New car priorities

johnos1984

Well folks its come to the time when I change the car.

The problem is I started off wanting one thing and over the past week or so thats changed and become muddled as I've looked at different cars. Now I haven't a clue what I want I've also started a new job and the miles will be racking up more again now.

How the hell do people do this?

The basic outline of what I want is a diesel, preferably second hand, lowish miles as I intend hanging on to it for a while, good condition, very well specced, fun, sporty and not going to break the bank.

I have a couple of private sales that need to be viewed and a couple of cars at garages.

So far I've looked at everything from a new 147 Diesel, a 2.0TDI Passat Sportline, a BMW 320D, an Audi A4 and A6.

I find it hard to draw up a checklist as I'm looking for a car that I just click with. Every car just seems to have its benefits and draw backs :rolleyes:

Anan1

I take it you've driven all these cars? Sometimes specs can be a long way from telling the full story.

johnos1984

Anan1 wrote: »

I take it you've driven all these cars? Sometimes specs can be a long way from telling the full story.

Driven them all.

The 147 was the latest in JTDm form. Very nice, located in a main dealers (Fiat) in Wicklow but I felt the price was a bit nuts......confirmed when I came home and it was even cheaper on their website :rolleyes: than my 'straight deal' price

Drove a 2008 Passat before it, it was certainly a nice car but not worth the money. Lots of power but felt a bit dead on the handling side.

I'm not a badge snob, the size doesn't bother me that much but as I'm doing long motorway trips every weekend I would like something good.

The car doesn't have to be new. I have a 2003 car spotted that but no time to look at it this week. I'm more concerned with condition and my price/value ratio

Anan1

How much are you thinking of spending?

-Corkie-

Just get the A6...:D

I wouldnt recommend the 2.0 passat. They are expensive after 90k miles. Injectors(700 each) Dual mass flywheel 2k to replace. Dont think you need that expense.

johnos1984

Anan1 wrote: »

How much are you thinking of spending?

I have a loan approved for 15k but would prefer to spend as little of this as possible.

I have a large range of cars to choose from I just can't decide what i want. I don't mind getting something older for a couple of thousand. Its to try and find something I actually like is the problem.

johnos1984

-Corkie- wrote: »

Just get the A6...:D

I'd be afraid then that I'd have to get a couple of kids to put in the back :D

-Corkie-

johnos1984 wrote: »

I'd be afraid then that I'd have to get a couple of kids to put in the back :D

LOL I know but seriously a skoda superb could suit you... The 1.9 tdi passat is more reliable but 105bhp is a bit meh for all the driving you will be doing..

johnos1984

-Corkie- wrote: »

LOL I know but seriously a skoda superb could suit you... The 1.9 tdi passat is more reliable but 105bhp is a bit meh for all the driving you will be doing..

I've ruled out the 105bhp models as they just don't have that nice kick which the 130bhp models have.

The Superb is on the list alright as I do like the Passat on which its based.

moonshadow

My Passat sportline absolutely eats tyres at least a set/20km and thats with tracking/balance perfect:eek:

-Corkie-

moonshadow wrote: »

My Passat sportline absolutely eats tyres at least a set/20km and thats with tracking/balance perfect:eek:

They are all the same boss. Audi Q7 only lasts 10k!!!

John how about the 1.9 passat remapped to 130. A small remap wouldnt strain that car at all..

johnos1984

-Corkie- wrote: »

John how about the 1.9 passat remapped to 130. A small remap wouldnt strain that car at all..

Never thought of that :dunce:

I have a man in the trade keeping an eye out for something for me as well and anything I do have an interest in shall have to be checked by him before I purchase. I purchased some cars that gave lots of trouble in the past and as I'm getting a loan this time I ain't taking the risk

-Corkie-

johnos1984 wrote: »

Never thought of that :dunce:

I have a man in the trade keeping an eye out for something for me as well and anything I do have an interest in shall have to be checked by him before I purchase. I purchased some cars that gave lots of trouble in the past and as I'm getting a loan this time I ain't taking the risk

Thats true. Fellas will tell you that it is a buyers market but good straight cars are still scarce enough..

johnos1984

-Corkie- wrote: »

Fellas will tell you that it is a buyers market but good straight cars are still scarce enough..

Amen to that.

I've been searching for a good car for my sister and her family at the same time but even the garages will admit its hard for them to source something worth selling at the minute........lots of petrols mind if thats what I needed

-Corkie-

johnos1984 wrote: »

Amen to that.

I've been searching for a good car for my sister and her family at the same time but even the garages will admit its hard for them to source something worth selling at the minute........lots of petrols mind if thats what I needed

Yes petrols and junk. I can see 08/09 cars being valueable in a few years time with them being so scarce..

johnos1984

-Corkie- wrote: »

Yes petrols and junk. I can see 08/09 cars being valueable in a few years time with them being so scarce..

I called that about 18months ago.

Against everyone else I thought a 10 reg car was a good buy as it will loose far less in depreciation.

A diesel VW/Audi/Toyota/Qashqui is the smart choice as thats what the market will demand over the coming few years.

It fell on deaf ears though for all bar a few. I'd go new but i just couldn't be bothered servicing a loan for 5 years

-Corkie-

I agree. I thought of buying a 2010 this year but I had 2 cars of my own which included a top end Audi which I couldnt shift. If I had sold them earlier in the year i would buy a new car i would.

Anyway I would consider the passat or superb for that long commute.. Al Hayes has mountains of them!!

johnos1984

-Corkie- wrote: »

Anyway I would consider the passat or superb for that long commute.. Al Hayes has mountains of them!!

:D:D

I imagine its like that old ad for Nissan gold standard....he cries a bit if he lets one leave the yard :D

-Corkie-

johnos1984 wrote: »

:D:D

I imagine its like that old ad for Nissan gold standard....he cries a bit if he lets one leave the yard :D

Jaysus I couldnt see that whor crying!!!:D:D:D:D

mickdw

In relation to the passats eating tyres. Ive seen early models of current passat eating front tyres but 08 model in the family now wears the fronts perfectly flat. They are now fitting extra load tyres from the factory on these.
My Audi is fond of front tyres though I have to say.

af_thefragile

I know its just a glorified Mondeo but its still a Jaaaaag!!!
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Jaguar/X-Type/2.0-D-S/201031199063691/advert?channel=CARS

Look at that lovely leather interior... its such a nice place to be...

Sorry, I just really like Jags!


But yeah apart from that you've got plenty of Audi A4s, BMW 3 series, VW Passats etc. to chose from.

sean1141

octavia vrs tdi?? or mybe seat leon

urtooky

sean1141 wrote: »

octavia vrs tdi?? or mybe seat leon

Seat Leon... The FR one, now that's some car. Mrs Urtooky has an Altea and tis a pleasant place to be.

Truff Puff

johnos1984 wrote: »

Well folks its come to the time when I change the car.

The problem is I started off wanting one thing and over the past week or so thats changed and become muddled as I've looked at different cars. Now I haven't a clue what I want I've also started a new job and the miles will be racking up more again now.

How the hell do people do this?

The basic outline of what I want is a diesel, preferably second hand, lowish miles as I intend hanging on to it for a while, good condition, very well specced, fun, sporty and not going to break the bank.

I have a couple of private sales that need to be viewed and a couple of cars at garages.

So far I've looked at everything from a new 147 Diesel, a 2.0TDI Passat Sportline, a BMW 320D, an Audi A4 and A6.

I find it hard to draw up a checklist as I'm looking for a car that I just click with. Every car just seems to have its benefits and draw backs :rolleyes:

Never mind PASSAT, BMW OR AUDI
A Jetta will never let you down even on a frosty mornin. Strong as a mule boss
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1422694

15K car loan John :eek:
Complete and utter madness in my opinion but you know my views on cars. I'd get a 2005 MG ZS diesel over in England with the 180 kit on her if I was spending a good wad of cash. Dated chassis and interior but fantastic handling, no DMF, no common rail trouble and 50 ish mpg on the driving you'll be doing. Also you'll rarely see another one so that's always a plus me thinks.

Whatever you get be in no hurry anyway, just keep lashing cheap oil into the Snorolla

johnos1984

RoverJames wrote: »

15K car loan John :eek:
Complete and utter madness in my opinion but you know my views on cars.

I have it but that doesn't mean I want to spend it

RoverJames wrote: »

Whatever you get be in no hurry anyway, just keep lashing cheap oil into the Snorolla

Funnily enough it's stopped burning it again. Covered 700 miles since I topped it up and its not burned a drop :rolleyes: mind you I think I'm going to pass out with boredom soon

johnos1984

johnos1984 wrote: »

mind you I think I'm going to pass out with boredom soon

I can sympathise, the thought of keeping a car 12/24 months has me a bit concerned, as much as I love the ZT the ole wheeling and dealing is great fun.

johnos1984

I'd hope to keep whatever i buy for longer than 12 months this time. Thats my reason for trying to find a car that I really enjoy and want to drive......and which doesn't break down

bazz26

How about something like this:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1453137