€8k to spend

William72

So my brother has been made redundant, company car going back in a few weeks. Has 7 or 8k to spend. Just needs something reliable that he'll prob drive for many years. Saloon type car. Will be doing little mileage. Have searched online for him and come up with 05/06 Mondeos mostly with the odd Avensis, Primera, Mazda 6 etc. Whats the best of this bunch? Any other good bargains out there?

Oh and before someone mentions up North or UK - I know its a perfect scenario for that but I also know he wouldn't be bothered

Appreciate any advice

Ta

Eoin

I know you didn't ask for this type of answer, but does he really need to spend that kind of cash if he's just been made redundant, and doesn't do much mileage?

William72

its a fair question Eoin and something I plan to explore with him when we meet up. I'm guessing he doesn't want to go from the relative comfort of a company car to a banger - also what would it cost him in repairs etc down the line. Having said that I'm sure if I suggested a cheaper alternative that was fairly reliable he would be keen...

Eoin

Well, I think it's that model of Mondeo that's supposed to be an excellent drive, and I think the Mazda 6 is a really nice car as well. I'm sure that the Avensis and Primera are very capable cars too, but probably real A to B cars.

alias no.9

William72 wrote: »

its a fair question Eoin and something I plan to explore with him when we meet up. I'm guessing he doesn't want to go from the relative comfort of a company car to a banger - also what would it cost him in repairs etc down the line. Having said that I'm sure if I suggested a cheaper alternative that was fairly reliable he would be keen...

Older doesn't necessarily mean a banger, less comfortable or less reliable. The 05/06 Mondeo is much the same as when it was launched in 2000, a well minded early one will be the same to drive and just as reliable as an 05/06, the only difference is the number plate and some minor cosmetic details. Similarly the Mazda 6 and Primera were launched in 2002, and the Avensis in 2003.

William72

agreed alias - my reference to banger would be what I would think he would say rather than what I think - good advice - thanks

keithg89

you could get a very clean 01-02 bmw 3 series for less than that money:p

bazz26

I'd be spending my money on something like this:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=200930194712002

Hondas rarely go wrong and Accords wear well with age and mileage. Something like this would still allow him some money from his budget to be put aside in the event of something expensive going horribly wrong.