Car Advice.

Joey the lips

Hi Folks

My 97 baby just got a service back today and the list of wrongs was terriable. Anyway contemplating getting rid of it so will need to raid the Credit union. Thing is, times are bad and I want to spend as little as possible.

My brief is... Something that will last at least 5 years and give me only normal service trouble,

What in your opinions is the best and oldest car to go for thats cheap.

Please dont say a 10 reg. Thats obvious and out of my league.

Should I buy off a garage.

If i buy private what mechanic will i use.


Anyway ANY advice is greatly greatly received as TBH i have not a clue about cars.

Absurdum

Joey the lips wrote: »

My brief is... Something that will last at least 5 years and give me only normal service trouble

Nobody can possibly say if a car will last you that long with no issues, especially a used car. A Toyota Corolla is probably a good bet depending on your needs and budget.

Del2005

Absurdum wrote: »

Nobody can possibly say if a car will last you that long with no issues, especially a used car. A Toyota Corolla is probably a good bet depending on your needs and budget.

+1, even brand new cars can have big trouble. And even the best make of car is only as good as the last owner.

OP, you need to make sure that the car has a full service history and have a good look at the condition of the car. If the car is kept tidy there's more chance that it's been looked after. Apart from that it's really luck of the draw on getting a good 2nd hand car.

The AA do car inspections if you don't know a good mechanic. But if you are using your own mechanic make sure they have access to a lift when checking out the car.

Garages generally offer a limited warranty, but from the sounds of the car you're looking to buy I doubt you'll get much of a warranty anyway.

Your only option is to pick a car you like and research common problems. See how much they cost and see if you can budget for it or get a car with less expensive common problems.

Andrew33

Joey the lips wrote: »

Hi Folks

My 97 baby just got a service back today and the list of wrongs was terriable. Anyway contemplating getting rid of it so will need to raid the Credit union. Thing is, times are bad and I want to spend as little as possible.

My brief is... Something that will last at least 5 years and give me only normal service trouble,

What in your opinions is the best and oldest car to go for thats cheap.

Please dont say a 10 reg. Thats obvious and out of my league.

Should I buy off a garage.

If i buy private what mechanic will i use.


Anyway ANY advice is greatly greatly received as TBH i have not a clue about cars.

You haven't given us a budget to work with!

Why not a 10 reg?? dealers are falling over themselves to shift cars and some of the superminis are for nothing under the scrapage scheme.
If you could manage to finance something new, you'd have NOTHING to worry about for at least the length of the warranty and some makers are offering a 7 year warranty.

Joey the lips

Sorry guys. I would like to spend as little as possible but I am figureing between 4 and 6k. if this does not sound reasonable then sorry I know I am a twat.

Absurdum

Joey the lips wrote: »

Sorry guys. I would like to spend as little as possible but I am figureing between 4 and 6k. if this does not sound reasonable then sorry I know I am a twat.

lol it's good to ask, don't feel like a twat

something like this looks good to me, 12 month warranty from a main dealer, serviced, reasonably low mileage, etc.

You'd get an 8 or 9 year old Corolla for less than €4000 that would prove very reliable over the next five years if it was a good example.

punto gt turbo3

you should post up that list and let us decide if it is expensive. with help and guidance you could easily do most of the work i would say

Joey the lips

If i go with the 8 or 9 year old is there major stuff I should check that has been repaired replaced. o btw the link above looks nice. thanks

Muckie

Check out if any work was done, expect timing/belt water pump change
and maybe clutch, bring a trusted mechanic when viewing if in doubt.
Take your time, pick a particular brand you like.
Brother in-law loves VW Golfs, bought himself a tidy 1.4
02 today two owners 80,000 miles timing belt changed.
FVWSH €3400 cash. So shop around.

Joey the lips

Joey the lips wrote: »

If i go with the 8 or 9 year old is there major stuff I should check that has been repaired replaced. o btw the link above looks nice. thanks

If you find one with less than 100,000 miles on it that has had the timing belt done in the last 20,000 miles / 2 years you'll be sound for a good while.

Andrew33

Joey the lips wrote: »

If i go with the 8 or 9 year old is there major stuff I should check that has been repaired replaced. o btw the link above looks nice. thanks

Why buy an 8 or 9 year old car and face the same probs in the next year or two??

The upper end of your budget is getting very close to new car money(scrappage scheme) and when you factor in much better fuel economy and lower road tax, lower running costs overall etc I personally think you'd be mad not to look at the new option.

Stevie Dakota

Muckie wrote: »

Check out if any work was done, expect timing/belt water pump change
and maybe clutch, bring a trusted mechanic when viewing if in doubt.
Take your time, pick a particular brand you like.
Brother in-law loves VW Golfs, bought himself a tidy 1.4
02 today two owners 80,000 miles timing belt changed.
FVWSH €3400 cash. So shop around.

Aging 1.4 Golfs fall far short of the OP's need for minimal hassle. Hard to argue with Absurdum's suggestion.

Andrew33

Andrew33 wrote: »

Why buy an 8 or 9 year old car and face the same probs in the next year or two??

The upper end of your budget is getting very close to new car money(scrappage scheme) and when you factor in much better fuel economy and lower road tax, lower running costs overall etc I personally think you'd be mad not to look at the new option.

In fairness a 3 door Clio is €9000 on the scrappage scheme and there are none available apparently. What new car would you recommend for close to €6000 ?

BrianD3

Andrew33 wrote: »

Why buy an 8 or 9 year old car and face the same probs in the next year or two??

The upper end of your budget is getting very close to new car money(scrappage scheme) and when you factor in much better fuel economy and lower road tax, lower running costs overall etc I personally think you'd be mad not to look at the new option.

+1. A new Fiat Panda is 6995 with scrappage and there might be a small dealer discount on top of that. 3 year warranty and decent reliability.

The chap wants to spend as little as possible though, €7000 is not a small amount of cash.

Joey the lips

Andrew33 wrote: »

Why buy an 8 or 9 year old car and face the same probs in the next year or two??

The upper end of your budget is getting very close to new car money(scrappage scheme) and when you factor in much better fuel economy and lower road tax, lower running costs overall etc I personally think you'd be mad not to look at the new option.

Like what care for example. Thanks

Del2005

RoverJames wrote: »

The chap wants to spend as little as possible though, €7000 is not a small amount of cash.

For an extra €1k on their budget the OP will have a brand new car with warranty of 3years on low Motor Tax and sipping fuel. May work out cheaper then a €4k car over 5 years. They also won't have to worry about shifting their old car.

Joey the lips wrote: »

Sorry guys. I would like to spend as little as possible but I am figureing between 4 and 6k. if this does not sound reasonable then sorry I know I am a twat.

punto gt turbo3

RoverJames wrote: »

The chap wants to spend as little as possible though, €7000 is not a small amount of cash.

exactly, i will ask once more, WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOUR 97

bazz26

I think if the OP has around €6k to spend then a brand new Panda makes alot of sense. I would do my best to find the other €1k or so as the total cost of ownership just doesn't cover the intital purchase price. €7k will get you a brand new car with a good comprehensive warranty meaning no nasty expensive repair bills or NCT to worry about and a car with low running costs.

On the other hand if the OP has only €4500 to play with then a €7k car might as well cost €17k, the other suggestions of something like a used Corolla or Mazda 323 would fit the bill. Just remember the initial purchase price might work out cheaper short term but as these cars get older they will potentially need more and more money spent on maintenance as components come to the end of their natural life.

Del2005

Del2005 wrote: »

For an extra €1k on their budget the OP will have a brand new car with warranty of 3years on low Motor Tax and sipping fuel. May work out cheaper then a €4k car over 5 years. They also won't have to worry about shifting their old car.

True, one must consider that a 1.4 is not too expensive to tax under the cc regime, nor would a 1.4 Corolla / Civic / 323 be heavy on fuel. My Dad has a 99 Hyundai Accent from new, apart from servicing all its needed is a battery, window regulator and a thermostat. In 11 years it has been more relaiable than a new Mondeo I had in 2005 as a company car.

OP, just a query, what are your actual car requirements, would a small new yoke do the job or do you require a bigger car ?

Del2005

RoverJames wrote: »

True, one must consider that a 1.4 is not too expensive to tax under the cc regime, nor would a 1.4 Corolla / Civic / 323 be heavy on fuel. My Dad has a 99 Hyundai Accent from new, apart from servicing all its needed is a battery, window regulator and a thermostat. In 11 years it has been more relaiable than a new Mondeo I had in 2005 as a company car.

OP, just a query, what are your actual car requirements, would a small new yoke do the job or do you require a bigger car ?

Tax is E333 v's E156, at the highest rate for scrapage, for a new car. Over the the 5 years the OP wants I know which one I'd chose.

Again it all comes down to how close the OP is to E6k now and are they willing to spend an extra E1k to possibly save more money and hassle in the long term.

Joey the lips

punto gt turbo3 wrote: »

exactly, i will ask once more, WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOUR 97

I missed where you asked the first time..... ok deep breath....

Possible NCT Failures(NCT due may)
Corrosion on front break pipes.
New tyres on back
Rear exhaust box corroded.
Windscreen washer motor
Oil leak from engine sump- new gasket
Oil leak from power stering pump
Headlamp adjustment
Passanger side front break caliper needs replacing

Preventitive maintenance issues...
Timing belt and tensioner due soon.
Waterpump
Thermostat and coolent
Door check strap pins.
Wiper arm linkage worm

Del2005 wrote: »

Tax is E333 v's E156, at the highest rate for scrapage, for a new car. Over the the 5 years the OP wants I know which one I'd chose.

Again it all comes down to how close the OP is to E6k now and are they willing to spend an extra E1k to possibly save more money and hassle in the long term.

I could scrape together the 7k for the fiat but its a loan I need to pay back so it will take me longer. Then there is additional insurence. i am 35 male.

I am just looking for the most cost effective ideas and I understand perfectly on the fiat.

Is it a good car the panda.... Or are you getting a bucket of bolts that will corrode like hell once out of warrenty.

Thanks again folks

bazz26

Joey the lips wrote: »

I missed where you asked the first time..... ok deep breath....

Possible NCT Failures(NCT due may)
Corrosion on front break pipes.
New tyres on back
Rear exhaust box corroded.
Windscreen washer motor
Oil leak from engine sump- new gasket
Oil leak from power stering pump
Headlamp adjustment
Passanger side front break caliper needs replacing

Preventitive maintenance issues...
Timing belt and tensioner due soon.
Waterpump
Thermostat and coolent
Door check strap pins.
Wiper arm linkage worm




I could scrape together the 7k for the fiat but its a loan I need to pay back so it will take me longer. Then there is additional insurence. i am 35 male.

I am just looking for the most cost effective ideas and I understand perfectly on the fiat.

Is it a good car the panda.... Or are you getting a bucket of bolts that will corrode like hell once out of warrenty.

Thanks again folks

The Panda is a good car and Fiat are alot more reliable these days than their reputation suggests.

Regarding insurance, I cannot imagine insuring a Panda as being a show stopper. I would imagine that they would be one of the lowest rated cars by insurance companies.

Also regarding your loan, have you actually got approval on a loan, banks are very selective these days and I know from talking to people that banks have refused to offer loans on used cars over 4 years old these days.

Joey the lips

bazz26 wrote: »

The Panda is a good car and Fiat are alot more reliable these days than their reputation suggests.

Regarding insurance, I cannot imagine insuring a Panda as being a show stopper. I would imagine that they would be one of the lowest rated cars by insurance companies.

Also regarding your loan, have you actually got approval on a loan, banks are very selective these days and I know from talking to people that banks have refused to offer loans on used cars over 4 years old these days.

Credit Union Is the panda a 3 or 5 door.... Any links????

Del2005

Del2005 wrote: »

Tax is E333 v's E156, at the highest rate for scrapage, for a new car. Over the the 5 years the OP wants I know which one I'd chose.

Again it all comes down to how close the OP is to E6k now and are they willing to spend an extra E1k to possibly save more money and hassle in the long term.

Depreciation is also a factor, and the chap is borrowing to buy the car so the less you borrow the less you pay back.

What car do you have at the moment Joey ?

Joey the lips

Joey the lips wrote: »

Credit Union Is the panda a 3 or 5 door.... Any links????

http://www.fiat.ie/cgi-bin/pbrand.dll/FIAT_IRELAND/news/news.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1477819122.1267093224@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccfadejkdjglgfcefecejgdfkhdfjk.0&contentOID=1074063264

Joey the lips

RoverJames wrote: »

Depreciation is also a factor, and the chap is borrowing to buy the car so the less you borrow the less you pay back.

What car do you have at the moment Joey ?

Opel coursa 1,1 eco.... When is the scrappage due to end...?

Well realistically the repairs to the Corsa including the timing belt would nearly come to the value of it. What I would do is buy a similar Corsa with a fresh NCT and the timing belt done recently with good tryes and a recent service for €1500 ish (could probably get a 1999 / 2000 one). In two years time do the same again if need be depending on the state of the car then.

If you do want a new car and don't mind spending €7000 the Panda is value, however they came out in 2004 so they are not a new model.

Joey the lips

RoverJames wrote: »

Well realistically the repairs to the Corsa including the timing belt would nearly come to the value of it. What I would do is buy a similar Corsa with a fresh NCT and the timing belt done recently with good tryes and a recent service for €1500 ish (could probably get a 1999 / 2000 one). In two years time do the same again if need be depending on the state of the car then.

If you do want a new car and don't mind spending €7000 the Panda is value, however they came out in 2004 so they are not a new model.

Yes thats true but what I am thinking is will I end up spending a lot on mechanics reports for a 99 as i might have to look at quite a few.

Have you any ideas on models or links.

On the panda. I have a logic which my wife laughs at. The more ugly the car the less passengers you will carry

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Toyota/Starlet/1.3-XL-W/201001196443313/advert?channel=CARS

it's a 1998 and a 3 door (I get the impression you want a 5 door), I wouldn't bother getting anyone to check it out, they are a reputable garage. Plenty more like that around too if you spend a few hours looking

My sister had a 2001 Ford Ka for the last 3 years, it's still perfect, strolls the NCT and cost very little to maintain, I service it once a year for her. Oil change, plugs etc, maybe a coolant change. In 5 years it will be sound too, likewise with my Dads 99 Hyundai Accent.

Joey the lips

RoverJames wrote: »

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Toyota/Starlet/1.3-XL-W/201001196443313/advert?channel=CARS

it's a 1998 and a 3 door (I get the impression you want a 5 door), I wouldn't bother getting anyone to check it out, they are a reputable garage. Plenty more like that around too if you spend a few hours looking

My sister had a 2001 Ford Ka for the last 3 years, it's still perfect, strolls the NCT and cost very little to maintain, I service it once a year for her. Oil change, plugs etc, maybe a coolant change. In 5 years it will be sound too, likewise with my Dads 99 Hyundai Accent.

I get the impression that you are telling me if its from a garage it will be fine. Am i correct. Is the jist any old car from a garage should be ok... Thanks

Joey the lips

Joey the lips wrote: »

I get the impression that you are telling me if its from a garage it will be fine. Am i correct. Is the jist any old car from a garage should be ok... Thanks

Nope, that particular garage are well established and are reputable. You can see all of their cars are very tidy, straight examples and that they are sold serviced with warranties. Many dealers are dodgy and are to be avoided.

I'd also be 99% sure this is a minter with no hidden history
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Ford/Fiesta/1.25-LX-/201008197000108/advert?channel=CARS, it's also taxed till the end of September, NCT up in May but they should guarantee the pass for you.

Just to mention I am in no way connected to them at all.

bazz26

Asking €2500 for a 10 year old Fiesta is mental imo, you could buy a 02 for that type of money:

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201008197027345

bazz26

bazz26 wrote: »

Asking €2500 for a 10 year old Fiesta is mental imo, you could buy a 02 for that type of money:

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201008197027345

Valid point, I only gave it as an example, I have no intention of actually finding the OP a car The one you linked to has an issue with the stereo and also if warmed up when those pics were taken has a high idle. Also it is not particularly minty looking. The wheel centre caps may or may not be in the boot and it needs a thorough interior valet. The steering wheel and front seats look very worn too. I wouldn't be tempted to have a look at her really.

keithclancy

Joey the lips wrote: »

Hi Folks

My 97 baby just got a service back today and the list of wrongs was terriable. Anyway contemplating getting rid of it so will need to raid the Credit union. Thing is, times are bad and I want to spend as little as possible.

My brief is... Something that will last at least 5 years and give me only normal service trouble,

What in your opinions is the best and oldest car to go for thats cheap.

Please dont say a 10 reg. Thats obvious and out of my league.

Should I buy off a garage.

If i buy private what mechanic will i use.


Anyway ANY advice is greatly greatly received as TBH i have not a clue about cars.

I'm selling a RHD 00 REG 1.9TDI Octavia ... 141k miles on the clock, needs a a bushing changed.

Pickup is in the Netherlands though ! So you could fly over and drive back with a load of Cheap booze... (great wholesale boozeshop closeby)

Its going cheap too

Joey the lips

keithclancy wrote: »

I'm selling a RHD 00 REG 1.9TDI Octavia ... 141k miles on the clock, needs a a bushing changed.

Pickup is in the Netherlands though ! So you could fly over and drive back with a load of Cheap booze... (great wholesale boozeshop closeby)

Its going cheap too

Lovely. but I dont think so....

keithclancy

Joey the lips wrote: »

Lovely. but I dont think so....

damn .... :P

Joey the lips

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Opel/Corsa/5-DOOR-N/201005196825650/advert?channel=CARS

Was looking at this car on the net. Got a phone call today. I had enquired about the timing belt and he said it was a timing chain so nothing needs to be done.

I like opel as thats what I had. So I am thinking of staying with it. What would your opinions be of timing chains and are there any pitfalls with models like this.

I am in the process or getting by breaks sorted on my 97 to keep me going a while...Or stopping so I am in no rush.

Thank you

Andrew33

Joey the lips wrote: »

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Opel/Corsa/5-DOOR-N/201005196825650/advert?channel=CARS

Was looking at this car on the net. Got a phone call today. I had enquired about the timing belt and he said it was a timing chain so nothing needs to be done.

I like opel as thats what I had. So I am thinking of staying with it. What would your opinions be of timing chains and are there any pitfalls with models like this.

I am in the process or getting by breaks sorted on my 97 to keep me going a while...Or stopping so I am in no rush.

Thank you

Jeez, thats a huge amount of money for a Corsa that shape, DON'T DO IT!

bazz26

Crazy money indeed. OP would you consider a Fiat Panda, they are pretty cheap to buy these days and are reliable despite what the man down the pub would tell you:

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=200941195417567

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=200941195458547

Joey the lips

TBH i have been trying to see if i can stretch to a panda. The mechanic that done all the work on my car at the moment said despite the rust there will never be a simpler car on the road to maintain. He also said stay away from the 02 coursa I was looking at because when the exhaust goes it cost 600 euro as the whole lot must be replaced. I asked him what he thought of the panda and he said there is to many things going wrong on the fiat or they are full of rust.

I figured as I get a 3 year warrently there cant be much wrong.

He told me the best cars to stick with would be

VW
Toyata
Honda

I do actually appreciate his honestly because he is a very genuine chap.

Andrew33

Joey the lips wrote: »

TBH i have been trying to see if i can stretch to a panda. The mechanic that done all the work on my car at the moment said despite the rust there will never be a simpler car on the road to maintain. He also said stay away from the 02 coursa I was looking at because when the exhaust goes it cost 600 euro as the whole lot must be replaced. I asked him what he thought of the panda and he said there is to many things going wrong on the fiat or they are full of rust.

I figured as I get a 3 year warrently there cant be much wrong.

He told me the best cars to stick with would be

VW
Toyata
Honda

I do actually appreciate his honestly because he is a very genuine chap.

He might be a genuine chap but he knows F all about fiats, FIATs have not rusted since 1980! The Fiat Uno was launched in 1982 with an 8yr anti rust warranty and you still see an odd one knocking around. Trust me, you will never have to worry about rust on ANY Fiat built in the last 25 years. Electrics are their weak point.

Joey the lips

Andrew33 wrote: »

He might be a genuine chap but he knows F all about fiats, FIATs have not rusted since 1980! The Fiat Uno was launched in 1982 with an 8yr anti rust warranty and you still see an odd one knocking around. Trust me, you will never have to worry about rust on ANY Fiat built in the last 25 years. Electrics are their weak point.

Does that still apply to the panda on the electrics.... What sort of things go wrong???? Or is it a mechanical car... Which suits me great. Thanks

Andrew33

Joey the lips wrote: »

Does that still apply to the panda on the electrics.... What sort of things go wrong???? Or is it a mechanical car... Which suits me great. Thanks

Its nothing major with the electrics on the Fiats, on older models you can get water leaking into tail lights which causes the whole lot to light up when you press the brake etc but I haven't seen this on ANY Panda, I think the panda is a good car.

Andrew33

Andrew33 wrote: »

FIATs have not rusted since 1980! The Fiat Uno was launched in 1982 with an 8yr anti rust warranty and you still see an odd one knocking around. Trust me, you will never have to worry about rust on ANY Fiat built in the last 25 years. Electrics are their weak point.

Not true about the rust, the Ritmo was an utter rust bucket, my folks had a 1985 Ritmo 70 and it was starting to rust after 3 to 4 years, the Ritmo / Regatta wasn't replaced until 1988 by the Tipo. The only reason the odd Uno is still knocking about is that they were sold until 1995, a year or after the Punto was introduced. You won'd see many if any Uno from the 80s about.

Andrew33

RoverJames wrote: »

Not true about the rust, the Ritmo was an utter rust bucket, my folks had a 1985 Ritmo 70 and it was starting to rust after 3 to 4 years, the Ritmo / Regatta wasn't replaced until 1988 by the Tipo. The only reason the odd Uno is still knocking about is that they were sold until 1995, a year or after the Punto was introduced. You won'd see many if any Uno from the 80s about.

I'm sorry to say, you are completely wrong about the rust issue, your folks probably did have a ritmo which rusted but it would not have rusted any worse than its competitors cars at the time. Anyway, the point of this thread now is modern Fiats (in this case, the Panda) DON'T rust. FIAT used galvanised steel for the Uno to get rid of their rusty reputation, Uno's died because of mechanical/electrical problems, they didn't rust.
All car makers now use galvanised steel (where they use steel) in their cars, even if you scratch a modern car it'll take a long time to rust.

The Ritmo was not galvanised, not did it come with an 8 year anti corrosion warrenty. I cannot fathom how you can claim I am wrong about it when my ole lad had to have it resprayed as a 4 / 5 year old car :rolleyes: It was most certainly far worse than any of the competitors at the time, the mark 3 escort of the mid to late 80s did not rust after 4 or 5 years. The Jap stuff of the same era was better than the Ritmo / Regatta.

Andrew33

RoverJames wrote: »

The Ritmo was not galvanised, not did it come with an 8 year anti corrosion warrenty. I cannot fathom how you can claim I am wrong about it when my ole lad had to have it resprayed as a 4 / 5 year old car :rolleyes: It was most certainly far worse than any of the competitors at the time, the mark 3 escort of the mid to late 80s did not rust after 4 or 5 years. The Jap stuff of the same era was better than the Ritmo / Regatta.

I worked in Sweeney & Forte in the mid 80's, I know what I'm talking about.
I'm not a fan of Fiat, and this thread has developed into one debating the merits of a current Panda which is a very good car.

But it seems you're the type of person who'll never buy a Fiat (or any other consumer good) cos "your da had one and he said it was crap"

Joey the lips

Andrew33 wrote: »

I worked in Sweeney & Forte in the mid 80's, I know what I'm talking about.
I'm not a fan of Fiat, and this thread has developed into one debating the merits of a current Panda which is a very good car.

But it seems you're the type of person who'll never buy a Fiat (or any other consumer good) cos "your da had one and he said it was crap"

With respect.. Why would you say your not a fan of the fiat and then say the panda is a good car... Information appreciated.

Sorry to disagree again but you are the one who said any Fiat made in the 80s will have no rust issues, total horsesh1t. I never said they were crap, nor did my ole lad. He kept the Ritmo until 1996, it was rusted to feck but started every day and was cheap to maintain. I simply pointed out that they were complete rust buckets, they were not galvanised nor did they have an 8 year anti corrosion warranty.