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Suggestions on car to buy - nothing fancy, just reliable

  • 15-04-2011 9:11am
    #1
    paulocon
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,171 ✭✭✭


    Ok, so I've pretty much driven my poor '00 Toyota Avensis into the ground and the flourishing network of local potholes are doing their best to finish it off. It needs a load of work so I've decided my best bet would be to let the poor old thing retire with some morsel of dignity left intact.

    First up, I know feck all about cars. Secondly, I'm not looking for anything fancy - just something reliable that'll last me for a decent few years. Work is only about a 15 mile drive but I do loads of running around in the evenings with kids etc.

    Thinking of maybe something like a 2nd hand Skoda Octavia or a VW Passat. Probably spend 6 to 8k (like I said, nothing special.. live on a potholed road in the country). When the kids are grown up and I no longer spend Saturday afternoons picking bits of football pitch and ice-cream out of my car, I can look at getting something fancy!

    Any advice as regards petrol v diesel, engine size re taxation etc would really be appreciated as like I said, I know nothing about motors.


Comments

  • #2
    kermitpwee
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,697 ✭✭✭kermitpwee


    If your avensis has the 4afe engine I would hold onto it if you want reliability. If you are changing cos your bored then thats ok, but otherwise keep what you have.


  • #3
    galwaytt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,750 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    Sounds like the Avensis did all you wanted - so I'd advise 'same again'. The Skoda will be o.k., but the Passat will probably be less reliable.

    For simplicity, stick to petrol's.

    If reliability is top of the list, you're already there.

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • #4
    bazz26
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,482 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    A used Mazda 6 is fairly cheap to buy these days, petrols are very reliable but avoid the 2.0 litre diesel at all costs.


  • #5
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 23,339 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    galwaytt wrote: »
    Sounds like the Avensis did all you wanted - so I'd advise 'same again'. The Skoda will be o.k., but the Passat will probably be less reliable

    That's what I was thinking, and I'd have an Avensis over an Octavia any day unless I was going diesel.


  • #6
    paulocon
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,171 ✭✭✭paulocon


    kermitpwee wrote: »
    If your avensis has the 4afe engine I would hold onto it if you want reliability. If you are changing cos your bored then thats ok, but otherwise keep what you have.

    Hi,

    Not changing cause bored. Changing cause it needs a lot of work done. Engine is fine as is the body but it needs the mother and father of all services (shocks etc. need doing due to potholed roads).

    Logic is that the money I spend on it might be better spent on a newer model. Why I was steering away from an Avensis was because I thought a decent 2nd hand car would be out of my price range but had a look and there seems to be plenty of 2nd hand models for 6/7k.

    Still not sure on whether to go petrol or diesel. Do pretty low mileage but like I said, do have some trips down the country..


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  • #7
    samsemtex
    Closed Accounts Posts: 935 ✭✭✭samsemtex


    paulocon wrote: »
    Hi,

    Not changing cause bored. Changing cause it needs a lot of work done. Engine is fine as is the body but it needs the mother and father of all services (shocks etc. need doing due to potholed roads).

    Logic is that the money I spend on it might be better spent on a newer model. Why I was steering away from an Avensis was because I thought a decent 2nd hand car would be out of my price range but had a look and there seems to be plenty of 2nd hand models for 6/7k.

    Still not sure on whether to go petrol or diesel. Do pretty low mileage but like I said, do have some trips down the country..

    You pay such a premium for Diesel models of the same car I dont think it is worth it unless you are doing more than 15,000 miles a year. You can save a small fortune on the purchase price by going petrol. I'd agree on the Mazda 6. Lovely car and rock solid reliability.


  • #8
    Mr. 2
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 30 ✭Mr. 2


    If the roads are that bad then maybe you should consider something like a Forester - http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2030701

    I just bought a 05 a few months ago and love it. A lot of car for the money, if you can get that down below 8k.


  • #9
    galwaytt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,750 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    paulocon wrote: »
    Hi,

    Not changing cause bored. Changing cause it needs a lot of work done. Engine is fine as is the body but it needs the mother and father of all services (shocks etc. need doing due to potholed roads).

    Logic is that the money I spend on it might be better spent on a newer model. Why I was steering away from an Avensis was because I thought a decent 2nd hand car would be out of my price range but had a look and there seems to be plenty of 2nd hand models for 6/7k.

    Still not sure on whether to go petrol or diesel. Do pretty low mileage but like I said, do have some trips down the country..

    If your car is that good engine/gearbox wise, and body-wise, it's still cheaper to fix up yours, than change it.........you'd buy a LOT of work - and probably your hols in the sun as well ! - for the cost-to-change......

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • #10
    sealgaire
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 753 ✭✭✭sealgaire


    03-04 tdi octavia. Brill cars


  • #11
    kermitpwee
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,697 ✭✭✭kermitpwee


    paulocon wrote: »
    Hi,

    Not changing cause bored. Changing cause it needs a lot of work done. Engine is fine as is the body but it needs the mother and father of all services (shocks etc. need doing due to potholed roads).

    Logic is that the money I spend on it might be better spent on a newer model. Why I was steering away from an Avensis was because I thought a decent 2nd hand car would be out of my price range but had a look and there seems to be plenty of 2nd hand models for 6/7k.

    Still not sure on whether to go petrol or diesel. Do pretty low mileage but like I said, do have some trips down the country..

    Suspension components are not expensive, in that avensis for the nct you would be looking at drop links and bushes in the back, shocks often pass the nct unless they are knocking. timing belt and tensioner shold be done for under 200. So really you wont need to spend that much. You said that you didnt know anything about cars that is why i posted to help you save money. If you want to buy a newer car thats fine but it will cost you more in repairs then the avensis. Your logic is not logic as you have very limited knowledge of cars, no offence just trying to save you at least 5300 out of your 6k budget!


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  • #12
    paulocon
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,171 ✭✭✭paulocon


    kermitpwee wrote: »
    Suspension components are not expensive, in that avensis for the nct you would be looking at drop links and bushes in the back, shocks often pass the nct unless they are knocking. timing belt and tensioner shold be done for under 200. So really you wont need to spend that much. You said that you didnt know anything about cars that is why i posted to help you save money. If you want to buy a newer car thats fine but it will cost you more in repairs then the avensis. Your logic is not logic as you have very limited knowledge of cars, no offence just trying to save you at least 5300 out of your 6k budget!

    kermitwpee. that's sound advice and really appreciated. Decision to be made I think!


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