Buying first car! max 1.4ltr petrol, €5000

hockeygirl

Hi Guys

Im looking at buying my first car once I pass my test. prob wont be for a few months but Id like to get a good idea about what I should be looking at.

For 1st time driver it would have to be 1.4ltr max and my budget is €5k max so looking for a decent enough car.

It will mainly be used in the city with the occassional trip down the M50

I want something nippy and handy of for parking, so a nice little hatchback would be good.

I have been looking on carzone for some ideas but I really havent a clue.
I do know one thing though.... I hate nissan micras! (sorry to the lovers)

Ive looked at a couple of peugots but not sure whats good there
Alfa romeos are really cheap.

positron

Honda Jazz.
Mazda 3.
Ford Focus.

Tigger

focus

positron

..and Suzuki Swift.

I think these are all fairly practical cars for the times we are in.

Magenta

Ford Focus.
Also look at Toyotas and Mazdas.

Alfa Romeos have been reported to be not as reliable as other brands.

cantdecide

hockeygirl wrote: »

For 1st time driver it would have to be 1.4ltr max and my budget is €5k max so looking for a decent enough car

Have you put this theory to the test or is it just an assumption you're making?

You'll be thinking you want a real car and not a toy car and you'll be happy with something dull like the obligatory 1.4 5 door Focus or similar. In reality, you'd probably prefer something like this http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1114117 . You could probably get something like this with no extra commitment. It's just a choice of whether you want to or not.

hockeygirl

positron wrote: »

..and Suzuki Swift.

I think these are all fairly practical cars for the times we are in.

Oooo just checked them out on carzone... nice car. 2005 looks like a mini

Ush1

Yep, gotta agree with Phocus.:)

hockeygirl

cantdecide wrote: »

Have you put this theory to the test or is it just an assumption you're making?

You'll be thinking you want a real car and not a toy car and you'll be happy with something dull like the obligatory 1.4 5 door Focus or similar. In reality, you'd probably prefer something like this http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1114117 . You could probably get something like this with no extra commitment. It's just a choice of whether you want to or not.

As a named driver - no previous insurance - I am restricted to a 1.4ltr unless I do the ignition test with hibernian and then they will insure up to a 1.6.

Plus Im also taking insurance costs and tax into consideration aside from the 5k cost of the car

I like the Hyundai coupe. A friend of mine has a black '07.... v. nice.
I like A3s aswell but ive only seen min 1.6ltr so thats a no no

MetzgerMeister

Does the €5000 include insurance or is it for car purchase only?

Here are a few good ideas:

Mazda 3
Ford Focus
VW Polo
Suzuki Swift - although I don't think you'll find the newer model within your budget

What is also a good idea is to not use your full budget. Keep a bit aside in case you need to get a few bits and pieces (e.g. floor mats etc.).

Best of luck with your test and I hope you find a car you'll be happy with!

hockeygirl

The €5000 is just for the car. Insurance will be separate.

I never thought about the extras... Thats a good point.

Do you know if Peugeot are any good like a 307?

cantdecide

hockeygirl wrote: »

unless I do the ignition test with hibernian and then they will insure up to a 1.6

Then do it dear Liza. Can you do it on a provisional? It'll stand to you anyway. The training my bike insurer nade me do stands to me every time I ride.

hockeygirl wrote: »

Plus Im also taking insurance costs and tax into consideration aside from the 5k cost of the car

It's all much of a muchness is my point. I've had all kinds of cars over the years and as a big petrol head, I've found that your monthly cost of motoring varies little for cars of similar initial outlay. For me, €5k is a big spend. it would be a shame to have a car that didn't really float your boat.

happy hunting

Zubeneschamali

€5K and a 1.4 litre limit, I'd have a Honda Civic like this one:

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Honda/Civic/SIMI-APP/201001196459141/advert?channel=CARS

MetzgerMeister

Peugeots can be hit and miss as far as I know. You're better off going with a car that has proven to be reliable as your first car. With that said, every Focus is different and each can have different problems. Just try and get something with a good NCT, service history (if possible) and a good warranty.

Viper_JB

hockeygirl wrote: »

Oooo just checked them out on carzone... nice car. 2005 looks like a mini

Absolutly cracking little car as they go, if you're going to get one though it HAS to be the 1.3 DDiS, very nippy and very efficent.

squod

Zubeneschamali wrote: »

€5K and a 1.4 litre limit, I'd have a Honda Civic like this one:

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Honda/Civic/SIMI-APP/201001196459141/advert?channel=CARS

€5000 is a bit rich IMO. More carzone pricing antics.......


http://cars.buyandsell.ie/search/image_preview?pid=1275020

€3000

Zubeneschamali

squod wrote: »

http://cars.buyandsell.ie/search/image_preview?pid=1275020

€3000

50,000 miles extra on yours, private sale, NCT about to expire, trade-in welcome at the dealer, try a cash offer etc.

Either one is better than a 1.4 Focus or 307...

squod

Zubeneschamali wrote: »

Either one is better than a 1.4 Focus...

I disagree entirely.

Ush1

I was in your exact shoes. I bought my 04 1.4 Ford Focus in December. Has 33k on it and in good nick so far. Asking price was 6k but I traded in an oul 97 mazda 121 against it and got it for 5k and am very happy, very comfortable to drive. I got it from VK Motors off the Long Mile Road.

EPM

Viper_JB wrote: »

Absolutly cracking little car as they go, if you're going to get one though it HAS to be the 1.3 DDiS, very nippy and very efficent.

Not for 5k though. The 1.3 petrol is ample in them and a miser on juice as it is

Viper_JB

EPM wrote: »

Not for 5k though. The 1.3 petrol is ample in them and a miser on juice as it is

Just had a look through carzone there didn't realise they're so expensive looks like the whole CO2 emissions band wagon is good enough to charge way more then the car should cost :S. Seen them up north last year brand new for £8999...ugh VRT is the gayest thing in the world.

positron

2006, 1.3L, 3Dr, 20k miles - asking €6300 but looking for quick sale. Probably over priced by 1300!

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Suzuki/Swift/QUICK-SA/201003196600573/advert?channel=CARS

TheColl

Magenta wrote: »

Ford Focus.
Also look at Toyotas and Mazdas.

Alfa Romeos have been reported to be not as reliable as other brands.

Often by people who have never driven one. I'm driving a 147 at the moment, it's an 07 and i got it last year at a very reasonable price and it's pure joy to drive. If you look at an Alfa make sure it has a full service history as they do need to be looked after properly, and be prepared to give it the right care and attention yourself. If you do this then it won't give you any more trouble than other cars, even the "best built cars in the world"