Should you buy an older more "prestigious" car or a newer, more mainstream one?

cmssjone

Hi all,

Mrs cmssjone wants a new car as she is bored with the one that we have now. We have an 09 Clio and she would really like something a little more interesting to drive. I don't really care what the car is (within reason) as I rarely drive it anyway. Would it be better to buy a slightly older Audi, BMW, Merc etc or would we be better off buying a more modern model? We would have a budget or around 10000 Euros if that is any help.

Thanks for your thoughts

Matthewjohn

Do you want a bigger car than the clio?

cmssjone

The Clio is a 5 dr version and is a grand size. Ideally around the same size would be great. Not looking for a big saloon type car but would like to keep 5 drs if possible.

The Bishop Basher

cmssjone wrote: »

Hi all,

Mrs cmssjone wants a new car as she is bored with the one that we have now. We have an 09 Clio and she would really like something a little more interesting to drive. I don't really care what the car is (within reason) as I rarely drive it anyway. Would it be better to buy a slightly older Audi, BMW, Merc etc or would we be better off buying a more modern model? We would have a budget or around 10000 Euros if that is any help.

Thanks for your thoughts

In short, yes. You'll get much more bang for you're buck.

AltAccount

cmssjone wrote: »

The Clio is a 5 dr version and is a grand size. Ideally around the same size would be great. Not looking for a big saloon type car but would like to keep 5 drs if possible.

I think you've answered your own question here.

peter barrins

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Matthewjohn

peter barrins wrote: »

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I don't think you could get an A1 for €10k.

Frankie Lee

A Honda Civic would be a nice step up, you should be able to get a decent 08 or 09 one within your budget.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4682870

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4685168

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4656742

cmssjone

Frankie Lee wrote: »

A Honda Civic would be a nice step up, you should be able to get a decent 08 or 09 one within your budget.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4682870

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4685168

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4656742

Like the look of the Civic. Seems like a nice car. Are they reliable?

Matthewjohn

cmssjone wrote: »

Like the look of the Civic. Seems like a nice car. Are they reliable?

Yes, very.

Chuck Stone

Mazda2 Sport
2010
1.5 (49 MPG)
5 Door Hatchback
Full Mazda digitally recorded service history
Air con, Cruise control, 6 speaker stereo
leather steering wheel
Tinted windows
Tax band 'B'
€8800 ono

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3787649

Frankie Lee

cmssjone wrote: »

Like the look of the Civic. Seems like a nice car. Are they reliable?

I can't think of anything more reliable in their class.

cmssjone

Thanks guys for all the thoughts so far. Really like the look of the Civic and the Mazda seems to be good value with a lot of bells and whistles. Definitely going to see if I (and the wife) can test drive them in Dublin. Any more suggestions are gratefully received...

JohnBoy26

If you want something that is good to drive and has five doors get a mazda 3 hatchback.

fearcruach

I have a 06 Civic (same type as in the pictures above). It's a 1.4 petrol.

I really like the car. The only major thing I would say is try and get the 1.8 petrol. Much better engine and a far better drive. It's not much worse economy wise either.

Chuck Stone

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

If you want something that is good to drive and has five doors get a mazda 3 hatchback.

A very nice drive but the smaller engine is a bit gutless.

JohnBoy26

Chuck Stone wrote: »

A very nice drive but the smaller engine is a bit gutless.

It's a small bit gutless alright but it's not as slow as a focus or golf and is still good enough to drive imo.

The only downsides to them imo is, they have poor rust protection, a cheap-ish interior, and they are slightly heavy on fuel.

JohnBoy26

cmssjone wrote: »

Thanks guys for all the thoughts so far. Really like the look of the Civic and the Mazda seems to be good value with a lot of bells and whistles. Definitely going to see if I (and the wife) can test drive them in Dublin. Any more suggestions are gratefully received...

A Hyundai i30, Kia cee'd, both the same cars mechanically and both are highly reliable. They wouldn't be all that interesting though, but are very good cars all the same.

cmssjone

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

A Hyundai i30, Kia cee'd, both the same cars mechanically and both are highly reliable. They wouldn't be all that interesting though, but are very good cars all the same.

Looked at the cee'd as it's been getting really good reviews on the motoring sites. I think that the problem for the wife is that she feels bored in the Clio and would want something more interesting to drive. I just want something that will hold its value reasonably well

Matthewjohn

How about a Volvo S40 it's a small saloon with loads of spec and it's great value.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volvo/S40/1.8-SE-F/33913602337717820/advert?channel=CARS

ingalway

I recently went from a Clio to a Volvo C30 and I absolutely love it. I looked at a new Ford, Seat, VW etc, nothing wrong with any of them but the spec/quality on the Volvo is just so good and the safety features are excellent. One around your price range:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4682816

Celly Smunt

in before skoda octavia.

SouperComputer

I have always gone for older more comfortable cars, doesn't mean you have to though or that anyone "should". Its entirely up to you.

cmssjone

Thanks for all the suggestions, the missus has now taken a fancy to this http://www.autotrader.ie/search/Honda/Civic/2.2-i-CD/34113599134589250/advert?channel=CARS Is the mileage something to worry about? She likes the high spec...

Matthewjohn

How many miles does she do per year?

cmssjone

Matthewjohn wrote: »

How many miles does she do per year?

Not a lot. Would be 6000 miles a year max.

Matthewjohn

cmssjone wrote: »

Not a lot. Would be 6000 miles a year max.

Then you would be better off with a petrol, diesels are meant to be driven.

cmssjone

cmssjone wrote: »

Thanks for all the suggestions, the missus has now taken a fancy to this http://www.autotrader.ie/search/Honda/Civic/2.2-i-CD/34113599134589250/advert?channel=CARS Is the mileage something to worry about? She likes the high spec...

Just spotted that it's been sold. Oh well...

Matthewjohn

How about this?

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Honda/Civic/1.8-SPOR/34113616268631290/advert?channel=CARS

EazyD

These two are up on carzone in Dublin at the moment, high spec Lusso models that are proper quick, slightly above your budget but a great car...

EazyD

These two are up on carzone in Dublin at the moment, high spec Lusso models that are proper quick, slightly above your budget but a great car...

bazz26

Epic disappointment. I saw the title of this thread and was expecting to read about someone looking to buy an old 7 Series, A8 or S Class.

peter barrins

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peter barrins

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Mitch Connor

i've always argued getting the best kit you can get.

Brother was looking at an older base spec Audi A5 or a new GT Line Renault Megane. I argued the megane as it was the top range version, with all the nice spec (sat nav etc) where the Audi would be bought for the look and the badge, rather than what if offered.

peter barrins

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peter barrins

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EazyD

"The MiTo is a Punto in party clothes!! And, it'll probably break, rattle and squeak."

Have you driven one or had any first hand insight? Styling cues from the 8C with 155 bhp unit, may be a punto platform but since when was that a bad thing? Lexus is reasonably priced but very thirsty and anything but exciting.

peter barrins

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mitosis

bazz26 wrote: »

Epic disappointment. I saw the title of this thread and was expecting to read about someone looking to buy an old 7 Series, A8 or S Class.

Me too. Since when is a Honda "Prestigious"?

peter barrins

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Tea 1000

mitosis wrote: »

Me too. Since when is a Honda "Prestigious"?

Since it's being compared to Renault!

Tea 1000

Mitch Connor wrote: »

i've always argued getting the best kit you can get.

Brother was looking at an older base spec Audi A5 or a new GT Line Renault Megane. I argued the megane as it was the top range version, with all the nice spec (sat nav etc) where the Audi would be bought for the look and the badge, rather than what if offered.

Wouldn't agree at all. Spending 10 grand on extras is money wasted unless you keep the car 10 years or more! And a crap car with lots of toys is still a crap car.
I'd always go for best chassis/engine combination I can, and any extras are a bonus.

furtzy

peter barrins wrote: »

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For real?...Would consider them equal in prestige

Tea 1000

furtzy wrote: »

For real?...Would consider them equal in prestige

No, Honda always placed themselves around a half a class above the competition, kinda like Volvo.

Damie

furtzy wrote: »

For real?...Would consider them equal in prestige

No...no you wouldn't.

peter barrins

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Tea 1000

peter barrins wrote: »

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Don't think I would, C30 and S40's are fairly bland inside. Current S60 vs Accord would be a closer match-up I reckon.

Viper_JB

If she's looking for something more interesting to drive....something like....this would be perfect , you said within reason....not what reason though....

Tea 1000

Viper_JB wrote: »

If she's looking for something more interesting to drive....something like....this would be perfect , you said within reason....not what reason though....

Yep... that's certainly different to a Clio!

For Forks Sake

Viper_JB wrote: »

If she's looking for something more interesting to drive....something like....this would be perfect , you said within reason....not what reason though....

Hyundai Coupe in the driveway....that's some downgrade :eek: