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Best car for €1,000

  • 18-06-2009 12:20am
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,003
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    Looking for a small, cheap run-around and from doing research I've come to the conclusion I could get one that would do the job for around €1k. It seems my choice down in this bargain basement comes down to a few models, most of which date from 1998-2001, and most of which have 50k-90k on the clock:

    > Ford Fiesta
    > Fiat Punto
    > Opel Corsa
    > Peugeot 106
    > Renault Clio

    (I have left out Ka's, Rovers, Seats, Fiat Ciquentos because I'd rather take the bus than drive any of those).

    Does anyone have an opinion on any of these models/vintages? Is there any reasons to stay away from any of the above?

    If I had to choose today, I'd go for a 1999 Ford Fiesta I've seen with 65k miles that's asking €1250. 20% off for the recession nabs it for €999 I'd say. But if anyone thinks something else is preferable, please say. For me, Puntos are too cumbersome and boxy, Corsa's are too tinny and wee, 106's are a poor man's 306 and more expensive than the competitors, while Clios are a bit girly (perfectly nice, but girly). That leaves the Fiesta, which seems dull, but not horrible and with a decent reputation.

    Any thoughts?


    Thanks.


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Comments

  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 25,234 Sponge Bob
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    Grand , parts are cheap and every mechanic in Ireland can fix a Festy !


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 16,801 Gary ITR
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    For that kind of price I'd be judging each car on it's own merits. Try and have a good mechanic look it over before you buy too. Also at that price don't buy one that's due any big maintenance job soon like a timing belt


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 474 civildefence
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    I wouldn't waste my money on any of them to be honest. Friend of mine picked up an 02 MG ZR that was only in need of a drivers door for €2000, not a bother on it. Get a few extra bob together go up in the years a bit.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,454 mink_man
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    hes not saying he's buying one, i think he's asking which is the best car for €1000!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 474 civildefence
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    OK, my answer is "none of the above"


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,638 zilog_jones
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    As a biased Fiesta owner I'd recommend one, but some things to watch out for with the Mk. 4/5:

    - There's two common engines, a 60bhp 1.3 8V OHV and a 75bhp 1.25 16V DOHC. The 1.3 is better in some ways for driving around town (peak torque at lower revs mainly) and there's no timing belt to worry about, but the 1.25 is more powerful and much more refined.
    - Rust, especially wheelarches and below fuel cap.
    - Squeaky suspension - nothing terminal but can cost a few hundred depending how many bushings need replacing (will drive noticeably better afterwards too).
    - Broken heater control valve (stuck on cold or hot), €50 for a new one.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 38,247 Guy:Incognito
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    OK, my answer is "none of the above"

    Yet you dived in with one he specifically said he didnt want and twice the budget, Rover. your not great at this, are you?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 474 civildefence
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    Stekelly wrote: »
    Yet you dived in with one he specifically said he didnt want. Rover.

    I didn't tell him to buy a bleedin rover, I'm just telling him (with good intent) not to buy a dirtbox for a grand when he'd get something much better for a few hundred extra.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 38,247 Guy:Incognito
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    I didn't tell him to buy a bleedin rover, I'm just telling him (with good intent) not to buy a dirtbox for a grand when he'd get something much better for a few hundred extra.

    If thats the case why didnt your mate add another "few hundred" and spend €4k on a better car again?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 16,801 Gary ITR
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    Lads. It's 2.30am. Will you drop it, this is not helpful to the OP at all


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 474 civildefence
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    Because he wanted a ZR and bought that one, anyway if I was forced to buy a car in that price range i'd go for a jap scrap which is why I said none of the above. I'd be shooting for a Starlet or Micra personally.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,357 SteelyDanJalapeno
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    Besides, a ZR is not a good car.....

    Clio ftw


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 38,247 Guy:Incognito
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    Because he wanted a ZR and bought that one, anyway if I was forced to buy a car in that price range i'd go for a jap scrap which is why I said none of the above. I'd be shooting for a Starlet or Micra personally.

    I'm guessing you have no tdirect experience so?

    My missus had a 99 Micra. I bought a Clio new in 2000. There just isnt a comparison. Her Micra sat pretty much unused from Feb 2000 till she traded it in in early 01 because neither of us wanted to drive it . It lost out in every area to the Clio.

    Only drove a starlet the once, in the late 90's, it was about 5 years old but felt 3 times the age. Tinny and uncomfortable,


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 474 civildefence
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    Stekelly wrote: »
    I'm guessing you have no tdirect experience so?

    My missus had a 99 Micra. I bought a Clio new in 2000. There just isnt a comparison. Her Micra sat pretty much unused from Feb 2000 till she traded it in in early 01 because neither of us wanted to drive it . It lost out in every area to the Clio.

    My first car was a 93 micra import, had it for 2 years without a problem. The woman had a yaris which was also very reliable. I've never had a renault so I can't relate to the clio.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 16,801 Gary ITR
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    I already asked you pair to quit it. This is not helpful to the OP at all. I won't ask a third time


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 38,247 Guy:Incognito
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    My first car was a 93 micra import, had it for 2 years without a problem. The woman had a yaris which was also very reliable. I've never had a renault so I can't relate to the clio.

    Well my experience of the Clio is my own, which my mother now uses. It's well ove r9 years old, 95000 miles and the only issue is one it currently has, a leaky water pump, which I have a tsrong suspicion the mechanic that changed the TB about 20k ago didnt bother changing, ince I've started to notice corner cutting on a few things. He wont be getting it again.

    My cousin had a facelifted 02 that he kept for 2 or 3 years trouble free till he traded it in off the new model in 07, which is now over 2 years old and 100%.

    Another cousin is drivign an 04 Punto which has been reliable since new. Though I think any sub 1k Punto will be the older one.

    Corsa of that age I didnt like at all, female cousin had one, and while it was ok for her, I drove it a few times and found the pedals far too close together. The car also fell to bits, which doesnt help things.

    106 I havnt had and same with the Fiesta although when I was buying my clio it was between that and a fiesta. I preferred the clio when I drove it and a manager where I worked at the time had one of each. He preferred the Clio.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 293 barochoc
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    If I really had to choose on of those cars it would be painful but I'd have to say the Fiesta.

    They're ugly but probably the most reliable car there.

    Have you considered a VW Polo? A 98-99 with 60-80K on the clock is possible for around a grand. They're probably the most solid small car out there & i'd argue the most fuel efficient. They're a very torquey engine for the size. They pull very well in low gears/revs unlike most small cars.

    The interior is more solid than most & not bad either. German switch gear hardly ever goes bad. Just make sure if it's over 60-70K that the timing belt has been done or you'll be into another few hundred to have it done.

    It's probably the best 2nd hand small car for the money your spending. I'm a beemer fanatic & drive a 1991 735i & I have a 1990 Saab 900i as a run around. I regularly borrow my brothers '96 Polo for city runs as it's so cheap to run & it's actually plenty of fun.

    Best of luck :)


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 25,234 Sponge Bob
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    The 1 litre VW group engine is a rubbish engine. Water Pump and Timing belt @ 60k miles . €700 or so the pair .

    The 1.4 engine is much better but also needs timing belt at around that stage .

    I think the Fiesta has a chain not a belt but I am not 100% on that . It does not go like a belt does.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 13,822 EPM
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    1.25 Zetec Fiesta - nothing can touch it for poke, economy, fun and kit. Loads of the 99 LX's had air con too


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,003 Treehouse72
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    Thanks all for input.

    On the VW Polo - yeah, I've thought about it (forgot to put it in OP), but I think whenever I looked at one I'd just think how much more I'd prefer a Golf! Kinda similar to the 106, which just reminds me how much I'd prefer a 306! They are too similar to their bigger cousins, whereas a Fiesta wouldn't having me pining for a Focus.

    Anyway, will take all your advice on board, and any more any one has...


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,002 Cionád
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    EPM wrote: »
    1.25 Zetec Fiesta - nothing can touch it for poke, economy, fun and kit. Loads of the 99 LX's had air con too

    I agree with EPM. The 1.25 is a nippy little engine.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 286 eyesofvenus
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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 232 ji
    ✭✭


    Looking for a small, cheap run-around and from doing research I've come to the conclusion I could get one that would do the job for around €1k. It seems my choice down in this bargain basement comes down to a few models, most of which date from 1998-2001, and most of which have 50k-90k on the clock:

    > Ford Fiesta
    > Fiat Punto
    > Opel Corsa
    > Peugeot 106
    > Renault Clio

    (I have left out Ka's, Rovers, Seats, Fiat Ciquentos because I'd rather take the bus than drive any of those).

    Does anyone have an opinion on any of these models/vintages? Is there any reasons to stay away from any of the above?

    If I had to choose today, I'd go for a 1999 Ford Fiesta I've seen with 65k miles that's asking €1250. 20% off for the recession nabs it for €999 I'd say. But if anyone thinks something else is preferable, please say. For me, Puntos are too cumbersome and boxy, Corsa's are too tinny and wee, 106's are a poor man's 306 and more expensive than the competitors, while Clios are a bit girly (perfectly nice, but girly). That leaves the Fiesta, which seems dull, but not horrible and with a decent reputation.

    Any thoughts?


    Thanks.


    Sorry now but there all crap cars and you end up spending loads of more money..

    Get a toyota starlet/corolla or honda civic or nissan micra/almera..All very reliable..
    Go for low milage rather than year or car..

    Best of luck..


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,091 Biro
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    barochoc wrote: »
    If I really had to choose on of those cars it would be painful but I'd have to say the Fiesta.

    They're ugly but probably the most reliable car there.

    Have you considered a VW Polo? A 98-99 with 60-80K on the clock is possible for around a grand. They're probably the most solid small car out there & i'd argue the most fuel efficient. They're a very torquey engine for the size. They pull very well in low gears/revs unlike most small cars.

    The interior is more solid than most & not bad either. German switch gear hardly ever goes bad. Just make sure if it's over 60-70K that the timing belt has been done or you'll be into another few hundred to have it done.

    It's probably the best 2nd hand small car for the money your spending. I'm a beemer fanatic & drive a 1991 735i & I have a 1990 Saab 900i as a run around. I regularly borrow my brothers '96 Polo for city runs as it's so cheap to run & it's actually plenty of fun.

    Best of luck :)
    I'd disagree. The Polo 1 litre engine is muck, the gearbox in all of them is muck, the interior is horrible and dated, and most of them in this country have no power steering.
    I'd go with the Clio on that list because the Fiesta 1.3 engine is dirt too.
    But in reality I'd probably look harder and find a Civic. The 106 seats are terrible. You'd probably find a 1.2 Bravo for that money!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 12,102 Drummerboy08
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    A 99 Polo sold last night in Merlin for €150. Yes, one hundred and fifty euro. Cheap little car.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,520 colm_mcm
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    Out of those I'd pick a Fiesta, but also consider a Starlet.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,405 Dartz
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    Renault Clio.

    Because they were the last Renaults nailed together right and were pretty fun to drive

    Ford == Frequently Off Road Dead
    FIAT == Fix It Again Tomorrow


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,379 Skuxx
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    Personally I'd go for the clio or the 106. Had a 106 for about a year but upgraded it to a golf! Nothing at all wrong with it though.

    Would you consider a Citroen Saxo? I'd love one!
    http://cars.donedeal.ie/donedeal/classifieds/viewFullPhoto.jsp?cid=1317597


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,240 Iron Hide
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    Nabbed a 1994 BMW 3 series for 1100 notes a few months back :D it did have 140K on the clock tho, and the gearbox needed a few pokes and prods....


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,673 bladebrew
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    citroen saxo:o?? just looked on driving.ie they seem to be around the 2k mark for a newer model 00 (yippee)

    i know two guys who had fiestas one was a 97 and one was a 99 they never had any trouble with them,i think one engine is better than the other one?!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,379 Skuxx
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    bladebrew wrote: »
    citroen saxo:o?? just looked on driving.ie they seem to be around the 2k mark for a new model 00 (yippee)

    If your willing to buy privatley you'll pick one up for half the price! It depends greatly on the milage!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,673 bladebrew
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    alan1990 wrote: »
    If your willing to buy privatley you'll pick one up for half the price! It depends greatly on the milage!

    i already have one!! i saw them for around the €1000 mark before but as you said i think they were private sales!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,638 zilog_jones
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    Sponge Bob wrote: »
    I think the Fiesta has a chain not a belt but I am not 100% on that . It does not go like a belt does.

    1.3 is a chain, 1.25 is a belt with 100k mile intervals.
    ji wrote:
    Sorry now but there all crap cars and you end up spending loads of more money..

    Get a toyota starlet/corolla or honda civic or nissan micra/almera..All very reliable..
    I just don't get this mentality that Japanese cars are absolutely bullet-proof and everything else is "crap". The biggest expense on my Fiesta so far has been on suspension bushings - Japanese cars have rubber bushings too. With any car of that kind of age things are going to wear out. Also, the Starlet and Corolla (E110) are fair awful and cramped cars inside TBH. There's much more to cars than just reliability.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,822 galwaytt
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    Clio.

    Polo is rubbish.

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,661 Voodoomelon
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    Not €1000, but you can't go wrong for €375!

    30,000 miles and electric windows, what more do you want!

    http://www.carzone.ie/search/Ford/Fiesta/1.1-Lx-o/200920192813755/advert?channel=CARS

    no-image-large.gif


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 556 Bobo78
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    Biro wrote: »
    I'd disagree. The Polo 1 litre engine is muck, the gearbox in all of them is muck, the interior is horrible and dated, and most of them in this country have no power steering.
    I'd go with the Clio on that list because the Fiesta 1.3 engine is dirt too.
    But in reality I'd probably look harder and find a Civic. The 106 seats are terrible. You'd probably find a 1.2 Bravo for that money!

    3 years ago when I started to drive I had Polo 98 with 1.0 liter engine.
    That car was anything but definately not a good car.
    I definately wouldnt recommend it.
    Engine was very slow and no power at all (but it was good on fuel) interior very dated, not very comfortable at all and not even reliable as everyone says it is.
    As well when you would drive it on the dual carriageway and when ever there was wind you would feel like your gonna roll over with the car when you do 60 miles an hour. It was just so unstable.:(


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 232 ji
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    1.3 is a chain, 1.25 is a belt with 100k mile intervals.


    I just don't get this mentality that Japanese cars are absolutely bullet-proof and everything else is "crap". The biggest expense on my Fiesta so far has been on suspension bushings - Japanese cars have rubber bushings too. With any car of that kind of age things are going to wear out. Also, the Starlet and Corolla (E110) are fair awful and cramped cars inside TBH. There's much more to cars than just reliability.


    Buy a jap car and you see what i mean..

    Ive had pugs ford opels and all..

    Jap cars go for ever they dont really have to be minded.
    Aldo i wouldnt knock the 1.25 zetec fiesta either it a yamaha based engine(jap) but any other fiesta no thanks....


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 232 ji
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    Bobo78 wrote: »
    3 years ago when I started to drive I had Polo 98 with 1.0 liter engine.
    That car was anything but definately not a good car.
    I definately wouldnt recommend it.
    Engine was very slow and no power at all (but it was good on fuel) interior very dated, not very comfortable at all and not even reliable as everyone says it is.
    As well when you would drive it on the dual carriageway and when ever there was wind you would feel like your gonna roll over with the car when you do 60 miles an hour. It was just so unstable.:(


    Petrol volkswagon and peougot are pure muck.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,638 zilog_jones
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    Jap cars go for ever they dont really have to be minded.
    Yeah you can just ignore the sagging creaky suspension, grinding brakes, knackered CV joint, non-functioning electrics, etc. I'm not saying you do this personally, but that kind of stuff can and will happen to a Japanese car just like any other if you don't maintain them.
    ji wrote: »
    Aldo i wouldnt knock the 1.25 zetec fiesta either it a yamaha based engine(jap) but any other fiesta no thanks....

    It's a Ford engine, made by Ford, developed "with help" from Yamaha. It's more German than anything else.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 232 ji
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    It's a Ford engine, made by Ford, developed "with help" from Yamaha. It's more German than anything else.


    ya but this "help" from yamaha made a massive difference and saved ford imo..

    Like listen to a 91-96 fiesta engine running and listen to the newer 1.25 engine some difference the older one is crap and gave head gasket problems...


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,638 zilog_jones
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    The HCS/Endura-E engine (1.1 and 1.3 used in older Fiestas, Escorts, all Kas up to 2002) was based on the Kent engine dating back to 1959, with some head redesigns and electronic fuel injection and distributorless ingition slapped on top at some stage. Any modern design would be miles ahead in terms of refinement. I don't know why they kept making it for so long (Skoda were the only other car makers to bring a small 4-pot pushrod engine into the 20th century), I guess it was just cheap and simple. Oh yeah, the Zetec-SE wouldn't fit in the Ka - so it was small too.

    The Zetec-SE was a completely new design. I don't know what input Yamaha had exactly, but you can't compare it to a 50 year old engine as reference to Ford's engineering capabilities (without help from elsewhere) of the 1990s. The Zetec-E (1.6-2.0 in Escort and Mondeo) was also designed in the '90s by Ford and is by no means a bad engine.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 908 Overature
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    go Japanese they never break down


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 200 Mountain_Surfer
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    galwaytt wrote: »

    Polo is rubbish.


    I'd rather push a polo than drive a micra!


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