Looking For A New Car

Volvoboy

Not happy about it but i'll have to start looking around for a new motor to replace my current car :mad:

I've shortened the list to this:

Lexus GS300 (05-)
Mercedes E Class Diesel (02-09)
Toyota Avensis (03-09)
Skoda Superb (02-09)

They must be a Automatic, so any experences with these cars? What to look out for and such?? Going to be keeping them for 5 years, so i want to be safe in the knowledge that they will be reasonably reliable, nothing compared to the mighty Carina E!!

CharlieCroker

Is it to use for work?

If it is, i'd prob go for the Superb, 2.5 Tdi Elegance Auto. Has absolutely EVERYTHING specwise, leather, heated seats, sat-nav, elec seats. Great yoke.

Toyota_Avensis

Toyota Avensis, Can't put a Price on Reliability, and quite simular to the mighty Carina E you speak of. Some Automatics about, not plentiful, which may affect price slightly. What money where you considering to spend and in what part of the country are ya??

for taxi work, i'd go for the mercedes since people are more likely to take a fare from you?

Volvoboy

CharlieCroker wrote: »

Is it to use for work?

If it is, i'd prob go for the Superb, 2.5 Tdi Elegance Auto. Has absolutely EVERYTHING specwise, leather, heated seats, sat-nav, elec seats. Great yoke.

Is VAG's reliablity up to spec?? Havent heard much about the 2.5 altough there is one on carzone going for 10K for a 03??

Toyota_Avensis wrote: »

Toyota Avensis, Can't put a Price on Reliability, and quite simular to the mighty Carina E you speak of. Some Automatics about, not plentiful, which may affect price slightly. What money where you considering to spend and in what part of the country are ya??

Looking about €20k, in Dublin

Deleted User wrote: »

for taxi work, i'd go for the mercedes since people are more likely to take a fare from you?

Just hope the reliablity is up to par with the Carina!!!

well mercedes autos are supposed to more reliable than the manuals. that's about all i know on the matter.

would a 04-05 320d be a good taxi? cheap to run and looks the part.

Volvoboy

Dont rate BMW at all!!!

Gumbo

Volvoboy, you have PM if interested....?

Volvoboy

kceire wrote: »

Volvoboy, you have PM if interested....?

Nice car but have to have a Diesel, best of luck with the sale.

Seweryn

Volvoboy wrote: »

I've shortened the list to this:

Lexus GS300 (05-)
Mercedes E Class Diesel (02-09)
Toyota Avensis (03-09)
Skoda Superb (02-09)

They must be a Automatic, so any experences with these cars? What to look out for and such?? Going to be keeping them for 5 years, so i want to be safe in the knowledge that they will be reasonably reliable, nothing compared to the mighty Carina E!!

I would go for the Benz, it is way above the other cars if you compare the comfort, interior, etc.
Reliability - it is hard to tell for sure if any of these would be any better. They are all high tech motors, so a proper service and good history is your priority. If you are looking for an Estate, then again M-B makes the best ones.

Good Luck anyway.

SoupyNorman

From a Taxi perspective I'd go with a Merc, with the deluge of Taxis on the road you want to give yourself the best possible chance of attracting custom.

IMO, Primeras, Skodas, Toyotas, Passats and all other standard Saloons are the bare minimum required, many many Taxis fall below this.

I think if you put the investment in you'll get rewarded for it.

maidhc

Can't comment really, but know of more than one horror story with that model e-class.

unkel

SoupyNorman wrote: »

From a Taxi perspective I'd go with a Merc, with the deluge of Taxis on the road you want to give yourself the best possible chance of attracting custom.

That's a strong argument!

Volvoboy, if you're keeping it for 5 years and it can't be more than 9 years old to be used as a taxi, can we presume you're looking for at least an '05 plate or newer?

Dark horse, letting you keep the vast majority of your budget: Rover 75 diesel auto. Increasingly popular in the UK as a taxi.

unkel

Volvoboy wrote: »

I've shortened the list to this:

Lexus GS300 (05-)
Mercedes E Class Diesel (02-09)
Toyota Avensis (03-09)
Skoda Superb (02-09)

Volvoboy wrote: »

have to have a Diesel

Plug

unkel wrote: »

http://www.s1cars.com/cars-for-sale/detail.cgi?vid=2205869&ri=216

Mr Benevolent

unkel wrote: »

Dark horse, letting you keep the vast majority of your budget: Rover 75 diesel auto. Increasingly popular in the UK as a taxi.

Yep, great car, it's the perfect taxi.

coolbeans

Volvoboy, why don't you just get a Volvo? An S80 would do the job nicely and a diesel one would have the same engine as the Superb. Might be a bit back in the years though. Dunno what the D5s are like. Stay away from the BMW anyway, they're fond of a lot of expensive maintenance and are partial to the odd injector too. Downtime like that is not whopper, not whopper at all!

Mayoegian

I really cannot recommend the Toyota Avensis enough-it is without a doubt the most reliable car on the market. We have a '98 Avensis, nearly 350000 miles on it, and it's still unbeliveable smooth and looks great.

We are getting the new Avensis in the new year, and we're looking forward to it, because judging by our current Avensis, it's going to be one heck of a car.

The new Avensis looks simply fantastic too, very sleek. If you are in the taxi business, you'll have no bother getting a fare with this beauty!;)

unkel

Mayoegian wrote: »

We are getting the new Avensis in the new year, and we're looking forward to it, because judging by our current Avensis, it's going to be one heck of a car.

The new Avensis looks simply fantastic too, very sleek. If you are in the taxi business, you'll have no bother getting a fare with this beauty!;)

Man, where does all this Irish love of Toyotas come from?

Looking forward to a new model Toyota? One heck of a car? Sleek? Fantastic? Beauty?

I suppose some people get aroused by looking at their washing machine too

Mayoegian

unkel wrote: »

Man, where does all this Irish love of Toyotas come from?

Looking forward to a new model Toyota? One heck of a car? Sleek? Fantastic? Beauty?

I suppose some people get aroused by looking at their washing machine too

Why must you knock my post?:(

I'm a woman btw:)

p.s. Toyotas are the best!

coolbeans

unkel wrote: »

Man, where does all this Irish love of Toyotas come from?

Looking forward to a new model Toyota? One heck of a car? Sleek? Fantastic? Beauty?

I suppose some people get aroused by looking at their washing machine too

Wouldn't fancy one myself. It's the automotive equivalent of driving a fridge; it'll leave you cold. The new ones aren't quite as good as the ones Mayoegian refers to either although I'm sure they're pretty good. If I spent all my time in a motor I'd be looking elsewhere. Five to six days per week in an Avensis...shudder.

Mr Benevolent

I like Toyotas, but the thought of driving one as a taxi makes my head ache. Obviously we already know that Volvoboy made some sort of stomach-churning deal with the devil, the sole condition being that he drive a Carina E until the regulations compelled otherwise, but let's be charitable and not suggest Toyotas to him, it may provoke horrifying flashbacks

My two suggestions:

Skoda Superb 2.5TDI auto
Rover 75 CDTI Connoisseur SE auto

polyfusion

unkel wrote: »

I suppose some people get aroused by looking at their washing machine too

Or by siting on them.

Owen

unkel wrote: »

Dark horse, letting you keep the vast majority of your budget: Rover 75 diesel auto. Increasingly popular in the UK as a taxi.

I love mine. TV, Harman Kardon Sound System, SatNav, Heated Seats, Electric Memory Seats, Climate, Cruise, MFSW, Xenons, PDC, Sunroof, Leather, Wood everything (Steering wheel included), iPod kit + 6CD changer, 6 Airbags, and 150Bhp (Now that it's mapped). The e46 320d engine is the one with the non-spontaneously-cumbusting turbo, and is a hoot.

If you get the newer ones too, they're even more refined, and the engine has even more potential. And dog cheap too!

mickdw

What if you were to find a new unregd carina e. Would you buy it over todays cars?

unkel

Mayoegian wrote: »

Why must you knock my post?:(

Not knocking your post. Sorry if it came across that way. I just fail to understand how people can actually like or even love :eek: their Toyota Avensis. Granted it might be reliable, but that's nuff said.

Mayoegian wrote: »

Toyotas are the best!

Oh dear! The best at what?

Volvoboy

mickdw wrote: »

What if you were to find a new unregd carina e. Would you buy it over todays cars?

In a heartbeat!!!!!!!!

BTW whoever suggested i become a rover driver needs to GTFO!!!!

Mr Benevolent

Volvoboy wrote: »

In a heartbeat!!!!!!!!

BTW whoever suggested i become a rover driver needs to GTFO!!!!

Seriously, the 75 is a great car.

Marlow

coolbeans wrote: »

Stay away from the BMW anyway, they're fond of a lot of expensive maintenance and are partial to the odd injector too. Downtime like that is not whopper, not whopper at all!

That's not really, true. Might be your experience, but in general, I'd say a BMW is as reliable as anything else. Anyhow, It wasn't on the short list.

Confab wrote: »

Rover 75 CDTI Connoisseur SE auto

Volvoboy wrote: »

BTW whoever suggested i become a rover driver needs to GTFO!!!!

Confab wrote: »

Seriously, the 75 is a great car.

The Rover 75 might be a good car, but spare parts are extremely hard to get by and if you get them, there's weeks delivery times on them. Especially body parts. No good, if you want to use it as a taxi.

I don't know, how the Toyota Avensis could end up on your shortlist. It's a terrible car in my opinion, has no charme at all. If you want to attract business, you definatly should have something with comfort and good looks.

- The Lexus clearly has the best looks.
- The Merc's build quality has suffered badly since 2004/05 and also you've got rust problems, because they started using recycling metal and didn't galvanize properly. Something Audi/VW sorted in the end of the 70's.
- The Skoda Superb is the equivalent to the Passat and A6, and a very reliable car. VAG TDI engines are extremely reliable.

just my 2c.

/M

Mr Benevolent

Marlow wrote: »

VAG TDI engines are extremely reliable.

They were extremely reliable. The newer commonrail 2.0 TDI hasn't got the 1.9's reputation for reliability.

Marlow

Confab wrote: »

They were extremely reliable. The newer commonrail 2.0 TDI hasn't got the 1.9's reputation for reliability.

True, the 2.5TDI is ok though.

The 2.0 TDI has the problem, that if you loose oil pressure, your turbo is pretty much immediatly bust. The oil-pipes around the engine are too small. Essentially a bad engine design.

/M

R.O.R

If it has to be Diesel and Auto then that rules out the Lexus and the Avensis (unless new model Avensis).

Within your budget and age constraints, Mercedes build quality is questionable at best. It's rare I'll sit in to any kind of Merc that comes back to us that doesn't have at least 2 warning lights on the dash.

If it were me, I wouldn't hesitate to go for the Superb. Been in a couple as taxi's and there is nothing else available out there with the same rear leg room as the Superb, unless you are looking at LWB versions of 7 Series, A8, S-Class or Maybach.

The 2.5Tdi Superb was a rare beast in Ireland, but earlier this year we had 3 1.9Tdi Superbs back ranging from 180,000km to 240,000km (3 years old). Definately a lot more reliable than the Insignia's we put them in to!

Crazy Taxi

CharlieCroker wrote: »

Is it to use for work?

If it is, i'd prob go for the Superb, 2.5 Tdi Elegance Auto. Has absolutely EVERYTHING specwise, leather, heated seats, sat-nav, elec seats. Great yoke.

Not great on the juice and not as powerful as you would expect from a 2.5ltr either. AVOID!!!!

bbbbb

Not on your list, but I see more Honda Accords on the road as taxis (2.2 CTDI). Guess they come in from the UK.

unkel

Volvoboy wrote: »

Dont rate BMW at all!!!

Volvoboy wrote: »

whoever suggested i become a rover driver needs to GTFO!!!!

And you would buy a Carina 2 if they were still for sale? Looks like you're not listening to rational advice. Just buy the Avensis and be done with it. But don't be surprised if I'd skip your car and go for the Merc, BMW, Rover, Superb, Volvo etc. that's next in the queue...

Volvoboy

We have a 2.2 2007 Accord Diesel in the family, driven it a few times, its contender, would have to get a auto though.

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=200941195417776

Looking at the ford above, anybody have any feedback on them?

Owen

Marlow wrote: »

The Rover 75 might be a good car, but spare parts are extremely hard to get by and if you get them, there's weeks delivery times on them. Especially body parts. No good, if you want to use it as a taxi.

I'm sorry, but that's b*llocks. The Diesel 75 uses a hell of a lot of BMW parts, and there's no issue getting them. And while original body parts are only available from Rimmer Bros (Within a few days, not weeks), pattern parts from sonora are available with one day delivery from any motor factor.

Crazy Taxi

Deleted User wrote: »

for taxi work, i'd go for the mercedes since people are more likely to take a fare from you?

Thats one of the silliest comments I've seen in a long time:D
People are more likely to pick a car based on the year on the number plate.

Crazy Taxi

Volvoboy wrote: »

We have a 2.2 2007 Accord Diesel in the family, driven it a few times, its contender, would have to get a auto though.

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=200941195417776

Looking at the ford above, anybody have any feedback on them?

Ford buying Volvo was the ruination of Volvo, a Volvo now is a premium car with a premium price built with crappy cheap parts which break (a lot).
Volvo are no longer the bulletproof tanks they used to be.

Volvoboy

Crazy Taxi wrote: »

Ford buying Volvo was the ruination of Volvo, a Volvo now is a premium car with a premium price built with crappy cheap parts which break (a lot).
Volvo are no longer the bulletproof tanks they used to be.

What car would you suggest?

Plug

Crazy Taxi wrote: »

Ford buying Volvo was the ruination of Volvo, a Volvo now is a premium car with a premium price built with crappy cheap parts which break (a lot).
Volvo are no longer the bulletproof tanks they used to be.

Not true, your along way off there!

bazz26

A few suggestions VB.

Volvo S60 D4:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=200928194576304

Skoda Superb:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=Car&carID=200840190258665&message=You%20searched%20for%3A%20Skoda%20Superb%2C%20Automatic%20Transmission%2C%20Diesel%20Only%2E%20Your%20search%20returned%20one%20vehicle%2C%20which%20is%20shown%20below%2E&CFID=140314796&CFTOKEN=65172425

Ford Mondeo Titanium TDCi:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=200942195519305
(A little over budget but it a 08)

Audi A6:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=200942195517383

Merc E Class:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=200942195498776

Or if the focus is to attract more customers
(Average Joe will think it is a Bentley)
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=200935195051154

Marlow

PaintDoctor wrote: »

I'm sorry, but that's b*llocks. The Diesel 75 uses a hell of a lot of BMW parts, and there's no issue getting them. And while original body parts are only available from Rimmer Bros (Within a few days, not weeks), pattern parts from sonora are available with one day delivery from any motor factor.

Body parts are still overpriced and the experience I've got from the local body shops is, that it takes more than a few days. It's so bad, that some of'em buy crashed ones up for breaking. I've heard this from 3 different places now. That's what I base my comment on.

/M

Marlow

bazz26 wrote: »

Or if the focus is to attract more customers
(Average Joe will think it is a Bentley)
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=200935195051154

Yep. that one should be rare enough as a Taxi.

/M

Owen

Marlow wrote: »

Body parts are still overpriced and the experience I've got from the local body shops is, that it takes more than a few days. It's so bad, that some of'em buy crashed ones up for breaking. I've heard this from 3 different places now. That's what I base my comment on.

/M

Bumpers are around 200 Euro, Wings are aroung 40 Euro. There is absolutely no issues getting parts for a Rover 75 - I've bought a few, and own a 75 - that's what I base my comment on, actual ownership and sourcing parts.

Marlow

PaintDoctor wrote: »

Bumpers are around 200 Euro, Wings are aroung 40 Euro. There is absolutely no issues getting parts for a Rover 75 - I've bought a few, and own a 75 - that's what I base my comment on, actual ownership and sourcing parts.

Fair enough. Discussion is pointless anyhow, as Op clearly has indicated, that he's not interested in a Rover.

/M

rebel.ranter

What about a Mondeo 2.2TCDI? Plenty of power & they are normally specced out quite well. The parts are easy to get & they are probably the most familiar car to indy mechanics due to the popularity of the Mondeo.

I have heard that the diesel engine in the Avensis is quite weak, talk to some other taxi drivers on this as they will have the best experience of the use of any car as a taxi. There is a world of difference between using your Avenis/Corolla to pop to the shops every now & again & operating it as a taxi.

That E Class is meant to be soft as well, although it would be a nice bus to drive all day.

The Suberb is roomy & I think the old model is miles better looking than the current model. Can't comment on its reliability.

ninty9er

Another "Ford" for you to look at

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Jaguar/S-Type/2.7-V6-D/200929194600967/advert?channel=CARS.


Apparently not suitable though(Neither is the S60)...so:

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volvo/V70/2.4-D-SE/200935195031418/advert?channel=CARS

or an odd one to think about

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Citroen/C5/2.0-HDi-/200927194506762/advert?channel=CARS

or to expand

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Peugeot/807/2.0-ST-A/200940195350136/advert?channel=CARS

bf

Have to say my vote would be for the Lexus, it would be a lot more expensive on juice as it isn't diesel, but it has bulletproof reliability. In my book just as likely to get you fares as the Merc & a better car to sit in for hours on end as a taxi driver

Second choice would be an Audi A6 TDI (05 model on)

rebel.ranter

bf wrote: »

Second choice would be an Audi A6 TDI (05 model on)

Was just going to mention this one.

Volvoboy

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=200931194747416



Thoughts?

€17K