3-4K to spend. what car to buy?

Beano

i'm looking for a cheap to run car runabout for weekend trips to the shops. currently driving a 2001 1.2 fiat bravo so performance not a priority. Current car had 56000 miles. I've had a look on carzone and i could get a 2003 fiat punto for about 3K. Can anybody if this would be reliable? Could you recommend something reliable for about the same money?

there is also 2003 alfa 156 for 4K. would this end up being a money pit?

Could anybody recommend a mechanic who would check over a car for me?

colm_mcm

can't see how an 03 Punto can be better than an 01 Bravo - having owned both models in question. sure it's newer.

If you're specifically looking for reliability, maybe look past Italian marques

Beano

colm_mcm wrote: »

can't see how an 03 Punto can be better than an 01 Bravo - having owned both models in question. sure it's newer.

If you're specifically looking for reliability, maybe look past Italian marques

i can see what you're saying about the punto but the bodywork leaves a lot to be desired and the nct is up. well up. having said that its never given me a problem mechanically so i wouldnt mind another fiat.

Omega28

get a corolla, one of the best cars on the road for reliablity

colm_mcm

I wouldn't buy an 03 Punto for 3k when I could buy 3 00 Puntos for 3k


If you see what I mean?

Beano

colm_mcm wrote: »

I wouldn't buy an 03 Punto for 3k when I could buy 3 00 Puntos for 3k


If you see what I mean?

your opinion has been noted

Beano

Anybody else got any advice?

JimmyCrackCorn!

volvo 850 t5 or newer t5
uk nissan 200sx

joed571

just bought runaround for the wife a 99 bmw 318i newer shape 3500 euro

qz

Any conditions in relation to tax or insurance which might sway you?

babel2

a polo?

Beano

qz wrote: »

Any conditions in relation to tax or insurance which might sway you?

nothing too excessive. anything up to a 1.6L

colm_mcm

I'd look for something like a Mazda 323f

bazz26

Seat Leon:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=1129779

chrism2007

babel2 wrote: »

a polo?

+1

learned to drive in a polo.

absolute workhorse. drank hardly a drop of petrol

perfect for running around town

colm_mcm

babel2 wrote: »

a polo?

You don't own a Polo by any chance do you?

Beano

i know this doesnt meet any of the criteria i said earlier but i do like the look of this

Volvo S40

any opinions?

any recommendations for a mechanic who could check out a car for me?

babel2

colm_mcm wrote: »

You don't own a Polo by any chance do you?

no i dont. im looking to buy one.
why do you ask?

eamon234

Beano wrote: »

i know this doesnt meet any of the criteria i said earlier but i do like the look of this

Volvo S40

any opinions?

any recommendations for a mechanic who could check out a car for me?

I'd be very wary of any car that old showing mileage that low. OK it might be genuine but from my experience people who buy Volvos generally drive them
Having said that I have an 86 Volvo 340 in my shed with only 40k on it!

Beano

eamon234 wrote: »

I'd be very wary of any car that old showing mileage that low. OK it might be genuine but from my experience people who buy Volvos generally drive them
Having said that I have an 86 Volvo 340 in my shed with only 40k on it!

Turns out the mileage was 58K miles rather than 58K KM. Absolutely spotless car. Loved it as soon as i sat in it. will be mine from next tuesday. Thanks for all the advice. Dont take it personally that i ignored all of it

SV

babel2 wrote: »

no i dont. im looking to buy one.
why do you ask?

Probably because you're only ever suggesting them in threads.
Odd to suggest when when you don't own one.

colm_mcm

babel2 wrote: »

no i dont. im looking to buy one.
why do you ask?

I was wondering where the grá for Polos came from, in a lot of other threads you rave about how the Polo is great without going into specifics.

I've driven plenty of them and to me they aren't all they're cracked up to be.