Good deal??

plastic-man

First off, I wouldn't know a lot about cars, I have, however, been looking at used cars for few months now and I have found, what I think is a good deal. Tell me what you think

VW Polo, 2002, 36000, from a SIMI garage, never crashed, few small dents (nothing major), no electric windows, 5 door, silver., comes with one year warranty.

Price: €4850 (was originally 6000).

The garage itself is very well known so theres no worries there.

Good deal?

Alanstrainor

What engine? 1.2?
Oh and is it the new shape polo?

plastic-man

engine is 1.2 and its the same model as this...

http://www.volkscity.com/images/POLO%2003%201.jpg

Bandara

thats seems like good value alright, maybe try get something like a free service thrown in in a years time and you really can't go wrong imo.

nice lookign car btw

smash

have a you got a link to it?

plastic-man

nope , I put a deposit on it and they took it down

plastic-man

What kind of other questions should I ask, before paying the rest?
Should I pay the €35 and do a full history check, even though its from a SIMI garage and it has full service history with that garage?

Eoin

Does it have power steering? I find the polo particularly heavy without it, compared to other small hatches. I wouldn't pay the guts of 5K for a car with no electrics.

Alanstrainor

eoin_s wrote: »

Does it have power steering? I find the polo particularly heavy without it, compared to other small hatches. I wouldn't pay the guts of 5K for a car with no electrics.

It's an '02 "new shape", surely it has to have power steering

Bandara

plastic-man wrote: »

What kind of other questions should I ask, before paying the rest?
Should I pay the €35 and do a full history check, even though its from a SIMI garage and it has full service history with that garage?

Yes

its pennies to pay to get a history and finance clearance in the scheme of what your planning to spend on this car

plastic-man

I suppose. I never actually asked about power steering. I naively just presumed... Would it cost a lot to get electric windows in?

Eoin

Alanstrainor wrote: »

It's an '02 "new shape", surely it has to have power steering

Probably so, but I would have thought even a VW would have elec windows in 2002.

Tipsy Mac

plastic-man wrote: »

I suppose. I never actually asked about power steering. I naively just presumed... Would it cost a lot to get electric windows in?

Would be talking too much money to consider doing it, better off getting a different car.

plastic-man

I'm feeling unsure now :o ***POLL ADDED***

SV

Wouldn't go near it for 4850...must have had some trouble selling it for 6k.

Eoin

I suppose. I never actually asked about power steering. I naively just presumed... Would it cost a lot to get electric windows in?

I doubt it would be worth your while. If you test drove it and didn't notice heavy steering, then it probably has power steering.

They are a nice looking car, but I can't see any reason for not getting a car with elec windows and some toys, especially if you have 5K to spend.

Are you sure the ad has been taken down? Dealers don't generally take them down until after they are sold, despite what they say.

Edit - just had a look on carzone, and it does seem quite well priced for a polo.

plastic-man

ClioV6 wrote: »

Wouldn't go near it for 4850...must have had some trouble selling it for 6k.

ahh now come on, I know that its not a bad deal!! the average price for a 2002 polo with mileage that low is around €6000. I doubt you could find a better deal.

plastic-man

to those who voted NO ..why exactly would you not buy this polo

galwaytt

It may not seem a bad deal.......but it's a godawful car (sorry).

Please do check about the power steering - it used to be extra on a VW (imagine that !) - if it hasn't got it...........walk away.

If it hasn't elec windows, then in all likelihood it's a very, very basic spec, and, for my money, I'd look at a different brand. In a common sense way, a Focus would be better equipped. But a small Peugeot or Renault (don't start the good/bad brand thing again, folks........), would similarly be much better equipped.

All my 0.02, as they say......

Eoin

plastic-man wrote: »

to those who voted NO ..why exactly would you not buy this polo

I voted no because it looks to be poorly equipped, and I think VW cars are generally overpriced. 5K for a 6 year old car with no electric windows is crazy money.

I agree with everything that galwaytt says. My wife had a Renault Clio, and now has a Peugeot 206. The Clio was nice and nippy, and the 206 is pretty well equipped, if a little sluggish.

crossroads07

Looks like it's a 'base' model you're looking at alright and VW are notorious for lack of kit on their base models so i'm not surprised it doesn't have electric windows etc.

If it were me I'd go for a slightly older model polo - one of the last of the previous generation. I think they went out in '01 or early '02. 3 reasons:

1. I think those are better looking.
2. When a VW model reaches end of life cycle they usually offer more kit with the cars to help sell them off...(i have one of the last of the mark 3 golf's, it's a base model but it came with electric sunroof & remote central locking - pretty unusual for that car) so you may find you'll get electric windows.
3. They're pretty reliable cars and there's a high chance you'll get a good deal on one...

That's my 2 cents. Hope it helps! Oh and you'll definitely have power steering regardless.

-Chris-

AFAIK Polos got power steering as standard in 1999.

I had a '00 Polo (previous model) and really liked it - it was my first proper car.

Price seems OK based on other's research.

Don't worry about checking the car's history - any SIMI dealer should be able to do a car history check for you and provide you with a cert that says they've investigated the car and it's clean of outstanding finance, insurance malarky etc.

Mechanically it should be ok. If the service history's with the garage then odds are any repair work would have been done through them too so they should know the history of the car well. If there was one bit to look into it's this, thought, get someone who knows what they're doing to give it a good going over.

plastic-man

I am so surprised with these poll results.

Eoin

plastic-man wrote: »

I am so surprised with these poll results.

Base spec will turn a lot of people off.

Edit - You have a good idea that it will be in good condition mechanically, and you can see it's well priced compared to other Polos out there. Don't put too much into what randomers on an internet forum say

plastic-man

AudiChris wrote: »

If there was one bit to look into it's this, thought, get someone who knows what they're doing to give it a good going over.

thanks, i've been trying to find someone who really really knows their stuff!!

L1011

plastic-man wrote: »

to those who voted NO ..why exactly would you not buy this polo

Because 4850 could get me a newer car with some spec level from a manufacturer that doesn't make depreciation-allergic cars...

plastic-man

MYOB wrote: »

Because 4850 could get me a newer car with some spec level from a manufacturer that doesn't make depreciation-allergic cars...

Slightly off the point but.. if the car manufacturer make "depreciating-allergic" cars.. then that means the cars are allergic to depreciating.. meaning they don't tend to depreciate.. Isn't that a good thing, A car that holds its value?

L1011

plastic-man wrote: »

Slightly off the point but.. if the car manufacturer make "depreciating-allergic" cars.. then that means the cars are allergic to depreciating.. meaning they don't tend to depreciate.. Isn't that a good thing, A car that holds its value?

I intend to hold on to my car until a point where its mileage is so high nobody is going to want to touch it, and replace it with a brand new one. Depreciation doesn't matter to me - a car is always going to lose money and I'd prefer to have some level of comfort as I rack up mileage. Windy windows would be an absolute no-no.

I've got 6,000km on a 5 week old car now, per example....

Also, cars at the low end that depreciate heavily are also far cheaper to begin with - you're not really losing anything unless you're the first owner trying to sell early on...

Eoin

plastic-man wrote: »

Slightly off the point but.. if the car manufacturer make "depreciating-allergic" cars.. then that means the cars are allergic to depreciating.. meaning they don't tend to depreciate.. Isn't that a good thing, A car that holds its value?

Not really if you are buying second hand, as you are getting less value for money, and hoping that you might recoup some of that money when you go on to sell it.

SV

plastic-man wrote: »

ahh now come on, I know that its not a bad deal!! the average price for a 2002 polo with mileage that low is around €6000. I doubt you could find a better deal.

I could easily find a better deal.

All VWs are overpriced.

Anyway, you say you're surprised by the poll results? That just shows how little you know..


4850 on a car with no electrics? I would aye.

Alanstrainor

Well the obvious one to consider would be a skoda fabia.

plastic-man

I did say this at the start,

plastic-man wrote: »

First off, I wouldn't know a lot about cars

as I knew some idiot would say something like..

"Anyway, you say you're surprised by the poll results? That just shows how little you know.."
no names mentioned..

To Cliov6, find a better deal on an 02 polo then!
Also here's a little hint for you.. have some idea of what your talking about

Bandara

plastic man

for an extra grand (after you haggle) this is a FAR better option for you mate

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Volkswagen/Golf/1.4..NCT.2010.ALLOYS.36K.MINT./1224704/

SV

plastic-man wrote: »

I did say this at the start,


as I know some idiot would say something like..

"Anyway, you say you're surprised by the poll results? That just shows how little you know.."

Ok then Cliov6, find a better deal on an 02 polo
Also here's a little hint for you.. have some idea of what your talking about

you're the person shelling out 4850 on a 02 polo with no electrics and you're calling me an idiot? lol

I probably won't find a better deal on a 02 polo, but that's because they're a rip off in the first place.

Eoin

Hammertime wrote: »

plastic man

for an extra grand (after you haggle) this is a FAR better option for you mate

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Volkswagen/Golf/1.4..NCT.2010.ALLOYS.36K.MINT./1224704/

Also overpriced and overrated IMO.

Bandara

eoin_s wrote: »

Also overpriced and overrated IMO.

everything is overpriced, thats the irish car market

it being overpriced is irrelevant, the guy is going to drive it for a few years and then sell it on, he'll get a hell of a lot more for a 2002 golf in 3 years than he will for a 2002 polo.

The golf is a safe roomy car, has a good reputation and does not give problems that cost a fortune to fix. Teh OP is obviously not interested in a sports car, fancy car etc etc, he's asked for help on picking somthing practical and of decent quailty and I don't think a Golf will let him down on these points.

each to their own though

Eoin

I just don't think the Mark IV golf actually has the build quality that a lot of people think it does. I can't see the resale value being that much more in 3 years time - they will both be the guts of 10 years old, so you're talking a few hundred euros in the difference.

Cocoon

If the OP is looking for something practical and of decent quality then rule out VW buy a Toyota, as for the Golf in the link it looks like its had damage to the boot in the right hand side and the rear passenger side door has been painted.

plastic-man

Hammertime, good suggestion,but, although the Golf is a decent-looking car. it knocks the insurance up big time and I think the tax is more on a 1.4 as its into the next bracket.

People are talking about depreciation loss, when they should really be talking about percentage loss as cars are obviously different values in the first place! And as cars go, the PL on a polo is quite low.

Notorious

eoin_s wrote: »

I voted no because it looks to be poorly equipped, and I think VW cars are generally overpriced. 5K for a 6 year old car with no electric windows is crazy money.

+1

Word on the street is that in these 'troubled' times, you should offer half the asking price on a used car...
Personally, I think €3,500 to €3,750 is a more reasonable price for the Polo. €4,850 is far too much.

Alanstrainor suggested a Fabia, and I can only agree;

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Skoda/Fabia/1.4-16V/1075319/ Higher mileage, but its got electrics and its a 1.4. You'd want to get someone to give it a look over beforehand though, since it won't have a guarentee. Not that a SIMI guarentee is anything to jump about...

plastic-man

Well as I said already its a good deal for that polo, in comparison to all others (regardless whether theyre overpriced in the first place). I'm not sure exactly how the car sales man would react if I offered him half.

I've already given a deposit on it and he's knocked off 1150 off the original price.

Too late to haggle further? What do you think?:rolleyes:

The tax man

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Well the obvious one to consider would be a skoda fabia.

...or the Seat Ibiza. Both the Fabia and the Ibiza will get you more equipment for your money then the Polo.

Notorious

plastic-man wrote: »

I've already given a deposit on it and he's knocked off 1150 off the original price.

Too late to haggle further? What do you think?:rolleyes:

In fairness whoever put a €6,000 tag on the polo had their head in the clouds. That could be why theres so many out there at a similar price. Did you personally get him to knock €1,150 off? Or was it just a reduction?

bazz26

OP, I'm sorry but I think you are being mugged.

Here is a 03 Polo Comfortline which I bet you would buy for close to what you are paying for a base 02:
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Volkswagen/Polo/1.2-COMFORTLINE/1231818/

-Chris-

plastic-man wrote: »

thanks, i've been trying to find someone who really really knows their stuff!!

AA will do it afaik - their guys should know their stuff.

-Chris-

bazz26 wrote: »

OP, I'm sorry but I think you are being mugged.

Here is a 03 Polo Comfortline which I bet you would buy for close to what you are paying for a base 02:
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Volkswagen/Polo/1.2-COMFORTLINE/1231818/

Thanks Bazz - Just as a comment, can anyone else who's thinking the OP's paying too much or who's suggesting other cars (Fabia, Yaris etc.) please post links to a suitable one that's within budget?

It's not really fair on the OP to say the deal they're getting is bad or the car they're buying is poor without providing a decent alternative that we can all evaluate.

My 2c...

SV

I would do that but apparently I've no idea what I'm talking about...

-Chris-

You'd be better off proving that you knew what you were talking about and eliciting an apology from the OP, rather than sulking Clio!

SV

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Ford/Focus/1.4-LX/1214103/

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Honda/Civic/1.4-SE/1193983/

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Renault/Clio/1.2-16V/1128064/

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Renault/Clio/DCI/1231985/

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Ford/Fiesta/1.25-FLIGHT/1168502/

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Peugeot/206/1.1-5/1220882/



Could stay going but...there ya go.
All of which could be got for 4 grand and all of which are better spec than the VW polo. (nicer too)


and I'm not sulking
just think it's funny when someone who admits they don't have a clue about cars says I don't have any idea what I'm talking about..heh

pator

Doesn't look to me as a good deal provided there are offers like this:
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Ford/Fiesta/STEEL-11/1225797/
or that one:
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Ford/Focus/STYLE-5DR/1223250/
( Just a small hint: look at the registration year. )
And there is also a 750 discount - although I am not sure if it is already in the price.
Has anyone dealt with them recently? Are these real prices???

-Chris-

ClioV6 wrote: »

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Ford/Focus/1.4-LX/1214103/

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Honda/Civic/1.4-SE/1193983/

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Renault/Clio/1.2-16V/1128064/

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Renault/Clio/DCI/1231985/

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Ford/Fiesta/1.25-FLIGHT/1168502/

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Peugeot/206/1.1-5/1220882/



Could stay going but...there ya go.
All of which could be got for 4 grand and all of which are better spec than the VW polo. (nicer too)


and I'm not sulking
just think it's funny when someone who admits they don't have a clue about cars says I don't have any idea what I'm talking about..heh

Fair play!

White Focus?? Why isn't there a little "puke" smiley?
Clios and 206 would intrigue me if I were in the OP's position.

pator wrote: »

Doesn't look to me as a good deal provided there are offers like this:
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Ford/Fiesta/STEEL-11/1225797/
or that one:
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Ford/Focus/STYLE-5DR/1223250/
( Just a small hint: look at the registration year. )
And there is also a 750 discount - although I am not sure if it is already in the price.
Has anyone dealt with them recently? Are these real prices???

I'd presume they're real prices. Merlin stack 'em high and sell 'em cheap. I heard they're ok to deal with.
Both those cars look outside the OP's budget though.