Is it time to part ways?

poconnor16

I've had my 02 Opel Astra 4 years (about 105k on the clock). We've had some good times and some bad, bad especially in the last year as I have had nothing but problems for example, new map sensor, new window wiper motor..this morning a cracked radiator and issue with water pump. And now its timing belt time too.

So I'm thinking, the end is nigh and given that she will have a new timing belt and has over a year left on the current NCT, its a good time to do it.

I want something reliable and a lot of people have said the best way to get this is to go new. I dont know a whole lot about cars so could easily get taken for a ride buying second hand. My budget is stretching at the 10k mark (adding on whatever value I get for mine). Thats a loan as well which is a balls.

What would you guys do? We have an 02 Audi A3 as well which is in good nick, so we really dont need anything too big. (Eventhough himself would disagree )

Should I go get sucked in by a dealer? Or go down the path of second hand/private sales?

I would love to spend very little on a car, be quite happy with a '04, so long as I know its not going to cost me another forune.....

mickdw

You will get a very fine used car in todays market for 10k/11k.
You would get a ford focus, couple of years old with low mileage for example.

If you would love to spend little, then thats what you should do. If going older and cheaper, I would go down the private sale route - at least that way you will be able to see the true condition of the car and the attitude of the owner. Keep the money saved over buying at a dealer for any issues that crop up.

E39MSport

Risk is of course greatly mitigated against with a new(newish) car.

On the other hand, if you have patience and more importantly some knowledge of whats good out there in the second hand market then you can pick up a hassle free car for comparatively small money. There is however an associated risk that no matter how good the vehicles record is and how well it was looked after it can always go wallop.

If you're handy with a spanner then life is easier (and cheaper - but sometimes more stressful ;-)

From what you have explained you might be better of chipping it in on one of the current scrappage schemes? 10k should get you a Renault or the like.

edit: oops - you might not apply for scrappage.

If you don't mind an older car I think it's less than wise to spend €10K of borrowed cash on a more modern one. Realistically the Astra is worth tiny money so after you have the rad, water pump and timing belt done you'd be better off keeping it for another year I reckon.

poconnor16

I dont mind hanging on it another while while I look, but I will definitley get rid of it. Previous owner basically drove the arse out of it. (Why woulld anyone put alloys wheels on a car that size? Suspension was ruined....I should not have bought it in the first place).
VW would be great, or Toyota but they are very expensive. I dont see the the point in going into debt for a 2004, especially if its a heap of crap.

My astra is down in Johnson & P's at the mo getting fixed, am not opening my mouth that I am thinking of buying for fear or a sales assault next time I walk in the door....:D

Bringing an 02 Astra to the main dealer for work may be a quite expensive way of maintaining it.

Lots of Astra sized cars have alloy wheels, once they are the correct size and mated to the appropriate tyre there should be no bother.

DopeyKev

Just get a civic and enjoy never breaking down.

poconnor16

RoverJames wrote: »

Bringing an 02 Astra to the main dealer for work may be a quite expensive way of maintaining it.

Lots of Astra sized cars have alloy wheels, once they are the correct size and mated to the appropriate tyre there should be no bother.

Very fair point, but I've been messed around by a few mechanics and eventhough the main dealer are a bit more pricey, the seem to do exactly what they say in the tin.

I'm no expert on alloys, but these were far too big for the tyre they were on and the suspension was damaged.

poconnor16

Update - just got a call, its just a new radiator. Timing belt is not due yet (according to the mark on the engine) so will hold off on that for a while.

Maybe I should keep her for another while. Anything to avoid Mr Bank Manager :mad:

E39MSport

If it was mine and I was investing further in it Id keep it especially if it's got an all clear from a mech.

Harrocks

Im in much the same boat as the thread starter my corsa needs new tyres a full service due,possibly head gasket,brakes need doin etc over the last few years something over the normal service has needed doin.So a kia pro-ceed is looking very attractive with a 7 year warranty at the moment.