Any advice... buying a used car...open to suggestions

MilanPan!c

So, I'm interested in either a Saab, a Volvo or a Honda.

I currently drive an 00 Honda Accord 1.8.

Looking to spend at MAX 8K.

This is already not too exciting I know, but any help would be wildly appreciated!

I am looking for a combo of reasonably decent mileage, comfort and space.

I would prefer to not pay through the nose for insurance/tax/petrol.

so nothing more than a 2.0 I guess.

Anyone have any advice on Saabs... never owned one... I know they can cause fights...

Same with Volvos....

My wife doesn't want another Honda... though I like their never-breaking-down-ed-ness.

Thanks in advance... Oh I'm in Dublin.

One more thing, it'll have to hold two car seats.

Pity the wife doesn't want another Honda, the next gen Accord is a fine car, sure she can't be persuaded ?

MilanPan!c

RoverJames wrote: »

Pity the wife doesn't want another Honda, the next gen Accord is a fine car, sure she can't be persuaded ?

I don't think so, unless I find a cherry one somewhere...

She'd rather not have another, what she considers to be, bland car...

I know that's hard for the money, which is why she'd like something scandanavian...

if you see what I'm saying...

I've always loved Hondas (this is my 4th)... maybe she's just bored with them...

was thinking of trying to find an acura...

I reckon a Saab or Volvo are very bland compared to an Accord, the 2003/2204 models are a fair bit different to the one you have.

MilanPan!c

RoverJames wrote: »

I reckon a Saab or Volvo are very bland compared to an Accord, the 2003/2204 models are a fair bit different to the one you have.

I would assume the 2204 model can go through time...



:P


I will try and convince her...

My fave was an 88 accord with the pop-up headlights.... class car...

any suggestions on a decent place to look for an 03/04 Accord?

--

Not seeing any near my price range

richardsheil

Search for Honda Accord diesel on donedeal

You will find a few

Including mine.

The Engineer

My previous car to the one I'm driving now was a Volvo S40. It was a good solid car, and very comfortable to. Got pretty good mpg for a 1.9 diesel.

I'm driving a 2.2 diesel Accord now. There is no comparison between the two. The accord is an Ex model, so has all the comforts of the Volvo, and then some. The engine is one of the best diesels I have ever driven and I regularly get over 64 mpg on long trips. Goes like sh1t off a stick too. Some clown in a 2 litre vtec accord was acting the mickey on the motorway - gave it a bit of gas in 6th gear and left him without too much trouble.

I loved the Volvo, and the company's approach to safety, etc. However, from an engineering point of view, the diesel accord is streets ahead. It might be time to put the foot down with the missus! Everyone I talked to before buying the Honda used words like "bullet proof", etc. I'm not even sure why I had to think so long about making the switch.

As an afterthought, with Toyota now in the you-know-whats, can Honda swoop in and use their motto?: "Honda, the best built cars in the World"

The Engineer

The Engineer wrote: »

Goes like sh1t off a stick too. Some clown in a 2 litre vtec accord was acting the mickey on the motorway - gave it a bit of gas in 6th gear and left him without too much trouble.

He obviously wasn't trying at all
Edit: maybe he was and just does not understand what his gearbox is for.

The Engineer

RoverJames wrote: »

He obviously wasn't trying at all
Edit: maybe he was and just does not understand what his gearbox is for.

Well, it was a '96, was recently crashed, had a flat tyre and was being driven by an 80-yr old "clown"

The Engineer

For 10k incl. VRT you could get a nice looking 05 Accord in the UK. Check out cargiant online.

Are you looking at diesel or petrol cars?

200motels

Stick with Honda, if it ain't broke etc etc.

positron

The Engineer wrote: »

For 10k incl. VRT you could get a nice looking 05 Accord in the UK. Check out cargiant online.

I did exactly that back in 2008. Should get at least an 06 for that money now.

Shane732

Defo wouldn't leave an Accord for a Saab or Volvo.

As everyone has said the 05/06 Accord is a lovely car.

I guess you're trading your 00 in - correct? Is it €8k plus your own?

Would you consider something like this

Nice Leon here

The Engineer

positron wrote: »

I did exactly that back in 2008. Should get at least an 06 for that money now.

Me too mate - back in October 2009! Picked up a late-2006 2.2 diesel EX - came closer to €12.5k after flight, ferry, VRT, etc.

Haven't looked back since. I loved the Volvo, but the Accord is in a different league. The Volvo had a timing belt (which is pricey to get done), and the hard suspension can be murder, esp. on our roads. The Honda has a timing chain, and its suspension is a lot more forgiving. The 2.2 means a higher road-tax bracket, but the fuel consumption should make up for that.

OP, as RoverJames said - if it ain't broke...

The Engineer

Shane732 wrote: »

Would you consider something like this

The Alfas have a bad record on reliability, deserved or otherwise. Plus, 5 or 6 years down the road you'll have no problem shifting the Accord, but a diesel Alfa might be a different kettle of fish.