Advice Please - new car

budhabob

I've finally decided to upgrade my car. I currently drive a '97 mondeo 1.6l petrol, with 180,000 miles on it. It still running strong, but i have less confidence in it and know it requires a bit of work at this stage.

So, i have a budget of 6k (max), and i am looking for a safe, reliable, 1.6l min (dont want lightening fast, but would like to overtake, or at least attempt to), and hopefully 2005+. The mileage i do at present is <10k a year as i train it to work so diesel really offers very little savings. What i might save in mileage i lose on the increase in cost of the car purchase. I just want a decent size car (for comfort), that wont cost me an arm and leg in repairs. I generally service cars myself, and hope to purchase a "toy" in a year or two, so it can be bland enough.

So, i'm going looking at the following models tomorrow:
2005 1.8l Mondeo, 60,000k
2005 1.6l vectra, 50,000k
2006 1.5l almera, 60,000k
2004 1.8l vectra, 72,000k

So what i'm wondering is what are peoples opinions on these, and am i missing out any cars.

Thanks in advance
(hope i covered everything since i've read a fair few of these threads )

Rob

Drummerboy08

I'd steer clear of the Almera and the 1.6 Vectroid. Both are nasty cars to drive.

The 1.8 Mondeo wouldnt be a bad machine, ahead of the 1.8 Vectra though.

budhabob

Drummerboy08 wrote: »

I'd steer clear of the Almera and the 1.6 Vectroid. Both are nasty cars to drive.

The 1.8 Mondeo wouldnt be a bad machine, ahead of the 1.8 Vectra though.

Thanks for that. would there be much of a difference in mpg between those machines. I know there is talk that the 1.8 engines can nearly be as efficient due to the heavier car bodies. Also, any idea will it affect my insurance going from a 1.6 to a 1.8? or would it be minimal?

Drummerboy08

I'd say the fuel consumption would be very similar, if not better in the 1.8. The 1.6 in the Vectra really struggles sometimes.

As for insurance, it depends on your circumstances but I'd imagine that it would be minimal.

budhabob

Drummerboy08 wrote: »

As for insurance, it depends on your circumstances but I'd imagine that it would be minimal.

Thanks. well i'm 26, full driving licence 9 years, full no claims bonus. I have to say even before i look at the cars i'm leaning towards the mondeo. My current one, even though its 12years old, with 180k is still going.

EPM

budhabob wrote: »

Thanks. well i'm 26, full driving licence 9 years, full no claims bonus. I have to say even before i look at the cars i'm leaning towards the mondeo. My current one, even though its 12years old, with 180k is still going.

Mondeo would probably be the most reliable of those too. Insurance difference should be tiny for you

budhabob

EPM wrote: »

Mondeo would probably be the most reliable of those too. Insurance difference should be tiny for you

Thanks EPM. And everyone else. Is there any other cars i should look at? i'm trying to get best value for my money, and the mondeo seems to fall into that.

EPM

Mondeo's take a lot of beating imo

budhabob

EPM wrote: »

Mondeo's take a lot of beating imo

Never a truer word spoken I drive mine hard enough anyway, and it always accepts it. Thanks, its helped ease my mind.

yop

Mondeo all the way. Bigger engines doesn't automatically mean more fuel consumption as some people think, what it can mean is that the engine is under less stress So avoid the 1.6 Vectra

budhabob

yop wrote: »

Mondeo all the way. Bigger engines doesn't automatically mean more fuel consumption as some people think, what it can mean is that the engine is under less stress So avoid the 1.6 Vectra

Thanks Yop. I'll still have a look at each car (or the OH will kill me), but think you all make alot of sense.

Dbgle

What abount trying to get a 2005 Ford Focus, you could even get a Diesel, Even if you don't drive that often the economy and cost per litre will easily cover the difference in road tax. You'll get on average 15mpg more which really add's up.

budhabob

Dbgle wrote: »

What abount trying to get a 2005 Ford Focus, you could even get a Diesel, Even if you don't drive that often the economy and cost per litre will easily cover the difference in road tax. You'll get on average 15mpg more which really add's up.

I did think about that, but they tend to cost 2grand more than a petrol models, and i dont do enough mileage to make that saving.

bazz26

I'd add the Mazda 6 to the list also. the petrol models are uber reliable and it was a handsome car in it's day imo:

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201002196544816

budhabob

bazz26 wrote: »

I'd add the Mazda 6 to the list also. the petrol models are uber reliable and it was a handsome car in it's day imo:

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201002196544816

Ya, they are a handsome car alright. I'll keep an eye out.

veetwin

Have to agree with the recommendations for the Mondeo. Have experience of all those mentioned and the Mondeo is a head and shoulder above them. The 1.8 is much better than the 1.6 and there should be no difference in insurance. Try to get one above the basic LX trim. They offer great value for the money. Might be worth having a look in the UK for a better specced and looked after model if the VRT sums add up.

budhabob

veetwin wrote: »

Have to agree with the recommendations for the Mondeo. Have experience of all those mentioned and the Mondeo is a head and shoulder above them. The 1.8 is much better than the 1.6 and there should be no difference in insurance. Try to get one above the basic LX trim. They offer great value for the money. Might be worth having a look in the UK for a better specced and looked after model if the VRT sums add up.

Test drove a 1.8 2005 model mondeo today with 60000 miles on it. Twas mint, even the engine bay was spotless. Didnt realise these engines were timing chain as opposed to belt. Any probs with these?

colm_mcm

try and get a 125hp model if you're buying a 1.8 Mondeo.

ninty9er

FWIW I'd find it very difficult to choose between a Vectra and a Mondeo. With the right spec the Vectra would take it on comfort.

Don't discount the Toledo
http://www.carzone.ie/search/SEAT/Toledo/1.8-SE-2/200945195723422/advert?channel=CARS