What type of saloon?

highlighter john

I'm considering upgrading to a 2008+ saloon in the near future. I'll be looking for a diesel because I drive 600+ Km a week.

I'm considering a e90 320d M Sport, Audi A4 Sportline, Honda Accord, Passat, etc...

Any pros and cons for these type of cars? They are going for high prices at the moment, I might consider importing one.

Thanks in advance.

goz83

your 1st choice is spot on

highlighter john

The auld doll likes the colour red so and here are three examples that are on our "My Saved Ads" on Donedeal.

Bmw 320d Msport Saloon

AUDI A4 2.0 TDI SE

08 LEXUS IS 220d Not red!

MetzgerMeister

Does it have to be red? It's one of the colours that often needs more attention than others because it can fade and turn pink. I'm not sure what cars it happens on nowadays but keeping the paint sealed with a sealant or wax stops this from happening.

Also, in my opinion, the BMW looks wrong in red

bazz26

Honda Accord like this one perhaps. Definately the most comfortable cruiser out of the ones on your list and the best equipped too:

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3619765

VRT is around €3,800.

miller50841

I use to bring in cars but they are more of the time cheaper here now not saying they are cheap cause most are over priced but with the vrt and the change in currency it's not great.

Defo go for a Diesel
Honda accord
Toyota avensis
Audi
VW
Lexus
all good cars and if 08 or above you will benefit from cheaper road tax but saying that they will be putting that up more and more.

highlighter john

bazz26 wrote: »

Honda Accord like this one perhaps. Definately the most comfortable cruiser out of the ones on your list and the best equipped too:

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3619765

VRT is around €3,800.

That's has a very good spec and isn't bad on the eye.
The car doesn't have to be red but the auld one just likes the colour :rolleyes:

What MPG would I expect to get from it? I usually stick to the speed limit.

miller50841 wrote: »

I use to bring in cars but they are more of the time cheaper here now not saying they are cheap cause most are over priced but with the vrt and the change in currency it's not great.

Defo go for a Diesel
Honda accord
Toyota avensis
Audi
VW
Lexus
all good cars and if 08 or above you will benefit from cheaper road tax but saying that they will be putting that up more and more.

Toyota Avensis are out because they are tooooo boring! :cool:

miller50841

You would be getting around 50mpg on the accord

highlighter john

miller50841 wrote: »

You would be getting around 50mpg on the accord

Thanks Miller. Not bad. I'm really beginning to like the Accord. You can get all the extras for the same price as a standard M Sport.

Green Hornet

To be honest, you'll struggle to get 50mpg on the Accord. I get 48-ish on a 80 mile daily round trip. That's driving and trying to maximise mpg. On a new motorway without any towns you might get it maybe.

That said, it's not bad for 2.2, 150 BHP and a pretty heavy car.

Everything else about it is absolutely excellent.

To be fair on the Avensis, it's not a bad looking car on the outside though. Hell of a lot better than the last model. Might be crap inside and crap to drive, I don't know about that, but it's not as bad looking as people on here often make out.

miller50841

Green Hornet wrote: »

To be honest, you'll struggle to get 50mpg on the Accord. I get 48-ish on a 80 mile daily round trip. That's driving and trying to maximise mpg. On a new motorway without any towns you might get it maybe.

That said, it's not bad for 2.2, 150 BHP and a pretty heavy car.

Everything else about it is absolutely excellent.

To be fair on the Avensis, it's not a bad looking car on the outside though. Hell of a lot better than the last model. Might be crap inside and crap to drive, I don't know about that, but it's not as bad looking as people on here often make out.

Said around 50:D
I wouldn't foot too heavy:)
Avensis love their look yes understand sort of boring but when driving can't be looking at the interior

Pdfile

the bmw with the tip tronic box & all them goodies surely would pull ye as though the accords a nice car, the newer bmw diesels are still a better drive imo.

highlighter john

bazz26 wrote: »

Honda Accord like this one perhaps. Definately the most comfortable cruiser out of the ones on your list and the best equipped too:

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3619765

VRT is around €3,800.

I rang about this Honda Accord and the dealer said the VRT was 2800 euros. How come there is a 1000 euros in the difference?

Would people be worried about the mileage on this car?

Foxhole Norman

I think Bazz just made a mistake.

I wouldn't worry about the Mileage OP, that's the kind of mileage diesels are supposed to be used for. It just means it was used like it should have been and would've had no problems with the DMF/DPF if it has one.

Hay_man

highlighter john wrote: »

Thanks Miller. Not bad. I'm really beginning to like the Accord. You can get all the extras for the same price as a standard M Sport.

The Accords come with some amount of extras :eek:

highlighter john

Foxhole Norman wrote: »

I think Bazz just made a mistake.

I wouldn't worry about the Mileage OP, that's the kind of mileage diesels are supposed to be used for. It just means it was used like it should have been and would've had no problems with the DMF/DPF if it has one.

I'll forgive Bazz!

As long as the FSH is done on time and correctly you wouldn't have a problem about a company car? Would just be concerned that the driver would drive the ****e out of it because it's not his/she's car.

Sound!

maidhc

I think it is madness buying a car with 100k miles and paying that sort of money.

New cars are good, but still mechanical and prone to wear. You are unlikely to get another 100k without at least a few irritating problems and potentially a few very expensive problems.

If you do big miles get a fresh low milage mondeo diesel for the same money. If you do small miles get a fresh petrol version of what you have listed.

The Pontiac

How about a Saab 9-3?

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3760153

One here on Irish plates, but would need serious inspection as it's a trade sale car. Cheap though. http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3756065

More here http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3745975

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3328844

This is the top of the range Aero model (180bhp), so probably more than you need. http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3742109

Another one on UK plates, high milage, just to give you an example of prices. http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3719975

Another example of a UK price from Car Giant supermarket. Exchange rate is gone to pot now though. http://www.cargiant.co.uk/Saab/93/details-551056-Saab-93.asp?viewtype=0

The Pontiac

maidhc wrote: »

I think it is madness buying a car with 100k miles and paying that sort of money.

I agree, it's what you pay for the car. I wouldn't have a problem buying a high mileage car, but only for the right money.

bazz26

highlighter john wrote: »

I rang about this Honda Accord and the dealer said the VRT was 2800 euros. How come there is a 1000 euros in the difference?

Would people be worried about the mileage on this car?

The red Accord I checked on the VRT is a different spec, has lower mileage and may have been registered later in the year to the one you enquired about. All these could result in a higher VRT figure.

L-M

Foxhole Norman wrote: »

I think Bazz just made a mistake.

I wouldn't worry about the Mileage OP, that's the kind of mileage diesels are supposed to be used for. It just means it was used like it should have been and would've had no problems with the DMF/DPF if it has one.

Think about it though.

600 kms a week times 52 times lets say four years.

The car would have over 300,000 kms on it and not be worth a whole pile.

highlighter john

<Ollie> wrote: »

How about a Saab 9-3?

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3760153

One here on Irish plates, but would need serious inspection as it's a trade sale car. Cheap though. http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3756065

More here http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3745975

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3328844

This is the top of the range Aero model (180bhp), so probably more than you need. http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3742109

Another one on UK plates, high milage, just to give you an example of prices. http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3719975

Another example of a UK price from Car Giant supermarket. Exchange rate is gone to pot now though. http://www.cargiant.co.uk/Saab/93/details-551056-Saab-93.asp?viewtype=0[/QUOTE]

I know feck all about Saabs but what I have read isn't great so might stay clear of them. You have one? How do you find it?

<Ollie> wrote: »

I agree, it's what you pay for the car. I wouldn't have a problem buying a high mileage car, but only for the right money.

The price of Accords are high at the moment.

bazz26 wrote: »

The red Accord I checked on the VRT is a different spec, has lower mileage and may have been registered later in the year to the one you enquired about. All these could result in a higher VRT figure.

How do you calculate the VRT for a vehicle, do you need some sort of course?

highlighter john

maidhc wrote: »

I think it is madness buying a car with 100k miles and paying that sort of money.

New cars are good, but still mechanical and prone to wear. You are unlikely to get another 100k without at least a few irritating problems and potentially a few very expensive problems.

If you do big miles get a fresh low milage mondeo diesel for the same money. If you do small miles get a fresh petrol version of what you have listed.

Mondeos bored the ****e out of me!

maidhc

highlighter john wrote: »

Mondeos bored the ****e out of me!

An A4 is no more interesting, unless it of course it has 150k miles and is nickel and diming you on suspension bits and warning lights.

highlighter john

I'm searching through a few Opel Insignas, good mpg and seem pretty reliable. Any comments on them?

Darwin

highlighter john wrote: »

I'm searching through a few Opel Insignas, good mpg and seem pretty reliable. Any comments on them?

Don't believe the manufacturer mpg figures. For an Insignia, have a look here to get some idea of what to expect on the road:
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/RealMpg/Results?manufacturer=vauxhall

Damien360

Darwin wrote: »

Don't believe the manufacturer mpg figures. For an Insignia, have a look here to get some idea of what to expect on the road:
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/RealMpg/Results?manufacturer=vauxhall

I have the tourer version 130bhp. It depends how you drive it.

I have averaged mine at about 5.8L/100km (about 1200km for 70L - squeaky bum to pumps stuff) if I drive it on N roads at 100kmph for most of the week.

But, I usually drive motorways and it eats it a bit quicker and I would get 1050km to 1100km at a push out of it. Not that much worse and it is a very heavy car.

I have had mine since Oct 2011 and it has 48000km on it now. No problems I can think of. There are a good few in the fleet and the only complaint is wind noise from passenger driver side door at speed. I have'nt seen that on mine.

SE is a much nicer spec than S spec. Seats are more supportive. Nice drive but grip is poor in wet. Even though tyres are good and I am comparing it to previous mondeo. Still a very nice car.

vectra

highlighter john wrote: »

The auld doll likes the colour red so and here are three examples that are on our "My Saved Ads" on Donedeal.

When you put it
"The auld doll"
and
"Red"

I am going to take a gues you are from Cork?

If so

Have you considered a Skoda Superb?

Nice 170bhp & DSG here for decent money


http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3738215

Media999

This is what i would be going for. Audi a6 2.0 TDI

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Audi/A6/2.0-TDI-/201228209072090/advert?channel=CARS

highlighter john

Media999 wrote: »

This is what i would be going for. Audi a6 2.0 TDI

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Audi/A6/2.0-TDI-/201228209072090/advert?channel=CARS[/QUOTE]

Not really a Audi fella, cheers though.

highlighter john

vectra wrote: »

When you put it
"The auld doll"
and
"Red"

I am going to take a gues you are from Cork?

If so

Have you considered a Skoda Superb?

Nice 170bhp & DSG here for decent money


http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3738215

Don't do automatics!

Media999

highlighter john wrote: »

Media999 wrote: »

This is what i would be going for. Audi a6 2.0 TDI

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Audi/A6/2.0-TDI-/201228209072090/advert?channel=CARS[/QUOTE]

Not really a Audi fella, cheers though.

Did you not mention Audi in your first post

highlighter john

Media999 wrote: »

highlighter john wrote: »

Did you not mention Audi in your first post

I did boy but not liking them now.

highlighter john

Went to have a look at that Saab 9-3 in Galway, nice car but won't bother with it because he was moving from the price! Still on the look out!

Tea 1000

highlighter john wrote: »

Went to have a look at that Saab 9-3 in Galway, nice car but won't bother with it because he was moving from the price! Still on the look out!

Alfa 159 is a better car than the 9-3, the Saab has a poorly put together interior.

highlighter john

Tea 1000 wrote: »

Alfa 159 is a better car than the 9-3, the Saab has a poorly put together interior.

Alfa Romeos depreciate fast?

Tea 1000

highlighter john wrote: »

Alfa Romeos depreciate fast?

The 159 held it's value better than the Saab 9-3 despite being slightly cheaper with the same 150bhp diesel to begin with. Rarity helps the 159's case also.

The Pontiac

Tea 1000 wrote: »

Alfa 159 is a better car than the 9-3, the Saab has a poorly put together interior.

The post 97 facelift model is supposed to be better built than 92-98 models. Saab claims over 2000 changes were made to model year 2008 cars.

92-98 model



98 model (and some 97's)


The exterior also got a major revamp.

The Pontiac

Tea 1000 wrote: »

The 159 held it's value better than the Saab 9-3 despite being slightly cheaper with the same 150bhp diesel to begin with. Rarity helps the 159's case also.

That Saab in Galway was the Aero model. Fairly rair enough in itself here.

highlighter john

Enquired about this car this morning. No sevice history with it which I find dodgy, any way of finding it? Lovely car though.

Tea 1000

highlighter john wrote: »

Enquired about this car this morning. No sevice history with it which I find dodgy, any way of finding it? Lovely car though.

Leave it then.

og2k7

highlighter john wrote: »

Enquired about this car this morning. No sevice history with it which I find dodgy, any way of finding it? Lovely car though.

https://www.carcheckuk.co.uk/results.php and the plates: AN08OWY, but not sure if it shows service history

highlighter john

Has anyone bought a car from AutoDirect.ie?

Limbo123

Every man and their dog are driving about in 320 m's And a4's

Nice drives but as common as potholes!

Accord, Mazda 6, citroen C5, merc C, insignia, mondeo, Octavia, Legacy, Jetta, passat, s40/60/80 all worth considering........

Katunga

Limbo123 wrote: »

Every man and their dog are driving about in 320 m's And a4's

Nice drives but as common as potholes!

Accord, Mazda 6, citroen C5, merc C, insignia, mondeo, Octavia, Legacy, Jetta, passat, s40/60/80 all worth considering........

Passat more common than A4 and 320 together.
C5 horrible electronics.

highlighter john

Test drove this ES Type S 150bhp Saturday.



Lovely drive, 45,000km on it but don't have the money for it. Just wanted a test drive really.

Keeping my eye on this one anf this one.

Must test drive one or two more of them.

bazz26

ES is the base model which is not great value for money given the standard kit. Type S or Exec have decent equipment, ES GT is a UK spec model which is similar to the Type S here.

How about the Mazda 6:

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=30713463186607660

highlighter john

I've been reading up about the Mazda diesels and the reports are not good so will stay away from them. Cheers for the post though.

Have my mind set on a Honda Accord I think!

Leonard Hofstadter

highlighter john wrote: »

I've been reading up about the Mazda diesels and the reports are not good so will stay away from them. Cheers for the post though.

Have my mind set on a Honda Accord I think!

The 2.2s are supposed to be ok in the Mazdas, you're dead right to want to run a mile from the 2.0s though - they are bad!

Tea 1000

highlighter john wrote: »

I've been reading up about the Mazda diesels and the reports are not good so will stay away from them. Cheers for the post though.

Have my mind set on a Honda Accord I think!

2.2's are fine. 2 litre's were OK if minded too, but you needed to know the history!

highlighter john

Just browsing the net for Accords and just looking at these, one is in Tipp and the other is in England. I think they are the same spec?

Wondering would it be cheaper to import a car like this and save some money on the Tipp car? Would I get the car in England for £11000 or else?