Sorry but this is very general

Wompa1

I have driven two cars over the last 9 years. One was a 95 and currently driving a 96 Mitsubishi Carisma. I don't do much driving in a year I would say maybe 4 long trips..e.g. Galway to Dublin, Galway to Cork..etc. And just drive around the city.

My own preferences so far have been a BMW 3 series, Audi A4, Volvo S40 or a Skoda Octavia.

I reckon if I'm spending around 8k I could get a newer Octavia with higher spec than the others but I was wondering if anybody had any words of wisdom. I don't know much about cars, I just know I want a car which has a nice inside to it, I'm sick of not having small things others have...

No cup holders, no working interior lights, Petrol gauge not working, doors falling apart etc.

Any suggestions on the cars I've listed or any happy alternative for me guys?

keithclancy

Wompa1 wrote: »

I have driven two cars over the last 9 years. One was a 95 and currently driving a 96 Mitsubishi Carisma. I don't do much driving in a year I would say maybe 4 long trips..e.g. Galway to Dublin, Galway to Cork..etc. And just drive around the city.

My own preferences so far have been a BMW 3 series, Audi A4, Volvo S40 or a Skoda Octavia.

I reckon if I'm spending around 8k I could get a newer Octavia with higher spec than the others but I was wondering if anybody had any words of wisdom. I don't know much about cars, I just know I want a car which has a nice inside to it, I'm sick of not having small things others have...

No cup holders, no working interior lights, Petrol gauge not working, doors falling apart etc.

Any suggestions on the cars I've listed or any happy alternative for me guys?

I'd go for the Bimmer 320D or 325D ... Have a Volvo V50 and regret not getting a bimmer, g/f influenced me with the BMW drivers are w*nkers argument.

Never listening to her again.

Had an Octavia before it, its basically a Golf/Audi A4 with a big arse on it.

Wompa1

keithclancy wrote: »

I'd go for the Bimmer 320D or 325D ... Have a Volvo V50 and regret not getting a bimmer, g/f influenced me with the BMW drivers are w*nkers argument.

Never listening to her again.

Had an Octavia before it, its basically a Golf/Audi A4 with a big arse on it.

Thanks for the reply. I reckon if I go for a BMW She'll be a 2003 or 2004. What model would you recommend.

I'm asking on her because my brother and cousins work in a car dealership my uncles own and I think they try to spin me to a car that they have to try and sucker me. Nice of family I know.

I've heard don't bother with BMW the gearbox will go and is expensive to replace

Apparently Volvos are very unreliable (But heard they are better from 05 on)

Mercedes and BMWs apparently have expensive parts and services.

I have no problem with people thinking I'm a w**ker anyway :P

milltown

keithclancy wrote: »

I'd go for the Bimmer 320D or 325D ... Have a Volvo V50 and regret not getting a bimmer, g/f influenced me with the BMW drivers are w*nkers argument.

Never listening to her again.

Had an Octavia before it, its basically a Golf/Audi A4 with a big arse on it.

If the OP is driving that little they'd be mad to pay 2L/2.5L road tax IMO.
Of the list given, with the info given, I'd say a 1.6 A4 would be the sensible choice.

Just do plenty of homework first. Make sure the expensive jobs (timing belt & water pump) have been done or bargain accordingly. Verify the mileage and check the service history. My brother is in the trade and reckons he sees more clocked Audis offered for trade in than any other make.

EPM

milltown wrote: »

If the OP is driving that little they'd be mad to pay 2L/2.5L road tax IMO.
Of the list given, with the info given, I'd say a 1.6 A4 would be the sensible choice.

That's needlessly thirsty, underpowered and the gearboxes give trouble. Not a good option if going for an A4.

An Octavia is a good option, but a Focus might also be worth a look. Zetec models up have very good spec. In either avoid the 1.4 at all costs.

BlackWizard

I'd suggest test driving a few different types of cars. The Focus will drive differently to the Octavia. See for yourself what you find more comfortable or fun.

If you are paying cash then don't be afraid to haggle and take your time when shopping. Plenty of fish in the sea. Stay away from your uncle

Wompa1

Thanks. Had not considered the Focus. To be honest I like bigger cars, I'm a short man so I must be compensating for something. Also my girlfriend drives a 05 Focus and it doesn't do a whole lot for me...It's not a Zetec mind you

MagicMarker

If you're family own a dealership I'd take advantage of that and drive every single car there tbh.

Wompa1

MagicMarker wrote: »

If you're family own a dealership I'd take advantage of that and drive every single car there tbh.

I've kind of got a bit of an axe to grind...my first car broke down after 3 weeks and my second car broke down the day after I got it, I was told no warranty cover for either... I've vowed not to have any dealings with them again.

MagicMarker

Wompa1 wrote: »

I've kind of got a bit of an axe to grind...my first car broke down after 3 weeks and my second car broke down the day after I got it, I was told no warranty cover for either... I've vowed not to have any dealings with them again.

You don't have to buy off them, just drive 'em. Once you find something you like, go get it somewhere else!

johndaman66

I don't real get the obsession with big diesel engined cars is when a lower capacity petrol engined model would be much more viable alternative. Its apparent to me that the OP is doing minimum mileage, mainly in towns so I would think its hard to justify the likes of a BMW 325D and the €935 annual road tax that goes with it. I'm also thinking of the possibly large potential repair bills that seem to go hand in hand with many modern diesel engined cars also.

Somebody mentioned a 1.6 litre Audi A4. Never owned one but was told on a few occassions they are a pretty thirsty car. I'd be inclined to consider a 1.8 duratec Mondeo if I was in your shoes OP (bearing in mind you seem to be after a sizeable family saloon). Your money will go much further than it would with an comparable Audi or BMW and a lot more up in the years too if that floats your boat!

SpannerMonkey

id go for the bmw 3 series, if you do very little driving and arent worriend about mpg because of that there are great deals to be had on petrol models maybe look at a 316i cheap tax decent fuel economy , no point spending extra for a diesel if your not doing the mileage , dont know where you heard the gearbox is troublesome i know plenty of people with them and i own one myself and have owned 7 other bmw and never had gearbox trouble, 320d is a great all rounder if your ok with the slightly more expensive tax, but by going diesel you have more possible maintenance issues with turbos etc

Wompa1

davy_b wrote: »

id go for the bmw 3 series, if you do very little driving and arent worriend about mpg because of that there are great deals to be had on petrol models maybe look at a 316i cheap tax decent fuel economy , no point spending extra for a diesel if your not doing the mileage , dont know where you heard the gearbox is troublesome i know plenty of people with them and i own one myself and have owned 7 other bmw and never had gearbox trouble, 320d is a great all rounder if your ok with the slightly more expensive tax, but by going diesel you have more possible maintenance issues with turbos etc

Thanks everyone, all very very helpful. See I think the gearbox could have been mentioned to put me off. I was told to look at an Alfa in the garage before then when it sold I was told they have a lot of problems..

johndaman66

^^Seems like somebody was more interested in shifting a car than seing you in a decent motor there. No doubt people will come here calling me all sorts when I say this but I for one would steer well clear of Alfa Romeo/ Fiat brands.