Recommend a car (used)

BailMeOut

I see lots of these requests for advice and always see good recommendations from you all.

I recently moved to a very rural location and need a second car.

My requirements are... (#6 is probably the most important)

1. something good for icy roads in winter (AWD or 4x4). Good with pot holes too!
2. decent carrying capacity (hatchback with fold down seats would work)
3. prefer Diesel
4. I have kids so need 4 doors and decent rear seat size
5. Prefer newer than July 2008 with low CO2 so cheaper motor tax
6. simple car that a local rural mechanic can take care of with very low maintenance and running costs.
7. Budget between €10k to €15k and I'd like to keep and drive it for as long as possible.

Thanks!

colm_mcm

A Subaru Legacy estate in a diesel would be an option.
They seem in short supply though.

Here's one in the UK

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201127396469111/sort/priceasc/usedcars/fuel-type/diesel/price-to/12000/model/legacy/make/subaru/radius/1501/page/1/postcode/ln12na?logcode=p

£10750 = €12215
VRT is €3077
travel about €300

so just over the €15k mark.

Also the Impreza may be an option with the same engine. Again in very short supply.

BailMeOut

colm_mcm wrote: »

A Subaru Legacy estate in a diesel would be an option.
They seem in short supply though.

Here's one in the UK

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201127396469111/sort/priceasc/usedcars/fuel-type/diesel/price-to/12000/model/legacy/make/subaru/radius/1501/page/1/postcode/ln12na?logcode=p

£10750 = €12215
VRT is €3077
travel about €300

so just over the €15k mark.

Also the Impreza may be an option with the same engine. Again in very short supply.

Thanks colm_mcm, nice option there. Would be perfect on these roads and has lots of space. Definitely on my short list now.

Would a Kia Sportage be considered simple and easy to maintain?

colm_mcm

Anything with a modern diesel engine and 4WD will have the potential for problems. simple to maintain until something goes wrong. that goes for the Subaru too.

Are you doing enough mileage to justify the price of the car and all the potential problems.

A Suzuki Jimny in the garage for 9 months of the year and your choice of regular car for the non snowy times would also be worth considering.

The 4WD aspect limits you somewhat.

BailMeOut

the 2nd car if for me. We already have another car but since moving outside the town is is becoming more and more difficult to share one. Was just thinking that if I am getting another car I might as well get something that might get up to the town in the winter. It will not be driven very much.

vectra

Rav4 ??

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2359394

BailMeOut

vectra wrote: »

Rav4 ??

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2359394

RAV4 would be perfect. Do they come in diesel? (although petrol would probably be fine)

si_guru

Really you don't need 4wd... 4wd = much less mpg and higher tax (in general).

What you need is a second set of wheels with winter tyres.

FYI 2008 Kia Sportage has road tax of €1050 for petrol and €630 for diesel! If 2007 then both would be €614.

BailMeOut

To conclude this thread ended up importing a 2008 1.9 TDI Golf from Uk. Dealer that did all the work gave me 12 month warranty and road side assistance in Ireland and also threw in four floor mats and four snow tyres.

Thanks everyone for advise.

pburns

colm_mcm wrote: »

A Subaru Legacy estate in a diesel would be an option.
They seem in short supply though.

Here's one in the UK

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201127396469111/sort/priceasc/usedcars/fuel-type/diesel/price-to/12000/model/legacy/make/subaru/radius/1501/page/1/postcode/ln12na?logcode=p

£10750 = €12215
VRT is €3077
travel about €300

so just over the €15k mark.

Also the Impreza may be an option with the same engine. Again in very short supply.

I'd disagree, would have to be an Outback just going by the OP's requirements.

I drive on similar roads a lot and have a Legacy. Would be very surprised if the OP needs AWD TBH. What you need worse for rural roads is decent ride comfort/ground clearance. Leggies are relatively conventional, even sporty ride-wise with 17'' wheels.

If you can get one of these within budget it would be the car to have:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201151206181070