Mazda 6?

chicken foot

Hi all, looking for some advice. Currently driving a 04 Mazda 6, hubby driving a 99 Passat.

We are looking to upgrade to one fairly decent car and get a small runaround.

Budget for decent car is 10k

Budget for runaround about 3k

Was considering upgrading to a 08 2l Diesel Mazda6 - have my heart set on an Accord but just not falling into my price range. Am I missing out on another decent, fuel efficient "big" car that I could be looking at? We do big mileage - on average 70 miles per day for the "good car" and probably looking at about 120miles per week in the runaround. Live in the west so fairly ****e roads.

Would appreciate any hints, tips or advice. We have two children also hence why I would like a bigger car.

bazz26

Mazda 2.0d engine is far from a reliable motor, they have the potential to implode, best avoid that engine and see if you can get the newer 2.2d instead.

Something like a Ford Mondeo would be worth looking at too, very spacious interior/boot and are relatively cheap to buy/service.

As for a small runabout, either a Yaris or Fiesta would be my choice though you would probably get a newer Fiesta on your budget as the Yaris has very strong resale values due to their popularity.

TGi666

how about the mazda 6's cousin the mondeo?
03-04 Octavia for the runaround?

chicken foot

Thanks for the advice - will have a look at the Mondeo!

Now I know why there is a price difference in the 2l and 2.2l Mazda's!

Realistically, what would I be looking to spend on a 08 Mondeo - i appreciate it depends on the car but what would be considered "a good price"?

TGi666

if buying from a dealer anything from 8-10k, maby cheaper in a private sale
also I would be looking at zetec or higher
Sorry in work so cant links

Matthewjohn

Saab 9-3?

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4491005

Ford Focus

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4718476

yop

Size wise the Focus wouldn't be in the same category as the Mazda6 or Mondeo.

Speaking of boots....... have you considering the car with a bigger rear than JLo?

Matthewjohn

yop wrote: »

Size wise the Focus wouldn't be in the same category as the Mazda6 or Mondeo.

Speaking of boots....... have you considering the car with a bigger rear than JLo?

The focus is the runround.

chicken foot

I don't think I've ever seen a Saab! what is the reliability like?

Big boots are essential, the bigger the better! Do a good bit of travelling with the family in tow.

Would the titanium model be a better spec than the zetec? I like my comforts in a car.

Matthewjohn

Yes the titanium or ghia would be far better specced than a zetec.

chicken foot

Thanks all for your help, much appreciated!

bazz26

The Saab 9-3 is not known for it's space unless you consider the estate version.

Nice Mondeo here:



http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Ford/Mondeo/2.0-GHIA/27913431526919260/


Or if you can stretch your budget another bit then this one is a year younger with less mileage:


http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Ford/Mondeo/2.0-TDCi/34013607708911970/

chicken foot

Bazz what would be considered good or "normal" mileage on a 08? They all seem to be on or over 100k. My own 04 only has 119k on the clock. There was 70 on it when I got it in 2010. Am I putting too much emphasis on mileage do you think?

The Pontiac

An 08 would be in KM. So 100km is only 60k miles, average for the year.

bazz26

chicken foot wrote: »

Bazz what would be considered good or "normal" mileage on a 08? They all seem to be on or over 100k. My own 04 only has 119k on the clock. There was 70 on it when I got it in 2010. Am I putting too much emphasis on mileage do you think?

Most 5 year old diesel cars in your price range are going to have this sort of mileage on them. Even 100k miles in 5 years is only 20k miles per year which is pretty normal driving for someone who has use for a diesel car. Once it has a good service history then I would not be overly concerned about the mileage. I'd prefer a 5 year old diesel car with 100k miles with a good service history to a 5 year old diesel car with 50k miles and no service history.