£6000 budget. reliable car wanted, advice required

RuggieBear · 21-08-2011 12:29pm #1

In the North and have a budget of 6k sterling max. Am completely clueless about motors so any advice would be appreciated.

looking for a reliable, relatively cheap to run practical car. needs to be an automatic too.

Was thinking a VW passat but there have been a few threads mentioning issues with fuel injector issues...is this still something to be wary of? As looking for automatic there appears to be loads of old mercs, audi's and bmw's available but not sure of anything to look out for in these cars.

Anyway, any advice appreciated.

Quazzie · 21-08-2011 12:33pm

Skoda octavia

/thread.

Tigger · 21-08-2011 12:34pm

1997 730d

RuggieBear · 21-08-2011 1:20pm

cheers guys.

anything in particular to be wary off or look for in these models?

bazz26 · 21-08-2011 2:12pm

2004 Audi A6 1.9 TDi auto:
http://www.usedcarsni.com/75354310

Doesn't mention mileage but has a service history and the 1.9 TDi is pretty reliable once it has been looked after. Decent spec on it too.

2003 BMW 530d auto:
http://www.usedcarsni.com/69471548

Again it has a service history and decent spec. Make sure the turbo breather filter has been replaced regularly and google "BMW swirl flap issue".

RuggieBear · 21-08-2011 3:33pm

seemingly there is a a major issue with the automatic gearboxes on audi's of that age.

have to admit i'm a little prejudiced against the bmw mainly as it wouldn't be the most fuel efficient and the high insurance for the 3l and the high servicing costs

Quazzie · 21-08-2011 3:36pm

RuggieBear wrote: »

cheers guys.

anything in particular to be wary off or look for in these models?

Just for the record my answer was a satirical poke at the Motors regulars who seem to suggest an Octavia as an answer to any request for a car. I wouldnt be seen dead in an Octavia, least of all an automatic one.

RuggieBear · 21-08-2011 3:39pm

ha!

looking the most likely contender for me at the moment! convince me otherwise!

unkel · 21-08-2011 3:39pm

Tigger wrote: »

1997 730d

You're recommending a car that doesn't exist?

unkel · 21-08-2011 3:41pm

What kinda mileage do you do, OP? If it is not that high, I'd recommend going petrol instead of diesel.

RuggieBear · 21-08-2011 3:48pm

hey unkel, i'm estimating about 10k. Haven't got a car.

Live outside belfast but would be travelling down to Dublin at least once a month to see the folks/mates.

unkel · 21-08-2011 5:37pm

How about a BMW 525i / 530i petrol. You should be able to get the later model E60 for your budget. Cheaper to buy than diesel and more reliable. Both the engine and the automatic transmission are strong and have proven themselves. And on your trip to and from Dublin, you'll do 35MPG no problem

In town you'll do only a bit over 20MPG but it looks like you do very little driving except your motorway trips home

It will make for a safe and relaxed motorway journey and it won't cost the world to run

Voodoomelon · 21-08-2011 6:45pm

Tigger wrote: »

1997 730d

I lol'd! :pac:

Frankie Lee · 21-08-2011 7:25pm

Here is a nice 07 Vectra, mileage a little on the high side but they are reasonably reliable and nice to drive.
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2294562

And then a few more eccentric recommendations:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1532998
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2413973
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1586757

edit: **** just noticed the Vectra isn't automatic, Mitsubishi GTO you should go for then.

Tigger · 21-08-2011 7:28pm

unkel wrote: »

You're recommending a car that doesn't exist?

it was a play on the octavia before me

he reccomended an octavia auto (which clearly he didn't mean ; he explains it after)
mine was ment to be the other extreem a car from bangernomics type threads and its non existance was part of the joke.

RuggieBear · 21-08-2011 7:42pm

thanks frankee. the merc looks the best bet for me.

don't need anything flash. just need decent staid car

unkel · 21-08-2011 7:48pm

RuggieBear wrote: »

thanks frankee. the merc looks the best bet for me.

don't need anything flash. just need decent staid car

That's a lot of car for the money and even more comfortable than the BMW 525i as a long distance cruiser. Do get it checked out by someone who knows these cars though. Also, check for rust - they can suffer very badly from it

Keep us updated

RuggieBear · 21-08-2011 8:01pm

thanks unkel. Still at the planning stage really.

Have a mate in work who knows a bit about cars (well he talks the talk anyway!) so i'll bring him along once i've found a car that both myself and the wife can agree on...that might take a while!:o

stimpson · 21-08-2011 8:50pm

This:

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2397829

Stick the balance in the bank in case anything goes wrong.

unkel · 21-08-2011 9:34pm

RuggieBear wrote: »

Have a mate in work who knows a bit about cars (well he talks the talk anyway!) so i'll bring him along once i've found a car that both myself and the wife can agree on...that might take a while!:o

To be blunt a mate who thinks he knows something about cars won't do. You'll need a mechanic or you takes your chances

stimpson wrote: »

This:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2397829

I think the OP needs wheels on British plates

bazz26 · 21-08-2011 10:22pm

10K miles per year is not diesel mileage. Honda Accord petrol autos are pretty bomb proof, a nice 2006 low mileage one here within budget:

http://www.usedcarsni.com/77174059

goodstuff! · 21-08-2011 11:44pm

http://www.autotrader.ie/search/Mercedes-Benz/CL-Class/CL500-Au/201125203006731/advert?channel=CARS

I had one of these for a week a few years ago and i have to say its one of the most comfortable cars i've ever driven.
Its still modern looking and will always be a car people will admire.
Oh, and if your name is Nicky your on a winner with this one!!:p

Anan1 · 21-08-2011 11:50pm

goodstuff! wrote: »

http://www.autotrader.ie/search/Mercedes-Benz/CL-Class/CL500-Au/201125203006731/advert?channel=CARS

I had one of these for a week a few years ago and i have to say its one of the most comfortable cars i've ever driven.
Its still modern looking and will always be a car people will admire.
Oh, and if your name is Nicky your on a winner with this one!!:p

RuggieBear wrote: »

looking for a reliable, relatively cheap to run practical car.

goodstuff! · 22-08-2011 12:03am

Anan1 wrote: »

I didn't think it was too ott if he was liking this?........http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1586757

I had an E240 for a while also and didn't find too much difference in fuel consumption from the CL. The Estate is a very heavy body.
Cheap tax up North also.

Anan1 · 22-08-2011 12:15am

goodstuff! wrote: »

I didn't think it was too ott if he was liking this?........http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1586757

I had an E240 for a while also and didn't find too much difference in fuel consumption from the CL. The Estate is a very heavy body.
Cheap tax up North also.

That CL would kill him in repairs/maintenance, not to mention rust. I like them too, but if the OP isn't prepared for the running costs of a middle-aged none-too-reliable €130,000 car then I wouldn't recommend it.

£6000 budget. reliable car wanted, advice required

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