is top of your list, followed by economy. Yep, I'd say another Toyota.

Volvoboy · 07-08-2008 7:36pm

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Toyota/Avensis/2.0-D4D/1074603/

Or

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/BMW/520/nct-0410/1118348/

Or

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Audi/A6/car/1130190/

Vegeta · 07-08-2008 7:38pm

The corolla is a bit of a tin can compared to anything even remotely modern though and if I was in a crash I'd say I'd be fudged

The economy is also quite poor on mine considering its a 1.3, 38mpg ish

So I was hoping something in the high 40 or even 50mpg bracket that will start when I turn the key and has a decent level of safety. It can be as ugly and boring as it wants

I have access to faster cars (via petrol head brothers) when the mood takes me

Vegeta · 07-08-2008 7:41pm

Volvoboy wrote: »

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Toyota/Avensis/2.0-D4D/1074603/

Just a few more miles than mine on the clock

What kind of mpg would a 520d or 320d get?

Volvoboy · 07-08-2008 7:49pm

Vegeta wrote: »

Just a few more miles than mine on the clock

What kind of mpg would a 520d or 320d get?

LOL, just thought id throw it in for fun.

crosstownk · 07-08-2008 7:49pm

Vegeta wrote: »

T

So I was hoping something in the high 40 or even 50mpg bracket that will start when I turn the key and has a decent level of safety.

Then you'll need a diesel. At €5k the choice will be limited, you might get a bargain if you look towards the French brands.....

Vegeta · 07-08-2008 7:53pm

crosstownk wrote: »

Then you'll need a diesel. At €5k the choice will be limited, you might get a bargain if you look towards the French brands.....

well I could stretch it a bit I suppose ( to 6000 or 6500) but just looking for models really

What annoys me is I could get reliability and economy pretty easily in a small car (diesel Lupo) but after seeing the saloon versus min cars on here lately I want a safer car.

crosstownk · 07-08-2008 7:57pm

French cars are usually quite safe and diesels are quite economical. The diesel engines are usually good, but depending on brand, certain electronic gremlins can manifest themselves.