Buying a used car in Ireland guide

bazz26

KCAccidental wrote: »

cheers Bazz, yeah I'm under no illusions that it will be a beauty at that price! Just attracted by the long nct, really.

thanks for replying!

Don't buy into the long NCT too much, it is nice to have but it is not an indication of mechanical worthiness. It is only an indication that the car was road worthy on the day it was tested.

TimeToShine

MidlandsM wrote: »

A good focus 1.4, or mazda3 or a corolla. A car always overlooked in this segment is a mitsi lancer...1.4, japaneese reliability and they come cheaper than all the rest.

Thanks I'll look into them, some nice Focus/Corollas on offer.

MidlandsM

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/lancer-1-3-cheap-car-fresh-nct/6988868

Id have this for example over a petrol golf. Saloon, alloys, new nct etc....good value. Much better value

bazz26

TimeToShine wrote: »

Thanks I'll look into them, some nice Focus/Corollas on offer.

The 1.4 Corolla would be the most powerful of that list but they also command a premium second hand as they are popular and generally regarded as a good car.

TimeToShine

MidlandsM wrote: »

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/lancer-1-3-cheap-car-fresh-nct/6988868

Id have this for example over a petrol golf. Saloon, alloys, new nct etc....good value. Much better value

Would the insurance not be higher because it's not a hatchback or is that irrelevant?

bazz26 wrote: »

The 1.4 Corolla would be the most powerful of that list but they also command a premium second hand as they are popular and generally regarded as a good car.

I'm willing to spend around 3500 if its worth the price - just want to keep insurance below 1500 if possible.

bazz26

3500 will probably get you a good 2003 or average 2004 Corolla. They hold their value pretty well. Hatchbacks fetch more money than saloons. Cannot see there being any difference in insurance between either.

L-M

Be careful with high mile VVTI 1.4 Corollas, some can burn oil heavily.

MidlandsM

Limerick man wrote: »

Be careful with high mile VVTI 1.4 Corollas, some can burn oil heavily.

Yeah...and the timing chain can slacken.

Cantona's Collars

Does this seem a bit too cheap? http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2007-audi-a4-2-0-tdi-6-speed/6923657

Very tempted by it.

MidlandsM

zerks wrote: »

Does this seem a bit too cheap? http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2007-audi-a4-2-0-tdi-6-speed/6923657

Very tempted by it.

Yeah. Avoid that 2.0 engine on that plate.

Dia1988

zerks wrote: »

Does this seem a bit too cheap? http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2007-audi-a4-2-0-tdi-6-speed/6923657

Very tempted by it.

Do you want me to buy it and I can then sell it to you for 7k?
I don't mind....I'm nice like that!

Seems like a UK import with the less desirable 2.0 engine.
Good price though

sandy_c

Hi all,

Currently in the market for a new car, looking at Avensis estates. Main requirements are space, reliability and fuel economy. Have driven a couple and am happy with how they drive and feel, ruled the others out because they looked like they hadn't been looked after and were a little bit knocked around.

Looking at this car:

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Toyota/Avensis/2.0-D4D-/49514005067351330/advert?channel=CARS

Have never spent this kind of money on a car before, just wondered if we would be overpaying at that price.

When I step back and think about it, 13-14k seems a lot for a 5 year old car. I know the resale values are quite good, but would that be the case if a new model avensis came along? With the current model being 5 years old seems likely enough in the coming years.

Thanks

colm_mcm

The 03-09 shape models values didn't fall off the cliff when the current model came out to be fair despite being heavily discounted towards the end of production

Pacifico

Anyone have any opinions on the Accord below? Motor check didn't throw up anything odd but is it too cheap?!

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2007-honda-accord-sport-just-passed-nct/7070586

TimeToShine

Any opinions on Astra hatchbacks from 2002-2006?

MidlandsM

TimeToShine wrote: »

Any opinions on Astra hatchbacks from 2002-2006?

what year? the H model came out in 2004 - I sold shed loads of them H models, I know lots about them.

i'm sure i can help

TimeToShine

MidlandsM wrote: »

what year? the H model came out in 2004 - I sold shed loads of them H models, I know lots about them.

i'm sure i can help

Are these the H models you refer to?

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/05-astra-1-4-sxi-nct-2-15-showroom-condt/7073294

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/opel-astra-2005-ntc-tax/7068451

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/opel-astra-1-4/7004774

Got to drive one the last day (an 04) and liked it quite a bit. Think I'll go for one instead of a focus/corolla but just want to make sure they're ok. It's the 1.4 petrol I'm after.

What do you think? There seems to be a fair few on offer so I'll shop around. Anything in particular to look out for?

MidlandsM

TimeToShine wrote: »

Are these the H models you refer to?

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/05-astra-1-4-sxi-nct-2-15-showroom-condt/7073294

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/opel-astra-2005-ntc-tax/7068451

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/opel-astra-1-4/7004774

Got to drive one the last day (an 04) and liked it quite a bit. Think I'll go for one instead of a focus/corolla but just want to make sure they're ok. It's the 1.4 petrol I'm after.

What do you think? There seems to be a fair few on offer so I'll shop around. Anything in particular to look out for?

yes, all H models 2004 to 2010.

I'd not bother with any of those 3 you highlighted.

A decent often overlooked car. 5 star Ncap, safe car. Good value - my buyers guide on buying one would be -

Buy a low milage example with a service history (a must)



Check the following -

the fan motor in behind the dash works, on all speeds ...if not, or noises, expect €250 for a new fan motor from opel, and €40 more for a resistor. Reason is if the pollen filter is not changed as needed as per servicing, they can get wet, and drop water down the motor, fecking it up.

Check all electrics.

Check the air con works.

check for oil leaks, coolant

Check ECU in left front wing in front of wheel arch liner, may become vulnerable to moisture ingress. check its dry in there.

Check for Water traps at top of front suspension turrets leading to premature corrosion there

Check for sloppy wiper linkages .....make sure there is no "play" in the wipers.

Thats it @ the top of my head. If you want help with an inspection, drop me a pm.

TimeToShine

Thanks very much. Appreciate it.

I just picked the first three that popped up. I'll look a bit more carefully later and bear the low mileage/service history in mind before I go to inspect in person.

MidlandsM

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/opel-astra-16v-life-1-4-2004/7038130


just an example, no affiliation.

Claims service history, and you'll get a warranty.

TimeToShine

MidlandsM wrote: »

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/opel-astra-16v-life-1-4-2004/7038130


just an example, no affiliation.

Claims service history, and you'll get a warranty.

Looks like a dealer and seems to be charging dealer prices!

Might ring up if you think it's worth a shot though. Would 3500 be the minimum spend for a car like this? There are a few cheap ones going around but don't want to risk getting burned.

MidlandsM

TimeToShine wrote: »

Looks like a dealer and seems to be charging dealer prices!

Might ring up if you think it's worth a shot though. Would 3500 be the minimum spend for a car like this? There are a few cheap ones going around but don't want to risk getting burned.

Yeah...haggle hard with 3.5k budget and aim for a low milage example.

stuba

http://www.aherns.ie/used-cars/Volkswagen/Passat/B6-HIGH/45013974878694350/

Going looking at this on Monday, any verdicts on it?

colm_mcm

Looks good, NCT till 2016, one owner too.
Obviously check service history.

stuba

Will do, any idea how they are on fuel?

uberdan

Am looking to buy my first car. Thinking something like a Focus or Golf, 1.4 or below. €2700 max to spend, any suggestions?

GreeBo

Is it crazy to spend 19K on a private sale?
Looking at some A6's this weekend and only the private sales have the spec I want.
2010 models, ~80K miles.

I'd be getting an AA check on it and looking for full service history....madness or ok?

bazz26

If you prefer the security of a dealer warranty then consider dropping back to a 2009 model.

bazz26

stuba wrote: »

Will do, any idea how they are on fuel?

They are not bad on fuel but like any car, if you have a heavy right foot then fuel economy will suffer.

uberdan wrote: »

Am looking to buy my first car. Thinking something like a Focus or Golf, 1.4 or below. €2700 max to spend, any suggestions?

Both of those cars are on the sluggish side for 1.4 litre, a Corolla would be a lot more nippier in 1.4 litre form. As it's your first car speed is probably not a priority so I would chose the 1.4 litre Focus over a 1.4 litre Golf of that vintage as the 1.4 litre engine in the Focus would be a lot more reliable.

L-M

Those 1.4's are decent on fuel, much better than the 1.6 it replaced.