16k budget...looking for 2011/2012 car

ryaner1979

I've finally got paid out my redundancy and its time to get rid of my 11 year old Focus. Have a 16k budget and looking for something no more than 2 years old as I will be keeping the car for 6/7 years. Wanted the new shape Focus but have heard from a mechancic they are giving trouble. Looking for cheap tax and doing about 60 miles motorway driving a day so diesel is probably best. No suggestions of BMWs etc. Below are what I think are my best options. All advice and suggestions welcome

Options are
Skoda Octavia 2011-
Toyoto Corolla 2011-
Ford Focus 2011

the culture of deference

ryaner1979 wrote: »

I've finally got paid out my redundancy and its time to get rid of my 11 year old Focus. Have a 16k budget and looking for something no more than 2 years old as I will be keeping the car for 6/7 years. Wanted the new shape Focus but have heard from a mechancic they are giving trouble. Looking for cheap tax and doing about 60 miles motorway driving a day so diesel is probably best. No suggestions of BMWs etc. Below are what I think are my best options. All advice and suggestions welcome

Options are
Skoda Octavia 2011-
Toyoto Corolla 2011-
Ford Focus 2011

Buy brand new.

Jimdagym

the culture of deference wrote: »

Buy brand new.

Why dont you let the OP know what brand new diesel models of cars in that class they can get for €16,000.

Ded_Zebra

the culture of deference wrote: »

Buy brand new.

But the only car in that class that you could get new for that money is a base spec Duster...

How about this?

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4994238

JohnBoy26

ryaner1979 wrote: »

I've finally got paid out my redundancy and its time to get rid of my 11 year old Focus. Have a 16k budget and looking for something no more than 2 years old as I will be keeping the car for 6/7 years. Wanted the new shape Focus but have heard from a mechancic they are giving trouble. Looking for cheap tax and doing about 60 miles motorway driving a day so diesel is probably best. No suggestions of BMWs etc. Below are what I think are my best options. All advice and suggestions welcome

Options are
Skoda Octavia 2011-
Toyoto Corolla 2011-
Ford Focus 2011

A Hyundai I30 or a Kia Cee'd? Both are the same mechanically and are highly reliable. They are great cars imo.

johndaman66

How about this Octavia

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4994238

I think it seems to be middle of the road spec and its just within your budget and also a year newer than you were expecting. As far as I can tell motor tax is only €180 per annum currently on it.

Edit: Ded Zebra you well and truly beat me too it. Great minds and all that. The octavia is meant for the OP!

colm_mcm

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Hyundai/i30/CLASSIC-/34213633881134300/advert?channel=CARS

Cheapest model i30 I can find. Base spec though.

Lots of nice old model ones around

2011 for €14750

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Hyundai/i30/1.6crdi-/34713664540108920/advert?channel=CARS





Great 1.6 engine, would have more confidence in it than the ford or vw engine

OP your choice could be a whole lot better if you went with 3-4 years. You could get far better and better spec cars.

10 reg Prius T4 or Tspirit, good high spec cars and great mpg and good size car, bigger than I30, Focus, Golf etc. Ultra reliable.

2nd choice would be I30.

Those who don't like me mentioning Prius too bad, your problem, get over it.

colm_mcm

10 reg Prius is 3 years old though

I know it's 3 years old, but what you can get if you broaden your horizons

There are plenty of I30 diesels, comfort spec, 13K + I wouldn't spend 16K one one.

George Dalton

The Focus would be my choice from the OP's list.

Also consider the Seat Leon. You should pick up a very nice 2011 1.6TDI model well within budget.

The Pontiac

Really like the Seat Leon too.

Yeah seat not bad, but I think the I30 is a lot nicer inside ?

bazz26

2011 Mazda 3:


http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Mazda/Mazda3/1.6-D/33913668973826490/

colm_mcm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Yeah seat not bad, but I think the I30 is a lot nicer inside ?

There are biscuit tins with better interior plastics than the Leon to be fair

YEs I do like the Mazda




Having said that the seat in the below pic isn't bad, probably a much higher spec than the one I saw on carzone

This is typical of the crap you see on carzone, just horrible !!!!

Spotted this on carzone too, maybe the better interior is only available with the higher powered engines ?

Prius MK III

Ford Focus

ba_barabus

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Spotted this on carzone too, maybe the better interior is only available with the higher powered engines ?

You know you're comparing the new and old interiors

MuppetCheck

As above, that Leon is a Mark 3 and most definitely out of budget just like the Focus dash. That also looks like a Mazda 5 dash?

ryaner1979

Thanks for all the feedback folks. One other thing is that I will only buy from a dealer. Not handing over 16k with no comeback.

Like the Skoda that was posted but wouldn't be keen on wine colour. Also is that Octavia going to look very dated now there is a new model released.

Not overly impressed with either the Kia Ceed or the Hyundai I30 either. To me they look more like a car for a woman.

Again the Focus would be first choice but how problematic are they??

2010 Mazda 3 ?

ba_barabus

ba_barabus wrote: »

You know you're comparing the new and old interiors

I wasn't quiet sure, but I couldn't find the new interior with anything less than the 2.0L diesels and they are very expensive.

ryaner1979

Mazda 3 above interior looks well. Will have to see can I get a newer one in my budget

Yeah I like the Mazda interior, they are basically fords though ?

I've not heard of much issues with the new model focus, maybe check out a few ford forums.

Test out the 2.

Think about the Prius, T4 T spirit, great spec and will go forever. If reliability is a concern, when you spend that amount of cash. They really are great on fuel.

You will get a 2010 Gen III for that money, if the extra year really bothers you then Id put my money on the Mazda.

For Forks Sake

That Mazda needs more buttons I think...

the culture of deference

Jimdagym wrote: »

Why dont you let the OP know what brand new diesel models of cars in that class they can get for €16,000.

Easy there tonto.

I think the OP is more than capable of doing that himself, but here you go

http://www.carzone.ie/newcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=search&co2valmin=%E2%82%AC120&co2valmax=%E2%82%AC200&x=35&y=11

Chippy01

Deleted User wrote: »

Think about the Prius, T4 T spirit, great spec and will go forever. If reliability is a concern, when you spend that amount of cash. They really are great on fuel.

You will get a 2010 Gen III for that money, if the extra year really bothers you then Id put my money on the Mazda.

I hope you're right about the price of a Gen III T4 or T-Spirit.
I've got a 07 T-Spirit and about 7-8k waiting to jump up to a Gen III, and from the specs I've seen the T3 won't cut it as I will need the bluetooth and the cruise control as a minimum.

(Apologies for the slight thread hi-jack)

ba_barabus

I was very impressed with a Mazda 3 diesel I drove before.

Jimdagym

the culture of deference wrote: »

Easy there tonto.

I think the OP is more than capable of doing that himself, but here you go

http://www.carzone.ie/newcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=search&co2valmin=%E2%82%AC120&co2valmax=%E2%82%AC200&x=35&y=11

Another completely useless post "tonto".
There's not one single new car in the class the op wants that can be bought new in diesel for 16k. Even the op knows that and is looking for help with used cars.

Chippy01

Chippy01 wrote: »

I hope you're right about the price of a Gen III T4 or T-Spirit.
I've got a 07 T-Spirit and about 7-8k waiting to jump up to a Gen III, and from the specs I've seen the T3 won't cut it as I will need the bluetooth and the cruise control as a minimum.

(Apologies for the slight thread hi-jack)

You'll find the T4 TSpirits alright, I've seen good ones from time to time, if you're not in a rush one will turn up.

The U.K has plenty, you might get a good bargain if you look long enough.

You might also find one with adaptive cruise control, a fantastic bit of kit.

You can get a Leaf for 17K in the U.K now. If that would work for you.

the culture of deference

ryaner1979 wrote: »

Looking for cheap tax and doing about 60 miles motorway driving a day so diesel is probably best.

Did you read the OP

the culture of deference

Jimdagym wrote: »

Another completely useless post "tonto".
There's not one single new car in the class the op wants that can be bought new in diesel for 16k. Even the op knows that and is looking for help with used cars.

Did you read the OP

ryaner1979 wrote: »

Looking for cheap tax and doing about 60 miles motorway driving a day so diesel is probably best.

Bpmull

My mother drives a 2011 octavia 1.6tdi. Ill admit its not the most exciting car ever. But it is comfortable has all the usual extras such as sat nav, parking sensors, cruise control, auto wipers, dual climate. I think the big thing about our octavia anyway is that when you get into it and turn the key you know it will work we never had any issues with it. We also have a 2005 and the same can be said about that one. The car will get you from a to b in comfort doing (52-62 mpg) and will get you there every time so dependable. If you do go for one try and get the elegance spec the few extras make the car.

The Pontiac

That model Octavia has been around for years, with only very minor face lifts. Good car, but looking so dated at his stage. A seat Leon for instance, looks so much more modern.

Jimdagym

the culture of deference wrote: »

Did you read the OP

Indeed I did tonto. Can you point to a petrol fuelled car of the same class the op is looking for that can be bought new for 16k?

ryaner1979

Have to admit thats my biggest concern about a 2011/12 Octavia. They looked a bit dated already and if i want to keep it for 6/7 years it will pretty ancient. I know they are extremely reliable. I want the Octavias reliability with the looks of the new Focus. The new Focus from mid 2011 looks great but just worried about hearing bad reports about it. The Prius is a no for me. Im only 33 so want to have something half decent looking

Photoshop

2012 1.8 150bhp Mitsubishi Lancer diesel?




http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Mitsubishi/Lancer/1.8-4DR/36613679440799220/

Alot more powerful that every car posted so far.

150bhp with over 300nm torque, perfect for motorway driving and Mitsubishi are offering 8 year/ 100k miles warranty on the 2013 model.

Must be pretty confident on it's reliability.

Mazda 3 with little 1.6 engine diesel is weak compared to it.

ryaner1979

Photoshop wrote: »

2012 1.8 150bhp Mitsubishi Lancer diesel?




http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Mitsubishi/Lancer/1.8-4DR/36613679440799220/

Alot more powerful that every car posted so far.

150bhp with over 300nm torque, perfect for motorway driving and Mitsubishi are offering 8 year/ 100k miles warranty on the 2013 model.

Must be pretty confident on it's reliability.

Mazda 3 with little 1.6 engine diesel is weak compared to it.

Nice looking car and interior looks good too. The rear is not the best but will have to see one in the flesh. Cheers photoshop

ryaner1979

ryaner1979 wrote: »

The Prius is a no for me. Im only 33 so want to have something half decent looking

LOL how old do you think I am ? haha

Seriously the MK III Prius is no worse looking than an I30, or Focus, or lancer of all yokes. It's better looking than a Golf !

ba_barabus

ryaner1979 wrote: »

Nice looking car and interior looks good too. The rear is not the best but will have to see one in the flesh. Cheers photoshop

The interior plastics would feel cheap in a tin of tesco value biscuits

Horrible !

colm_mcm

I could live with the interior. Its not that bad.
All round cracking car i think.

Photoshop

ryaner1979 wrote: »

Nice looking car and interior looks good too. The rear is not the best but will have to see one in the flesh. Cheers photoshop

Drove one last year, the engine is impressive, good power, very smooth, great belt of torque.Nice inside as well.

Drove a 2008 Skoda Octavia VRS and 2007 BMW 318D on the same day ( was looking for a decent diesel )

It held it's own with both, felt just as grunty as the Octavia VRS.

I was very impressed with it.

I have driven a 1.6 diesel Focus before with 110bhp and the Lancer just blows it away, effortless overtaking power, pulls hard even in 6th gear.

1.6 diesel's are grand and all, but on a motorways and overtaking situations they are tedious.

A 1.6 diesel Octavia would drive you to drink, way too underpowered for a car that size.

Photoshop

ba_barabus wrote: »

The interior plastics would feel cheap in a tin of tesco value biscuits

Compared to what?

Photoshop

Deleted User wrote: »

LOL how old do you think I am ? haha

Seriously the MK III Prius is no worse looking than an I30, or Focus, or lancer of all yokes. It's better looking than a Golf !

lol Mad Lad.

Sorry that's an ugly car.

Front of a Yaris and back of a Tida.

ryaner1979

Photoshop wrote: »

lol Mad Lad.

Sorry that's an ugly car.

Front of a Yaris and back of a Tida.

Have to agree photoshop and that close up the Lancers interior didnt impress me either

Jaysus no it's ugly inside,

Don't they use the older VW PD Diesel Tractor engines ?

MuppetCheck

Deleted User wrote: »

LOL how old do you think I am ? haha

Seriously the MK III Prius is no worse looking than an I30, or Focus, or lancer of all yokes. It's better looking than a Golf !

It is worse looking, it looks absolute cack with the small wheels in that pic. The only think it could possible trump them on is running costs. And I would gladly pay more for something that looks decent, has a nicer interior and will be a better drive.

Good shout on the Lancer, often overlooked. Interior isn't fantastic and is a bit noisy but the specs of the engine look decent, and it should prove pretty reliable.

As for the Octavia, the vrs drives well enough but the standard models are very soft when you hit a corner.