Car for about 2k?

mossysheehan

Hey. On the lookout for a new car. Something reliable. not too powerful. What should i stay away from? What's reliable?

Also. Whats the difference in a vauxhall and an opel?

Something like these. Although 3k kinda stretching it a bit.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Ford/Focus/1.6-GHIA/200906191733682/advert?channel=CARS
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Peugeot/406/200840190256758/advert?channel=CARS
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Opel/Astra/200916192507529/advert?channel=CARS
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Toyota/Corolla/1.3/200909191991060/advert?channel=CARS

Thanks for any input...

bladebrew

a vauxhall is the same as an opel,there badged for sale as opels in ireland and vauxhall in the uk,

is that price for the 406 right? €2950 for a 2003? the focus is nice id prefer the hatchback version though,the only complaints i have heard on here about them is that the 1.4 petrol is underpowered,a guy in work has one and it dosent feel under powered to me (compared to a saxo!),corolla would go forever but it already has 220,000miles on it,anyone think €1350 is a bit much?

YraggarY

Hiya Mossy,

If you want something cheap and reliable I'd personally say go Japanese (although virtually any car that's been well maintained and if its well maintained by you when you get it will be fairly reliable.) I'd definitely stay away from that Corolla though - call me crazy, but when the mileage is that high its not just on the engine, its on the entire car. The doors, the windows, the seats, the entire chassis, its all got 220,000 miles on it.
I took a quick look around and found this Corolla http://www.carzone.ie/search/Toyota/Corolla/1.3-4-Do/200912192215025/advert?channel=CARS
2 years newer, 120,000 less miles on it, and only €150 more expensive. I'd say you could even get the dealer to slap on a 3 month parts & labour warranty.

I'm in a bit of a rush right now so I won't look around anymore, but go to Carzone, stick in your max price, max mileage and max engine size and when they come up sort them by price.

Opel's are marketed as Vauxhall's in the UK, and usually (not always, but usually) have a higher spec such as leather seats as standard or electric windows and other such luxuries. Other than that, and occasional differences in engine capacity, they are exactly the same.

Sorry for the long (but not very informative!) reply, I'm rushing out!
Hope this helps somewhat!

- Gary

Atomic Pineapple

could you be more specific in what you want?

I presume its a saloon your after from the suggestions you posted?

what engine size suits best?

mileage or year concerns?

petrol or diesel any preference?

mossysheehan

Thanks for your replies. ya, they were more just suggestions as to the type of car i'm looking at.
Looking for boot space really. 4 doors. and a 1.6L max. no preference on fuel. Year 1997+

Cheers

GERMAN ROCKS

depends what u are looking for. there are two totally opposite cars posted there when you listed the 406 and corolla. The corolla is 6 years older. The mileage is a bit crazy. its awful old fashioned with no luxeriers. in contrast the 406 will have a vast number of toys and gagets. looks much better and is a much fresher design. it has alot less mileage . will the dent be fixed on the 406 before you buy it.
My vote would go to any 406 preferably diesel

E39MSport

Jap or German (not incl opel) m8. There are plenty of older lowish mileage plants out there for private sale. Look for a one owner with history. I have 3 cars - 2 cost the earth and the other is a 97 starlet which I swear by and put the most miles on. Easy to maintain, reliable, cheap to run, don't worry where I park it. Depends on what you want to drive really ......

bazz26

If a big boot is a major need then it is hard to look past the Skoda Octavia:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=1372166
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=1292195
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=1386159

The Octavia also a hatchback for extra practicality.

macroman

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=1368676 - Considered a Primera? Nice car, decent engine, looks modest and are relatively cheap. Only thing I can fault them on is the fact they have two timing chains.

A Corolla would also be a safe bet - it'll retain value and the engine will last forever!

mle1324

Ford Focus 1.4 2004+ you will pick up one of these for little or nothing