What car should I get?

insignia33

OK every time I pick a car it gets torn to shreds for been crap. So I had an idea. I'll tell yous what I want and then let you make the recommendations....

1. Mainly Im looking for something thats reliable. I dont mind spending extra if it means getting a car that will just work and not present me with new problems every couple of months.
2. Something handy enough on the diesel is important too. I do a fair chunk of motorway driving so would prefer diesel over petrol.
3. 70% of my driving is work related and travelling to clients- so would like something thats "professional looking". I guess a salon style car. I thought the insignias and passats etc were perfect looking. Especially the insignia. But all the problems that come with passats and insignias turned me off.

And it would be a bit of a bonus if it was going to be handy with tax & insurance. But thats just a bonus. So as long the first 3 points are met thats really what matters.

Nearly forgot. Im on a budget between 8 and 9K.... but would rather keep closer to the 8 if possible.

ba_barabus

Can you not keep all these threads together in one thread?

insignia33

ba_barabus wrote: »

Can you not keep all these threads together in one thread?

Well each car I asked about kinda deserved its own thread dont ya think :pac: Im not gonna post asking what do people of a passat in a thread I made a few days before with a title asking about insignias.

ba_barabus

insignia33 wrote: »

OK every time I pick a car it gets torn to shreds for been crap.

Every car posted will have some faults or something that somebody doesn't like.

If I recall yesterday the worst point about the Avensis was that it was boring.

The best thing you can do is go out and drive a few cars and figure out what you want and then ask for a good buyers guide of common faults you need to look out for.

What your doing now is going to wreck your head as no matter what car is suggested someone will be able to tear it apart.

ba_barabus

insignia33 wrote: »

Well each car I asked about kinda deserved its own thread dont ya think :pac: Im not gonna post asking what do people of a passat in a thread I made a few days before with a title asking about insignias.

It helps people to follow the advice that is given and doesn't create multiple threads.

You can also change the thread title.

For example of anyone suggests an Insignia or an Avensis would you still be interested? Btw neither of them got a bad reception. You were warned about tyre size on the Insignia and 1 person said the Avensis was bland.

As said above go and look at cars and figure out what YOU want.

insignia33

ba_barabus wrote: »

Every car posted will have some faults or something that somebody doesn't like.

If I recall yesterday the worst point about the Avensis was that it was boring.

The best thing you can do is go out and drive a few cars and figure out what you want and then ask for a good buyers guide of common faults you need to look out for.

What your doing now is going to wreck your head as no matter what car is suggested someone will be able to tear it apart.

No I can live with a boring car I was told its crap on fuel and the tax is 750 a year. So that kinda put a dampner on that

MuppetCheck

How many miles a year will you be doing?

Renegade Mechanic

Toyotas are struggling a little on reliability as of late still not the worst though.. Mazda are currently the most reliable car on the market today. The 07-12 Mazda 6 is a gorgeous car and while im not sure of the post 2008 tax it is a 2.2 so pre 08 will be cheaper to buy for that reason. Its a bulletproof diesel that does something like 1700rpm at motorway speed so very adept at cruising. Emissions aren't massive so tax on post 08 may not break you. Will look up prices.

ba_barabus

Renegade Mechanic wrote: »

Toyotas are struggling a little on reliability as of late still not the worst though.. Mazda are currently the most reliable car on the market today. The 07-12 Mazda 6 is a gorgeous car and while im not sure of the post 2008 tax it is a 2.2 so pre 08 will be cheaper to buy for that reason. Its a bulletproof diesel that does something like 1700rpm at motorway speed so very adept at cruising. Emissions aren't massive so tax on post 08 may not break you. Will look up prices.

The 2L Mazda diesel however is very poor and I doubt OPs budget will stretch to a 2.2

insignia33

MuppetCheck wrote: »

How many miles a year will you be doing?

Its hard to answer that.... it really depends on far away clients are. I could be lucky and get a string of them in the same county or I could be commuting from belfast to dublin everyday for a month.

But for some idea to go with, last year I clocked up about 26K.

insignia33

ba_barabus wrote: »

It helps people to follow the advice that is given and doesn't create multiple threads.

OK I'll keep everything in here from now on then...

Renegade Mechanic

ba_barabus wrote: »

The 2L Mazda diesel however is very poor and I doubt OPs budget will stretch to a 2.2

Yeah 2.0s not great but there are a few 2.2s on english plates around the 7k mark if op is feeling brave! Nothing is really "reliable" anymore though. Every single make of car im the 2nd hand market tends to have their own faults. And even the best ones are being killed by crap diesel, crap preventative monitoring, and crap maintenance, ie Irish motoring culture...

ba_barabus

Renegade Mechanic wrote: »

Yeah 2.0s not great but there are a few 2.2s on english plates around the 7k mark if op is feeling brave! Nothing is really "reliable" anymore though. Every single make of car im the 2nd hand market tends to have their own faults. And even the best ones are being killed by crap diesel, crap preventative monitoring, and crap maintenance, ie Irish motoring culture...

Can't argue with much of that. Other than the 2.2 the OP can afford at the top of their budget will probably be high mileage and require more maintanance. Not to mention they will need to vrt it and NCT it then

MuppetCheck

The Mazda does a tiny but over 2000 revs at motorway limit in 6th not 1700. I'd be slow to buy one that I didn't know the history of mind due to oil dilution still being possible. Great cars though all the same, comfortable over long distances and nice to drive.

Sounds like you'll need a diesel alright. I find a lot of the time you don't want to start off doing high miles in a car that already is a bit leggy. Something with a 6th gear would aid motorway economy.

For your budget, drop back a year or two and find something with a solid history, with cruise and climate control. Honda Accord 2.2 diesel maybe? Tax will be high but it's a small part of overall costs. If you search done deal for Volvo D5 you should also get a good choice of cars but again the motor tax rate is high.

Renegade Mechanic

ba_barabus wrote: »

Can't argue with much of that. Other than the 2.2 the OP can afford at the top of their budget will probably be high mileage and require more maintanance. Not to mention they will need to vrt it and NCT it then

True. I guess this particular one might be just out of reach then. Whatever you save on one thing, you spend on another. Given that low mileage is key to lower maintenance costs, a low mileage 2.2 may be too expensive indeed. What about an old Hiace:)

Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime

Land rover discovery 3/4

Renegade Mechanic

MuppetCheck wrote: »

The Mazda does a tiny but over 2000 revs at motorway limit in 6th not 1700. I'd be slow to buy one that I didn't know the history of mind due to oil dilution still being possible. Great cars though all the same, comfortable over long distances and nice to drive.

Sounds like you'll need a diesel alright. I find a lot of the time you don't want to start off doing high miles in a car that already is a bit leggy. Something with a 6th gear would aid motorway economy.

For your budget, drop back a year or two and find something with a solid history, with cruise and climate control. Honda Accord 2.2 diesel maybe? Tax will be high but it's a small part of overall costs. If you search done deal for Volvo D5 you should also get a good choice of cars but again the motor tax rate is high.

My mistake on the motorway rpm, thanks. Hondas are good cars but ive found parts are pricey. I can't think of a more professional looking car than a Volvo though! I know very little about them myself but the D5s are mad powerful and i did manage 50mpg very easily in a customers one.

ba_barabus

Renegade Mechanic wrote: »

My mistake on the motorway rpm, thanks. Hondas are good cars but ive found parts are pricey. I can't think of a more professional looking car than a Volvo though! I know very little about them myself but the D5s are mad powerful and i did manage 50mpg very easily in a customers one.

Similar to Honda they have high parts prices. I'd take the Honda over a Volvo

insignia33

Look at the interior in this:

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/rover-75-for-sale/5274821

Reminds me of something you'd see in James Bond :DD Too bad they aren't making 'em anymore.

colm_mcm

Can you make a shortlist of the cars you could see yourself driving from this. Any feedback on the models listed is good too.

Alfa 159
Audi A4
BMW 3 Series
Chevrolet Epica
Citroen C5
Ford Mondeo
Honda Civic 4dr
Hyundai Sonata
Jaguar X Type
Kia Magentis
Mazda6
Mitsubishi Lancer
Peugeot 407
Renault Laguna
Saab 93
Saab 95
Toyota Avensis
VW Passat
Volvo S40


Money not the main factor here. Just which ones could you see yourself owning.

ba_barabus

insignia33 wrote: »

Look at the interior in this:

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/rover-75-for-sale/5274821

Reminds me of something you'd see in James Bond :DD Too bad they aren't making 'em anymore.

I owned what I can say without doubt was the cleanest one of then on the road and from experience I can tell you it'll never break 40mpg. The auto is lovely but it kills the fuel economy.

insignia33

colm_mcm wrote: »

Can you make a shortlist of the cars you could see yourself driving from this. Any feedback on the models listed is good too.

Alfa 159
Audi A4
BMW 3 Series
Chevrolet Epica
Citroen C5
Ford Mondeo
Honda Civic 4dr
Hyundai Sonata
Jaguar X Type
Kia Magentis
Mazda6
Mitsubishi Lancer
Peugeot 407
Renault Laguna
Saab 93
Saab 95
Toyota Avensis
VW Passat
Volvo S40


Money not the main factor here. Just which ones could you see yourself owning.

Alfa 159- Never knew thats what that car was. Yeh that would definitely be a real possibility. The engines are pretty big though arent they? I suppose something like this would probably drink me dry (and probably kill me on tax too):

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/alfa-romeo-159-1-8-voloce-was-7950-now/4900513

this one seems a bit more reasonable:

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/alfa-romeo-159-1-9-jtdm/5083022

Are these alfa 159 reliable cars? I dont see too many of them about. Just looking at some of those examples on donedeal and I could get a nice car well within budget and still have money left over. Thats a huge plus right now.



BMW 3 Series- Have one. On its second turbo and I get the feeling something serious is about to pack-in very soon so hoping to get rid and get something new before then. The electronics are a bit on the niggly side too. And had a few issues with locks. But apart from all that, I love it. Only getting rid of it because its a serious drain on the bank account.


Citroen C5 - Just after having a quick look on dd.com and I could definitely see myself in 1 of them. When I post this Im gonna do a bit of googling and see what kinda reviews the c5's (and alfa59s) are getting..


Peugeot 407- Definitely something I have considered over the years. Its never my first choice, but always in top 5.

Toyota Avensis- I like the Avensis. I know zilch about them- just that I often seem them in the street or on DD.com and think "yep, I like that".

VW Passat- I really like the Passats. But I read a post last night... actually it was by you I think. You said Passats went downhill after 05. However I would love a reliable Passat. Especially the B6 comfort in gunmetal grey.


Im just going to add the insignia on that list. I was thinking about what BA Barabus said. Its going to cost me 1K for 4 tyres... but I suppose if thats all I have to worry about then really thats neither here nor there. I mean, I have paid more than 1K already in the Bimmer and Im not too hard on tyres either so an insignia might work out nicely.

colm_mcm

Not all insignias have 19s, if you're considering things like Avensis's then you're obviously open to having less spec than on a top spec Insignia.

I take it the ones you didn't reply to don't interest you.

ba_barabus

Being honest out of what you've chosen above and that you value reliability I'd look for a nice spec Avensis

colm_mcm

ba_barabus wrote: »

Being honest out of what you've chosen above and that you value reliability I'd look for a nice spec Avensis

I reluctantly agree, not a hope of getting a decent post 08 one for the money though.

insignia33

colm_mcm wrote: »

Not all insignias have 19s, if you're considering things like Avensis's then you're obviously open to having less spec than on a top spec Insignia.

I take it the ones you didn't reply to don't interest you.

Im not too bothered about high spec or low spec to be honest. Im really not a "car guy" or into gadgets etc. So long as its reliable, looks professional and is economical then thats me happy.

Edit: And yes, I took everything out of the list that I wasnt pushed on.

insignia33

colm_mcm wrote: »

I reluctantly agree, not a hope of getting a decent post 08 one for the money though.

What about the alfa? Would you recommend it?

ba_barabus

colm_mcm wrote: »

I reluctantly agree, not a hope of getting a decent post 08 one for the money though.

Hate to say it but they're isn't anything better.

Given the budget and your mileage and your desire for something trouble free and cheap to run I don't think you'll do better.

ba_barabus

insignia33 wrote: »

What about the alfa? Would you recommend it?

Given what you just said above this post I'd only recommend an Alfa for a car person

insignia33

ba_barabus wrote: »

Given what you just said above this post I'd only recommend an Alfa for a car person

I dont mean to be pushy. But it seems to be great car and well within my budget? Why would you only recommend it for a car person? Is it the kinda car that would need someone handy in the garage? Is that what you mean, or am I getting the wrong end of stick here

colm_mcm

You can't say they're unreliable on here or the thread will spiral out of control and everyone will agree to disagree.

insignia33

Just had a look through some older threads about the alfas. I see what you mean now about them been a "car persons" car

ba_barabus

insignia33 wrote: »

Just had a look through some older threads about the alfas. I see what you mean now about them been a "car persons" car

Like that hot blonde you once met outside a bar crying, they need too much attention on an everyday basis...... If you get my meaning

Renegade Mechanic

colm_mcm wrote: »

You can't say they're unreliable on here or the thread will spiral out of control and everyone will agree to disagree.

Must...... Re....sist.....

ShaunieVW

Alfa have moved on from the dark days. If you can find a JTD equipped 159 then you are onto a winner. They are a fantastic engine and all it will need is rear bushes!

ba_barabus

ShaunieVW wrote: »

Alfa have moved on from the dark days. If you can find a JTD equipped 159 then you are onto a winner. They are a fantastic engine and all it will need is rear bushes!

I'm an Alfa fan but I don't understand the hype around that engine. It has many faults. Most modern diesels too but it has a lot of weak points.

R.O.R

We had a few Alfa 1.9JTDm's on fleet, and never had any real trouble with them. Earlier 147's like to go through clutches, but the 07 onwards gave no more issues than anything else - possibly less, but a smaller pool of vehicles to base that on.

From memory on the 159's, we had to replace 2 boot struts as the plastic end pieces broke from the boot being opened a bit "energetically", and you couldn't buy just the end caps. One had an issue with the power steering pump, but Alfa replaced that FOC even though it was outside of warranty. No engine issues and we had some 120 8v and some 150 16v.

I don't find them comfy to drive though, as the seat base is too long and doesn't suit my driving position, but that's probably just me.

PauloMN

ba_barabus wrote: »

Like that hot blonde you once met outside a bar crying, they need too much attention on an everyday basis...... If you get my meaning

But they give you a great ride though. :pac:

insignia33

Over the past few days I noticed you'll often find a really nice car going cheap. I mean top spec car, looks like its straight out of the showroom and its going at a very reasonable price. The catch is always that the mileage is sky-high, but they are company vehicles and they have perfect service history/maintenance and basically got the best of the best any time they needed anything.

Does the perfect history makeup for the high mileage at all.... or should I just avoid?

insignia33

So Ive been thinking it over about what you both said. Which is basically that I dont have a big enough budget to get something that meets my needs.

I figure that been the case I may aswell just go out drive one or two cars and then go for whatever I like the most.

I got a quote on some 18's for an insignia today for 120euro... so I think thats definitely back on the list. I'll probably test drive that, a few passats and one or two avensis and see which I like best and then go for that and fingers crossed it works out.

Renegade Mechanic

insignia33 wrote: »

So Ive been thinking it over about what you both said. Which is basically that I dont have a big enough budget to get something that meets my needs.

I figure that been the case I may aswell just go out drive one or two cars and then go for whatever I like the most.

I got a quote on some 18's for an insignia today for 120euro... so I think thats definitely back on the list. I'll probably test drive that, a few passats and one or two avensis and see which I like best and then go for that and fingers crossed it works out.

Best of luck mate. Wish you well with whatever you get! And a perfect service history does extend the mileage at which a car can still offer peace of mind. Hers a rough guide of things to study at their mileages. (in km for the modern cars)

Up to 50k
There shouldn't be anything outside of normal servicing here. Some cars need front pads at 40 thats ok. Some dont. If a car had them changed at 20 then 40, that for me raises a flag. A new turbo or fuel system (pump or injectors re conditioned or replaced)/ timing belt work and your better off walking away.

50 to 100k
You'll see pad changes here and things like hand brake adjustment. Some cars have weaker steering systems so you might see track rod ends and tie rods replaced. Heavy fuel system work here is,again a flag raiser. If shocks have been replaced it would too early but they may have just been faulty. If a wishbone and inner tie rod were replaced at the same time however, Id be fairly sure that car took a belt there and alignment could be an issue. If a turbo has been replaced then this car has had a pretty poor driver and engine might reflect that.. Lots of egr work isnt great either.

100- 150k
This is where timing belts start coming in. Usually towards the latter of the scale. If it was done at 100 or lower it might just be because of age but it would be prudent to make sure. Brake discs usually feature here too. Again seeing a turbo here is a big flag raiser. Though by nature, closer to the 150 diesels will likely have required egr work. Though it is easy to drive without needing to do it. Fuel system work shouldn't really feature here but a benign cause is more plausible so Id look into it. A dual mass flywheel or a clutch done here is a sign of a car with a hard life/poor driver. Or it might just be a case of the internal hydraulic slave cylinder (on some models) leaking on the clutch, ruining it. Find out for peace of mind. Anti roll parts usually come in here too. Thats normal enough.

150 to 200k
This is where a manufacturers own strengths and weaknesses come into play. Generally speaking you can expect to see timing belts, various links and bushes, cv boots, shocks and wheel bearings. Ball joints (sooner on some models) Brake pipes start to come in here too. Turbo and dpf replacement work are more common at this mileage as is fuel system work. Again if fuel system work is spotted, enquire. If neither of the three are present, thats a bonus Although a normal cause like a parts failure is more likely here.

200k+
Any car with a full and complete history is very likely owned,by someone who cares for it but anything not featured in the previous paragraph is much more likely to happen here Lots of motorway miles will make for a car that should last a fair bit longer. Any one whos gotten more than 200 k out of their Clutch, turbo, dpf, egr and the like has clearly driven properly, and minded properly their car. And could push 300k with relative ease. But clutches and indeed cars generally owe nothing once they've passed that mileage so be prepared..

Thats just the mechanical side, and a basic one at that. But it can give you clues of what to expect. Electrics are completely unpredictable so reputation is key there.

Any way best of luck!

insignia33

Thanks for that advice Renegade Mechanic.
You know you should write out a few more guides like that and maybe see about getting them stickied.

Renegade Mechanic

Ah no, Thanks awfully but I can make the odd mistake sometimes. Also I wouldn't be on enough to talk regularly with people.