Buying a car > thoughts/opinions, Budget = 15,000

obi604

Hello All

So im thinking of buying a 2nd hand car. I have a budget of roughly 15,000 Euro ( I should get 5,000 for my own so will need to back my own with 10,000)

In buying a car, my attributes would be

1. Reliabilty
2. not expensive to replace parts/get fixed
3. Mileage not excessively high ( less than 45,000 )
4. nice to look at
6. Resale value
6. economical
7. Decent bit of power for overtaking etc.
8. Insurance at an ok price


I know there are alot of attributes here



On my list so far are

1. 2005/6 Audi A4, either 1.9 or 2 litre Diesel
2. 2005/6 Audi A3,either 1.9 or 2 litre Diesel
3. 2007/8 Mazda 6, 2 litre diesel
4. 2005/6 Honda Accord, 2.2 Diesel



Now I know from experience that some lads will swear by Audi or Mazda or Honda, and other lads hate them and would say never buy one etc. etc.

I dont do that many miles a year, roughly 10,000. Im kinda torn between diesel / petrol models
Like if I was to get a 1.8 / 2.0 litre PETROL in some of the above, the costs would be pretty high I think on petrol

Anybody have any thoughts on above or even any alternatives ?

Stevie Dakota

I would say you could land this, would be my choice among that list if you don't mine coming up a bit short on some of your criteria.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mazda/Mazda6/1.8-Spor/201012197312306/advert?channel=CARS

Berty

I have had a number of cars but the only car in your list I have had is the 1.9 TDi Audi A4 2006 S-Line Model.

I loved it except for the window up rear windows, lack of 6th gear and lack of cruise control.

Other than that the car would go forever. 180k+ on the clock and running like a dream.

On the Audi, don't buy anything other than a minimum of S-Line exterior pack because everytime you see one(if you buy the cheaper one) you will kick yourself for not getting one.

That Mazda ^^^^ looks like good value though.

obi604

thanks for the replies

Any other people have anything to add ?

murpolopoliss

The Audi A4 or what about a 3 series BMW?

obi604

Audi A4 could be an option but not sure if it is that reliable


As for the 3 series BMW, I think it can be very expensive to service and I think parts are expensive also

Marty McFly

The honda accord is a very nice car to drive and sit in. But i drive a petrol version not to sure about the diesel.

True the petrol version will cost you more in weekly costs but if your mileage is low enough, go for the petrol.

dont forget if you go for the 2.2 the tax will be higher than the 2.0l petrol

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Honda/Accord/2.0-Type/201015197580791/advert?channel=CARS

Santa Claus

Seeing as nice to look at is only 4th on your list, what about the similar VW models to the Audis. I always think of the A3 as being an overpriced golf. (It used to have the edge over golfs in the looks department but the past few years have seen the Golf start to look better and better).

Here's a golf and Passat that match your criteria and will prob give you at least a year newer than the comparable Audi model :

Golf
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volkswagen/Golf/1.9-TDI-/201015197579208/advert?channel=CARS

Passat
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volkswagen/Passat/1.9-TDI-/201018197854374/advert?channel=CARS
which

obi604

Santa Claus wrote: »

Seeing as nice to look at is only 4th on your list, what about the similar VW models to the Audis. I always think of the A3 as being an overpriced golf. (It used to have the edge over golfs in the looks department but the past few years have seen the Golf start to look better and better).

Here's a golf and Passat that match your criteria and will prob give you at least a year newer than the comparable Audi model :

Golf
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volkswagen/Golf/1.9-TDI-/201015197579208/advert?channel=CARS

Passat
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volkswagen/Passat/1.9-TDI-/201018197854374/advert?channel=CARS
which

Thanks for reply, to be honest with ya, have a Golf already and am sick of volkswagens : )

robjones1981

Im in a similar position myself


15k ish cash to spend

My shortlist is looking like this

08Passat -

08Mazda6

06Bmw 3 saloon

06 Merc c180

Im very much undecided, would prefer a diesel though.

Shane732

Ah come on I'm post 11 and no one has mentioned a Skoda yet?!!

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Saab/9-3/1.8T-BIO/201006196852445/advert?channel=CARS

Maybe a Saab 93?

What ever you do don't go for a basic A4/316/C180 there horrible cars. I drive a BMW and it makes me sick every time I see an ES/SE model. M-Sport/S Line is the only option.

Absurdum

Shane732 wrote: »

Ah come on I'm post 11 and no one has mentioned a Skoda yet?!!

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Saab/9-3/1.8T-BIO/201006196852445/advert?channel=CARS

Maybe a Saab 93?
.

+1 I was just gonna suggest that too

how about this one?
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Saab/9-3/1.8t-Lin/201017197809313/advert?channel=CARS
well under budget, low miles and 1 year warranty

Neuro Energetic Kinesiology

As the proud owner of a VW Golf and with 15 yrs experience in a Main VW/AUDI dealership parts Dept...I would have to say Golf (DIESEL)...Less problematic, Relilable, Economical and In buying a car, You would have no prob getting 08/09 model now for that price with very little mileage. Parts are inexpensive if you know the right dealers. I can put you onto a few people if you're interested:)

obi604

Saab 93 does not look like a bad option but not sure of how reliable they are or the cost of a service

As for the Golf, have one already and kinda sick of them : )

thanks for replies

Tea 1000

The 3-series will cost no more to run/service than the A4. Audi know how to charge too. I'd go for a 3-series, or maybe a slightly older 5-series.
Failing that, then an Accord. What about an Alfa GT diesel? Plenty of threads on these lately.

obi604

I must say I think the 5 series is unreal slick looking, very nice car
entirely

Dont really want to go for an Alfa

Sand Wedge

What about a 2008 1.9TDI Seat Leon. Only €156 a year to tax.

Tea 1000

obi604 wrote: »

I must say I think the 5 series is unreal slick looking, very nice car
entirely

Dont really want to go for an Alfa

There you go then, thread closed! 5-series it is. Now, test drive the petrol and diesel models, and pick a nice clean one within your budget and enjoy!

keithclancy

obi604 wrote: »

I dont do that many miles a year, roughly 10,000. Im kinda torn between diesel / petrol models
Like if I was to get a 1.8 / 2.0 litre PETROL in some of the above, the costs would be pretty high I think on petrol

Anybody have any thoughts on above or even any alternatives ?

You don't do enough mileage to warrant going for a Diesel, think about the long term cost, how much of a difference is there in price between the Diesel/Petrol model. A 2 Liter petrol will usually always outperform the Diesel.

... waiting for the super red/blue t.d.i lovers ...

MetzgerMeister

obi604 wrote: »

As for the 3 series BMW, I think it can be very expensive to service and I think parts are expensive also

Too right! €143 for an oil change!? :eek: