First car - suggestions!

candlegrease

Hi guys, planning on buying my first car soonish. Don't know much about cars (am reading up at the mo) so if you are making a suggestion, give me an idea why its good!

I'm looking to by a used car, cheap to run, sturdy.
Budget is about 2-4k, I want something that is a starter car, but no heap of junk , I want it to last for approx 3 years

Suggestions?

af_thefragile

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1512858

I can't recommend these enough.
Yes I know the one I bought was a bit of a pup but find a clean one (full service history is essential!!) and you'll love it for the rest of your life. They handle and feel so much better than anything else you can buy in that price rance. It makes you really happy everytime you drive it. And the 1.4l has enough power for a beginner.


If you're not into that, there are loads of Micras and Fiestas you can look at. You won't really go wrong with them. Micras are boring and dull to drive and will make you hate your life (same with Yaris). Fiestas are a much nicer car to drive.

gcgirl

Vw polo they retain their value and are solid cars plus small enough engine

Merch

yaris, micra, or a fiesta mk4
Puma bit fancy for first car,nice alright, all above reliable, micra bit small so if you're tallish might be a problem.
Yaris, reliable, small engines 1litre same for micra, fiestas might be cheaper but 1.25 engine is good, reliable enough probably cheaper than the other two, but you will need to confirm that by pricing around.

johnos1984

Its a bit bigger engine wise but it'll last forever

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1518263

cozzie55

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volkswagen/Polo/1.2-NEW-/201026198639976/advert?channel=CARS

go for a polo. My first one had high millage and was not in the best condition when i sold it but it still had plenty miles left to run. Granted my one was a 1.4l and a bit of a rocket for such a small car. For a beginner any way;)

af_thefragile

Merch wrote: »

yaris, micra, or a fiesta mk4
Puma bit fancy for first car,nice alright, all above reliable, micra bit small so if you're tallish might be a problem.
Yaris, reliable, small engines 1litre same for micra, fiestas might be cheaper but 1.25 engine is good, reliable enough probably cheaper than the other two, but you will need to confirm that by pricing around.

^Its my first car and I'm glad I didn't have to experience the dreadfulness of living a life driving around in a Yaris or a Micra...

Its fairly easy to repair as well. Most parts are fairly cheap on the internet and the puma forums are really resourceful...

candlegrease

af_thefragile wrote: »

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1512858

I can't recommend these enough.
Yes I know the one I bought was a bit of a pup but find a clean one (full service history is essential!!) and you'll love it for the rest of your life. They handle and feel so much better than anything else you can buy in that price rance. It makes you really happy everytime you drive it. And the 1.4l has enough power for a beginner.


If you're not into that, there are loads of Micras and Fiestas you can look at. You won't really go wrong with them. Micras are boring and dull to drive and will make you hate your life (same with Yaris). Fiestas are a much nicer car to drive.

Read a few reviews there and it seems like a lovely little car alright - the handling is getting rave reviews!

I didn't specify aesthetics in my first post, but I think its an awful looking car and couldn't drive it! I'm not looking for a beauty, just something I don't think is an eyesore!

Thanks for the suggestion!

gcgirl wrote: »

Vw polo they retain their value and are solid cars plus small enough engine

They seem like a solid car alright, the value thing doesn't really bother me but I guess its a bonus! I'll read a few reviews

af_thefragile

The Puma looks amazing!!!
Granted it does look like it sits fairly high on its wheels (which it does and you can consider lowering it if you fancy, plenty of aftermarket kits available).
But I wouldn't call it ugly...

Though again everyone has their tastes...

Still you can checkout what a Puma can do:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daQNuKjTKv8

Merch

af_thefragile wrote: »

^Its my first car and I'm glad I didn't have to experience the dreadfulness of living a life driving around in a Yaris or a Micra...

Its fairly easy to repair as well. Most parts are fairly cheap on the internet and the puma forums are really resourceful...

that puma looks clean, I'd like to know the miles, persoanlly not keen on micra or yaris but suitable for some, micra mk2 too small, seats dont go back far enough, yaris too high and overpriced but thats me personally, lots of people seem to like them, it all depends on what kind of driving the OP will be doing and how much boot space they will need, passengers etc, puma 1.4 could be right for them or that corrolla or anything similar.
Tbh I wish I bought a puma or cougar when they were new, but not so sure now if I'd want one with highish miles on it

Also tax and insurance costs need to be considered and the OPs age, they should make a call to few insurance places to get some quotes

Merch

af_thefragile wrote: »

The Puma looks amazing!!!
Granted it does look like it sits fairly high on its wheels (which it does and you can consider lowering it if you fancy, plenty of aftermarket kits available).
But I wouldn't call it ugly...

Though again everyone has their tastes...

Still you can checkout what a Puma can do:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daQNuKjTKv8

Ha if i owned one, I would not do that to it

af_thefragile

Merch wrote: »

Ha if i owned one, I would not do that to it

Couldn't find a road big enough to try that out...!

And also it'ld be a bit too much to put my tired engine through!!
Though I'm getting a new clutch and new shocks + bushes soon so might give it try in some empty parking lot sometime.
Though one thing I have tried and I can say is that the 1.4l Puma can do 0-60mph in around 11secs which is not bad for a 1.4l car...

Merch

maybe some other websites might help the OP narrow the search down

carzone being one

MITSIRULES

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volkswagen/Polo/MAIN-DEA/201033199247733/advert?channel=CARS
02 polo 1Ltr,Lovely car and road tax 104 euro per year and needs nothing doing to it. In Main dealer in dublin so you know its 100%.

johnos1984

MITSIRULES wrote: »

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volkswagen/Polo/MAIN-DEA/201033199247733/advert?channel=CARS
02 polo 1Ltr,Lovely car and road tax 104 euro per year and needs nothing doing to it. In Main dealer in dublin so you know its 100%.

€104??? :rolleyes:

And €4k :eek:

Merch

MITSIRULES wrote: »

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volkswagen/Polo/MAIN-DEA/201033199247733/advert?channel=CARS
02 polo 1Ltr,Lovely car and road tax 104 euro per year and needs nothing doing to it. In Main dealer in dublin so you know its 100%.

I'd let them look themself, maybe just supply websites??
What do you mean by "needs nothing doing to it" and "main dealer in dublin so you know its 100%"
how do you know?

seems pricey to me anyway

johnos1984

Merch wrote: »

I'd let them look themself, maybe just supply websites??
What do you mean by "needs nothing doing to it" and "main dealer in dublin so you know its 100%"
how do you know?

I assume it was a poor attempt at humour

MITSIRULES

Cause thats where i work. Dont normally mention my cars like this but if you looking for a decent car with no troubles thought i would recommend this one. When i say its 100% that the truth. i only describe cars with my experience as i see them. Worth a look. I'm sure you can find cheaper but you dont know what you would be getting into.

Merch

Anyway if I was the Op i'd look at plenty of cars and narrow it down to some you like/meet your price.
I looked at a car for someone once, but the guy drove it and wasn't keen to let me, it all seemed good and the person buying it fell in love with it on sight (a dangerous thing) put deposit on it but I had a feeling and went back and wanted to test it myself, car was pulling to one side (had to strain slightly to keep it going straight) plus it wouldn't go into top gear.

Always make sure you either test drive it yourself or someone that is an experienced driver that will notice unusual things (things that should or shouldnt be present)
and be wary of falling in love with a car on sight too plenty of options out there.
Private, probably cheaper but no warranty really,
Dealer, make sure you know whats included in a warranty and get it in writing

yermanoffthetv

Mazda 323 are absoutely bullit proof. Had one for about 3 years and never had a problem once. Id say youd pick up a decent 02/03 1.4L for bout 3-4k

MITSIRULES

yermanoffthetv wrote: »

Mazda 323 are absoutely bullit proof. Had one for about 3 years and never had a problem once. Id say youd pick up a decent 02/03 1.4L for bout 3-4k

Good choice, jap & reliable. Most Mitsubishi & Mazda owners really dont know how lucky they are cause really they will never give you a moments trouble.

candlegrease

johnos1984 wrote: »

Its a bit bigger engine wise but it'll last forever

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1518263

From a quick search there has been 10 versions of the corolla, this is the 8th edition? also, does vvti mean "variable valve timing intelligence"? because thats what google yielded

johnos1984

candlegrease wrote: »

From a quick search there has been 10 versions of the corolla, this is the 8th edition? also, does vvti mean "variable valve timing intelligence"? because thats what google yielded

Indeed thats what VVTI means. In the real world it gives very good economy and lively performance (for a 1.4). No t/belt so its cheap to maintain

They have a nice gearbox, clutch and steering. I have a saloon version. Its a fine car to learn to drive in in 3dr form, a little bigger than a supermini and all the better for it.

Mine tends to burn a little bit of oil but they all do that from what I know. I have gotten anything from 40mpg to 50mpg, but it really depends on how I drive it. 45 mpg is a realistic figure if your not driving it hard

Merch

johnos1984 wrote: »

Indeed thats what VVTI means. In the real world it gives very good economy and lively performance (for a 1.4). No t/belt so its cheap to maintain

They have a nice gearbox, clutch and steering. I have a saloon version. Its a fine car to learn to drive in in 3dr form, a little bigger than a supermini and all the better for it.

Mine tends to burn a little bit of oil but they all do that from what I know. I have gotten anything from 40mpg to 50mpg, but it really depends on how I drive it. 45 mpg is a realistic figure if your not driving it hard

No timing belt?? at all, are you sure? how is the timing controlled, by chain you mean?
I understood older corrollas did burn/lose oil, some through the valve stem seals, I didnt realise this was still an issue, but depending on how well it has been looked after/hard driven all cars will burn some oil.

johnos1984

Merch wrote: »

No timing belt?? at all, are you sure? how is the timing controlled, by chain you mean?
I understood older corrollas did burn/lose oil, some through the valve stem seals, I didnt realise this was still an issue, but depending on how well it has been looked after/hard driven all cars will burn some oil.

Yes it has a timing chain.

It's got 124k miles on it so I'll forgive it for burning some oil.

candlegrease

johnos1984 wrote: »

Indeed thats what VVTI means. In the real world it gives very good economy and lively performance (for a 1.4). No t/belt so its cheap to maintain

They have a nice gearbox, clutch and steering. I have a saloon version. Its a fine car to learn to drive in in 3dr form, a little bigger than a supermini and all the better for it.

Mine tends to burn a little bit of oil but they all do that from what I know. I have gotten anything from 40mpg to 50mpg, but it really depends on how I drive it. 45 mpg is a realistic figure if your not driving it hard

Sounds good, it will definitely be considered!

What do you guys think of the mazda 3 hatchback?

Merch

http://kereta.info/how-toyota-vvti-engine-works-variable-valve-timing-intelligent/

just looking at how it works but its just got a chain, I assume the electrical/motor element is at 40 seconds, that adjustment is made electrically (controlled electronically)

Merch

candlegrease wrote: »

Sounds good, it will definitely be considered!

What do you guys think of the mazda 3 hatchback?

mazda 3, nice enough, new enough too, will that be in your budget, probably need to look up some sites and compare.
I dont really know much about reliability, issues or mpg's but I never heard any problems myself, relatively new car

candlegrease

Merch wrote: »

mazda 3, nice enough, new enough too, will that be in your budget, probably need to look up some sites and compare.
I dont really know much about reliability, issues or mpg's but I never heard any problems myself, relatively new car

I think the one I'd be looking at was sold from 2003-2009, and the engine is a bit big so i doubt it will be in my range now that you mention it - ill do a search!

Merch

candlegrease wrote: »

I think the one I'd be looking at was sold from 2003-2009, and the engine is a bit big so i doubt it will be in my range now that you mention it - ill do a search!

I dont think mazda 3 was sold in 2003 maybe 2006? I wouldnt be 100% on that, didnt think it was that old, 03-09 is a big range from 7.5 years to virtually new.

candlegrease

Yep, too expensive, back to the corolla/polo i go!

rooney111

yermanoffthetv wrote: »

Mazda 323 are absoutely bullit proof. Had one for about 3 years and never had a problem once. Id say youd pick up a decent 02/03 1.4L for bout 3-4k

a friend of mine has one of these,burns as much oil as it does petrol.trouble with the electrics too. A corsa or a fiesta would suit a beginer,one that has 2 years nct,serviced,and a guarantee.most garages give 3months.wouldnt reccommend buying private sale on your first buy. sister got a 04 fiesta for 4k. last week. she loves it neway

yermanoffthetv

Your looking for the Mazda 323 not the Mazda 3. different things altogether.

Here, allow me: http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Mazda/323?searchsource=browse


To rooney111 Id say hes in the minority as Mazdas are known for their ledgendary reliability as are most jap cars. Have a peugeot 307 at the mo, the thing is the biggest pain in the hole ever, I can tell ya ill be goin back to a Mazda diesel next time. Agree with you on the private sale tho.Avoid.

rooney111

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSsHE2LwCBSDrwVx4aJCOFz7VKgE_DwmUSsHOl5Z_D3q2ILisI&t=1&usg=__kTPrk1oQ2aIkSDDCVh-bkz2h1is=
nice fiesta,cant go wrong with one

Bigus

Mazda 3 for 2950 if your brave no warranty but in the price range

rooney111

To rooney111 Id say hes in the minority as Mazdas are known for their ledgendary reliability as are most jap cars. Have a peugeot 307 at the mo, the thing is the biggest pain in the hole ever, I can tell ya ill be goin back to a Mazda diesel next time. Agree with you on the private sale tho.Avoid.[/QUOTE]

my girlfriend has a 307,giving her a bit of trouble alright.a car in the 2-4k bracket is goin to give some bit of trouble anyway.keep fingers crossed:D

Tea 1000

MITSIRULES wrote: »

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volkswagen/Polo/MAIN-DEA/201033199247733/advert?channel=CARS
02 polo 1Ltr,Lovely car and road tax 104 euro per year and needs nothing doing to it. In Main dealer in dublin so you know its 100%.

That's chronic value. 4k? Those Polo's are fairly crap inside, tiny, and the 1 litre engine really wouldn't be able to break it's way out of a wet paper bag. Horrible stuff.
If you're going for a Fiesta, make sure it's the 1.25 engine, that's made by Yamaha. The 1.3 Ford unit is just a pile of poo.
I'd recommend the Corolla mentioned above. Also worth looking at the Mitsubishi Colt. Decent car, nice looking and reliable. Mazda 323's are reliable and excellent value too.
@Bigus - that's a Mazda 2, not Mazda 3.

Jimmy Bottlehead

Tea 1000 wrote: »

That's chronic value. 4k? Those Polo's are fairly crap inside, tiny, and the 1 litre engine really wouldn't be able to break it's way out of a wet paper bag. Horrible stuff.
.

Got a 2004 1.2 Polo there about two weeks ago, one (old) lady owner, 10500 on the clock, literally SPOTLESS inside, few wee scrapes on the bumpers, for €4700.

With regards power, the OP is looking for a FIRST car, so power ain't that important. I find the 1.2 more than capable for city driving, and does alright on the motorway too. So far I'm enjoying it immensely, but then again after a 2002 Peugeot Partner van, anything feels like an upgrade!

djimi

MITSIRULES wrote: »

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volkswagen/Polo/MAIN-DEA/201033199247733/advert?channel=CARS
02 polo 1Ltr,Lovely car and road tax 104 euro per year and needs nothing doing to it. In Main dealer in dublin so you know its 100%.

€4k for that? :eek:

My girlfriend recently got a 1.4 00 Polo for €1800. Ive head the 1.0 model is chronically underpowered. I still cant believe they are looking ofr €4k for that...