14k Hatch, Advice greatly appreciated

Gallant_JJ

Hey lads, would really appreciate your advice. Myself and the GF have about 14,000 to spend on a car. We've decide to go for a hatchback, her choice mainly, I've an S60, she prefers a smaller car, the question is which one.

We want a diesel, so looking for an '08+. (do all '08 cars avail of the new rate of tax or is it ones registered after a particular date?) We've kind of narrowed down the search to either a Golf, Civic, Focus or 116/8. Ruled the others out on purely aesthetics but am open to suggestions. I think the Astra and A3 look a bit dated. I'm not a fan of the 116 myself, its a bit of a 'sawn off' car. I would love a c30 but they are about 16/17,000.

My question is has anyone any opinions on the above or any suggestions? I'm sure there are some cars were overlooking. The one car I'm not to familiar with is the Civic, I really like the look of them, but would appreciate the opinions of owners re ride quality etc? Hoping to test drive one next weekend.

She has a 2000 sdi golf, to get rid of, would we be better selling privately or trading it in?

These are a couple of machines we've been looking at. The spec of the standard Golf seems basic enough. Thanks for your help, apologies about the number of questions.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Honda/Civic/%E2%82%AC156-per/201050200601688/advert?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volkswagen/Golf/1.9-TDI-/201045200148901/advert?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/1-Series/118D/201101200773204/advert?channel=CARS

geezer1234

Hyundai i30? 14K should get you a 09 or even a 10 reg

Jimbob 83

Diesel Golf tbh

Green Hornet

The Civic has a hard ride alright but frugal, reliable and much better equipped than a Golf. It's actually a nice, bright place to be when driving. They have a 2.2 litre diesel engine and it's got plenty of torque which is available from low down in the revs. They are not cheap though.

Lauder

The Civic is the best of the lot you selected there. Great engine that 2.2l.

The ride is 'sporty' compared to the other two, even the BMW. But well wel specced car.

Downside is the massive mileage 95,000miles in 2.5 years!!

Also regarding the new tax system, it started on July 1st 2008.

Gallant_JJ

Hi lads thanks for you help, leaning towards the civic myself. The mileage on the one i threw up is extremely high alright but i just threw it up as an example, I reckon I could definitely get the 2.2 one with reasonable miles for under 14k


Id like to think I could get the likes of this for 14k. 60,000 is still quite high, am I correct in saying it has a timing chain?

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Honda/Civic/I-CTDI-T/201043200036846/advert?channel=CARS

geezer1234

tasty civic

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1246952

cozzie55

i'd definitely have the civic over the other two any day.

How about the seat leon?http://www.carzone.ie/search/SEAT/Leon/2.0FR-TF/201040199781957/advert?channel=CARS

Some c30's can be got for close to 14k like this one
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volvo/C30/Volvo-C3/201037199503408/advert?channel=CARS

Cathalh

You should definitely have a look at an Alfa Romeo 147 or even a Mito. You certainly wouldn't be disappointed.

Gallant_JJ

I quite like the Leon, its one I have considered and will take one for a test drive, there is quite good value to be had in them. The petrol c30s are within budget but really want a diesel, will be doing big miles in it, tis a pity, I think they are a stunning car. Never thought of the Alfa, will have a look. Thanks

Gallant_JJ

Hey lads, spent the weekend testing cars. Kinda come to realise 14k is a wee bit tight for what we want, got approved for 16. Took a diesel focus for a spin, good solid car but a bit bland for that money. Drove a civic, I enjoyed it, she didn't. Very modern styling but she wasn't that comfortable with the driving position. Went to a VW garage to test the golf, tdi with GT spec, lovely drive, really nice engine but the interior was disappointing tbh, very similar to the old one.

Just as we were leaving a rep pulled up in an 08 A3, that they had just got in. 105bhp Sportback. Loved it, I said in the opening post that I thought it looked dated, must admit I was wrong. This one was in black with a chrome roof rail, looked lovely. Lovely drive too, damn smooth. She only has 60,000k on the clock, he's looking for 16,500 for a straight deal. I think it's the machine for us. Anyone any opinion on the A3s, what's servicing costs etc like.

errlloyd

It's completely not what you're looking for. But Mount Merrion Motors has a sweet look 3/4 yr old Mini Cooper S for that price. I just remember seeing it, and thinking it was beautiful...

Squall19

Gallant_JJ wrote: »

Hey lads, spent the weekend testing cars. Kinda come to realise 14k is a wee bit tight for what we want, got approved for 16. Took a diesel focus for a spin, good solid car but a bit bland for that money. Drove a civic, I enjoyed it, she didn't. Very modern styling but she wasn't that comfortable with the driving position. Went to a VW garage to test the golf, tdi with GT spec, lovely drive, really nice engine but the interior was disappointing tbh, very similar to the old one.

Just as we were leaving a rep pulled up in an 08 A3, that they had just got in. 105bhp Sportback. Loved it, I said in the opening post that I thought it looked dated, must admit I was wrong. This one was in black with a chrome roof rail, looked lovely. Lovely drive too, damn smooth. She only has 60,000k on the clock, he's looking for 16,500 for a straight deal. I think it's the machine for us. Anyone any opinion on the A3s, what's servicing costs etc like.

16.5k is alot for a basic 3 year old car like an A3!

Scrap the Golf and get a brand new 2011 car.

You could get a new Fabia 1.6tdi for under 14k scrappage, 3 year warranty, 3year free servicing etc

Im not too familiar with other offers but im sure other posters are, I heard something on the radio about the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 120bhp petrol being available for 16.5k scrappage and new Mitusbishi Lancer 1.8 diesel 150bhp for 19.5k scrappage.

Any one?

Stheno

Squall19 wrote: »

Im not too familiar with other offers but im sure other posters are, I heard something on the radio about the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 120bhp petrol being available for 16.5k scrappage and new Mitusbishi Lancer 1.8 diesel 150bhp for 19.5k scrappage.

Any one?

Alfa price list and scrappage options here

The price you have above is correct

RandomAccess

geezer1234 wrote: »

tasty civic

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1246952

Nice car alright,
The ad is a bit bizzare! namely,

Will take part ex of: 318i 318ci 323ci 320d 530d 520d 520i 523i 528i 735 740 840 745 m3 m5 m6 x3 x5 x6 A3 A4 A6 A8 megane laguna c2 c3 c4 c5 fiesta focus mondeo 206 307 407 607 golf jetta passat polo caddy yaris corsa astra vectra insignia fabia octavia superb s40 s60 s80 v70 rio ceed sedona sorento tiida primara almera corolla avensis yaris landcruiser trueno levin tdi gti impreza supra skyline audi accord civic integra crv van wrx sti gt coupe twincam xj8 xk8 cooper coupe c180 c220 e200 e220 cdi e320 s320 s500 sl320 156 altea leon ibiza

Tea 1000

Gallant_JJ wrote: »

Hey lads, spent the weekend testing cars. Kinda come to realise 14k is a wee bit tight for what we want, got approved for 16. Took a diesel focus for a spin, good solid car but a bit bland for that money. Drove a civic, I enjoyed it, she didn't. Very modern styling but she wasn't that comfortable with the driving position. Went to a VW garage to test the golf, tdi with GT spec, lovely drive, really nice engine but the interior was disappointing tbh, very similar to the old one.

Just as we were leaving a rep pulled up in an 08 A3, that they had just got in. 105bhp Sportback. Loved it, I said in the opening post that I thought it looked dated, must admit I was wrong. This one was in black with a chrome roof rail, looked lovely. Lovely drive too, damn smooth. She only has 60,000k on the clock, he's looking for 16,500 for a straight deal. I think it's the machine for us. Anyone any opinion on the A3s, what's servicing costs etc like.

Don't know why they call it a Sportback, it's an ugly 5-door hatchback in reality! 3 door is a nice looking car. That 105bhp I assume is the 1.9 diesel. Ancient thing, noisy and a powerband narrower than a wind up car. I think you could do a lot better for €16,500.

JustLen

RandomAccess wrote: »

Nice car alright,
The ad is a bit bizzare! namely,

Quote:
"Will take part ex of: 318i 318ci 323ci 320d 530d 520d 520i 523i 528i 735 740 840 745 m3 m5 m6 x3 x5 x6 A3 A4 A6 A8 megane laguna c2 c3 c4 c5 fiesta focus mondeo 206 307 407 607 golf jetta passat polo caddy yaris corsa astra vectra insignia fabia octavia superb s40 s60 s80 v70 rio ceed sedona sorento tiida primara almera corolla avensis yaris landcruiser trueno levin tdi gti impreza supra skyline audi accord civic integra crv van wrx sti gt coupe twincam xj8 xk8 cooper coupe c180 c220 e200 e220 cdi e320 s320 s500 sl320 156 altea leon ibiza"

Thats just something people do for search purposes. Anybody that searches for any of the above cars on donedeal will come across that ad.

He seems to have taken it to the extreme really doesnt he:rolleyes:

colm_mcm

There's so much better out there than the a3
Dull engine, ride and handling average, 3 years old.
It's an Audi, which is a joke unless it has a proper engine and quattro

quad_red

geezer1234 wrote: »

tasty civic

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1246952

Aw jaysus, I think I messed myself.

Never really considering a Civic before but that car is class! :eek:

Saying that, cos I'm a 30 year old male, my insurance would probably double.

testicle

Stheno wrote: »

Alfa price list and scrappage options here

The price you have above is correct

No it isn't. You'd get a MiTo for that price, but not a Giulietta.

SV

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1788355

Go have fun
Right on the button at 14k and all! What's the chances :P

Gallant_JJ

For anyone with any interest, bought a car. Not exactly under 14k but I'm extremely happy. Got the car we always wanted, a c30. She's the c30 1.6d R Design Sport. Got it in black, 33k miles, price inc vrt €15,800. Beautiful car to drive, nice power for a 1.6.