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Need a little advice

  • 25-01-2010 10:34pm
    #1
    levi
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 366 ✭✭


    Looking to buy a second hand car. Have about €3k to spend. I'd like a smallish car 1L-1.2L so as to keep the insurance down.

    So far I've been looking at:

    Renault Clio - hear great things about it on here from some people. Other people have terrible problems with it. Seems like there's good value to be had...

    Fiat Panda - Not very attractive but very reasonable and supposedly reliable. Get a fairly new one for the money I have compared with other cars...

    Fiat Punto - More attractive (slightly) than the Panda but has reliability issues...

    Ford Fiesta - Don't really like these, feel very cramped and dated inside. Look horrible as well.

    Hyundai Getz - Hard to find good value but might find one privately in my price range. Seem to be reliable and reasonably spacious for their size.

    Seat Ibiza - Look nice enough, I drive a VW at the moment so probably wouldn't be much of a change, seem to be within my price range for an 02/03. Supposedly reliable and get good enough reviews.

    Skoda Fabia - Good reputation but difficult to find in a 1.2L.

    I'm not really sure which one to go for... any reasons why I should/shouldn't buy any of the above cars... Any advice you have I'd appreciate!

    Thanks!!


Comments

  • #2
    Mc Love
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,015 ✭✭✭✭Mc Love


    How about a 206?


  • #3
    Fanthomas
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 45 ✭Fanthomas


    I would consider vw polo.This one for egzample: http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volkswagen/Polo/POLO-1.0/201003196660505/advert?channel=CARS low mileage -should not be a problem for another couple of years.


  • #4
    levi
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 366 ✭✭levi


    Mc Love wrote: »
    How about a 206?

    I've heard they're nothing but trouble. Test drove a 306 at the weekend and didn't really like it. I don't know if this is typical of Peugeot's but it had a very short clutch... it felt like when you pressed it hit the ground before you knew it and then letting it out was kinda hard as a result... maybe there was a problem with it...


  • #5
    boohoohoo
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13 ✭boohoohoo


    I got a 00 Yaris in your price range 15 months ago. Great little car. Trawled carzone for months...


  • #6
    EPM
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,822 ✭✭✭✭EPM


    Fiesta or Panda then followed by the Clio.


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  • #7
    levi
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 366 ✭✭levi


    The Clio is probably my fav out of the lot at the moment... The boot in it is supposed to be pretty good. I kinda need a large boot... I drive a lupo at the moment and have to keep putting down the seats - wreck the head!


  • #8
    Mc Love
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,015 ✭✭✭✭Mc Love


    levi wrote: »
    I've heard they're nothing but trouble. Test drove a 306 at the weekend and didn't really like it. I don't know if this is typical of Peugeot's but it had a very short clutch... it felt like when you pressed it hit the ground before you knew it and then letting it out was kinda hard as a result... maybe there was a problem with it...

    Dont believe everything you hear. Never had any problems with the 206 and I have had two of them! One was 00 1L and now have 04 1.4 - fine car to drive


  • #9
    frank gooding
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 259 ✭✭frank gooding


    Let the reigns out on the engine size a little.

    1.3 corolla are a great reliable car.


  • #10
    bongi69
    Closed Accounts Posts: 370 ✭✭bongi69


    The Ibiza's aren't too bad, and cool to look at (the MK4 anyway). If you have a VW now, it won't take long to get used to basic maintenance (oil, windscreen washer etc.) as the engine bays are almost identical to a Polo of the same vintage. The 1.2 is a 3 cylinder, so can sound a bit different, and does produce a little more vibration (i found anyways). Its roomy enough for its class, and got a few awards. If the factory stereo is still installed, this has good enough sound, and factory speakers are quite good. However, if you want to play MP3 CD's, you'll have to get a new head unit, but leave the speakers in (its a job to fit aftermarkets!)

    However, the quality can vary from car to car (slow days at the factory obviously), and some cars have one bit (boot light, glove box light etc.) and others don't. Also, you could end up with one that constantly causes trouble (I did!), and another one could be the best thing since sliced bread. Interior wears quickly, and on the years you're looking at, expect some rattles. Original suspension brushes can be a problem, so check if these have been replaced. Also, do try to find a 5 door model. Not great accessibility to the back seats on the 3 door, unless the original owner had access plus seats are fitted (expensive optional extra from SEAT)

    I did own a 2nd hand 02 Ibiza, and in my experience it met my needs. However, as detailed in another thread, I had to return it to the dealer (nothing to do with quality of the car, twas missold to me)


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