Recommendations for a medium sized family car for 3000euro

FutureMom2Two

We are expecting twins in May and we have a small budget of 3000euros to get a car
We need it to be four door at least,
have smooth suspension because i'm currently restricted to minimum travel,
decent sized rear seats as I'll need two car seats in the back plus probably myself.
And also something thats going to be reliable and safe as we're not going to be in a position to deal with a broken down car around the time of the births.
Probably a lot to ask for as we're on a small budget but advice would really be appreciated.

dohertykkwdpd

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1780192

Always reliable!

colm_mcm

They're a hoor on juice though

dnme

For that money, a Toyota Corolla Saloon or 5 door liftback. 1997-2001 although the 4EFE is a better engine in the earlier models.

You'll pick one up for under 2k and it will serve you like a tank. They are indestructible. Of course with any car, make sure you have it looked over by a mechanic, make sure it was well serviced, do a data check on it and follow my secondhand car checklist here.
http://boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055803900

dohertykkwdpd

colm_mcm wrote: »

They're a hoor on juice though

This is a 1.6 and not the 2ltr model so they are fairly average on juice, driving softly of course!

colm_mcm

Performance & Economy
Fuel consumption (urban): 23.3 mpg
Fuel consumption (extra urban): 39.8 mpg Fuel consumption (combined): 31.7 mpg
0 - 62 mph: 12.5 seconds
Top speed: 105 mph

JJJJNR

Is the 1.6 AWD ? thought it was FWD.

Ferris

2003 Citroen C5 for 2950:

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1553283

Looks clean and the diesel engines in these will run forever. The suspension/ride in these is unbelievable and the car is pretty big with a huge boot. The suspension needs regular maintenence but its no biggie really.

dohertykkwdpd

JJJJNR wrote: »

Is the 1.6 AWD ? thought it was FWD.

The TS model is AWD, the older models 1996-2000 offered a 1.6 FWD and 2ltr AWD.

toe_knee

What about a Skoda Octavia. Very reliable car, massive boot and decent size inside for a mid soze saloon. Very economical in the diesel as well. Here is one with 2 years NCT on it. Just double check that the timing belt was doen recently as there is 120k on the clock it is due.
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1706581

dohertykkwdpd

As my last recommendation wasn’t loved! What about this?;
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1663605
Friend of mine had an Almeria with the same engine and it was unstoppable.

slavetothegrind

ford mondeo 1.8 ftw, big comfortable and extremely reliable.

toe_knee

Just sold a 04 one of these. Massive car and very comfrtable. High tax though and does around 40mpg. My Ovtavia was getting over 50mpg. The primera was a much more solid car on the road and very comfrotable but the running costs would be more. Had the Mondeo previous to this, the 1.8 diesel and was big comfrotbale and econimical.

dohertykkwdpd wrote: »

As my last recommendation wasn’t loved! What about this?;
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1663605
Friend of mine had an Almeria with the same engine and it was unstoppable.

Sobanek

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volvo/V40/40-SERIE/201046200290033/advert?channel=CARS

Once you go VOLVO, you never go back.

colm_mcm

Sobanek wrote: »

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volvo/V40/40-SERIE/201046200290033/advert?channel=CARS

Once you go VOLVO, you never go back.

You'd certainly be stuck with it anyway.

I'd have a look at the original model corolla verso.

OldmanMondeo

Have a look for an Opel Zafira. This should give you the room your looking for. Unless you look for a Hyundai Trajet, not sure if these will be within budget though.

VolvoMan

Sobanek wrote: »

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volvo/V40/40-SERIE/201046200290033/advert?channel=CARS

Once you go VOLVO, you never go back.

+1

Was just about to suggest one of them. I wouldn't recommend that one though.

colm_mcm wrote: »

You'd certainly be stuck with it anyway.

You couldn't be more wrong. The V40 is actually quite a sought after and easy car to sell.

Here's a diesel S40 saloon that should be comfortable, safe and economical: http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1664155

Jimbob 83

toe_knee wrote: »

What about a Skoda Octavia. Very reliable car, massive boot and decent size inside for a mid soze saloon. Very economical in the diesel as well. Here is one with 2 years NCT on it. Just double check that the timing belt was doen recently as there is 120k on the clock it is due.
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1706581

Yea a 2002-2004 skoda octavia diesel are a great solid/reliable/safe car with great economy + as was said it has a huge boot even if the back seats are only average, son't be afraid of the badge as i have had mine over 3 years with no trouble at all until lately.

The only issues it get's over time is that you need to check the timing belt is done and the bushels/electric window motors can if not looked after cause problems.

Good luck with the car hunting and don't forget to let us know what you end up getting

jayok

Honda 01-05 Honda Civic hatchback 5-door. Loads of space in the back, reliable, has some conveniences (a/c, etc), comfortable cheap to run:

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Honda/Civic/1.4%23HATC/201052200732566/advert?channel=CARS

rotinaj

Mazda 626 maybe. Plenty of space. Very reliable.


http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1771069

mdot

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1778657
You would get this for under 3 grand with some bargining

FutureMom2Two

Just to update in the end
We bought a Nissan Primera '02 for 3100eur.
Only things we're not completely happy with is it's a 1.8 sucks for tax and fuel and recently heard it's very difficult to fit infant car seats in this car.
Anybody know anything about this as we'll need two:D