15-20k What car?

dnme

I'm thinking of buying a car. I was tinkering with the notion of going for a new crossover (CX-5) and part financing it, but I reckon I'd prefer to go for a car 1-3 years old to avoid interest payments and steep depreciation curves.

So, I have been doing a bit of homework but am more confused now than ever. I have looked at Mazda6, Octavia, Passat and Insignia. I am open to any other suggestions also.

I am tall (6'5"). I commute 20 miles each way daily and might do 100-200 miles on a weekend. I'd nearly prefer petrol but a lot of models are diesel only which worries me a little when ti comes to low mileage and reliability.

I am a straight cash customer, I won't be looking for a trade in.

I'd like a bit of power, 130bhp+ with reasonable emissions (I don't want to exceed €500pa tax if I can help it)

I'd like to stay within 3 years old so no older than 2010.

My preference is a newish Mazda6 petrol or 2.2L diesel but Mazda's are very expensive and s/h models seem to be holding prices. I have looked at shopping in the UK but for a lot of models, the price difference landed is nearly nil; the only gain is that there is a greater choice in higher spec trims over there.

I should add, I'm middle aged, single and hitting the mid life crises. So I want to treat myself I guess. I'd like a bit of power (nothing crazy) but also want to steer well clear of boy racer models, trims etc. And I love driving but dislike automatics.

Having said all that, I dread running into any future diesel issues with dpf's etc as my annual mileage is kinda low (I'm open to your guidance on this one). I want reliability as well as everything else.

I'm hoping this thread might give me a bit further guidance to my current research.

Many thanks

colm_mcm

How about a civic? 2.2 doesn't have a dpf far as i know and i find mine very roomy

dh0011

Avensis?
The new model with the 1.6 valvematic is a nice car.

colm_mcm

dh0011 wrote: »

Avensis?
The new model with the 1.6 valvematic is a nice car.

Good one. A strata in 1.6 is a nice enough car with plenty toys. Also has electric lumbar support
Toyota actually sold a few of these even in 09

bazz26

A bit leftfield but might be worth a look at one of these:

http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Lexus/CT200H/CT200H-DYNAMIC/33413663008012340/

dnme

Would an Avensis 1.6 be a bit stressed ? (I's a sizable car to pull)

colm_mcm

dnme wrote: »

Would an Avensis 1.6 be a bit stressed ? (I's a sizable car to pull)

No, I remember being very pleasantly surprised when they came out, power is the same as 1.8 VVT-i in the old model, because its a 6 speed you have closer ratios and a longer top gear.

dnme

I should add, I'm middle aged, single and hitting the mid life crises. So I want to treat myself I guess. I'd like a bit of power (nothing crazy) but also want to steer well clear of boy racer models, trims etc. And I love driving but dislike automatics.

Having said all that, I dread running into any future diesel issues with dpf's etc as my annual mileage is kinda low (I'm open to your guidance on this one). I want reliability as well as everything else. Thanks to all who are replying, much appreciated.

dh0011

Subaru legacy might be an option so

bazz26

You won't find any post 2007 Legacy petrols in this country though.

bazz26

Audi A4 1.8 TSi:

http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Audi/A4/1.8-TFSI/37113794306676690/

dnme

bazz26 wrote: »

Audi A4 1.8 TSi:

http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Audi/A4/1.8-TFSI/37113794306676690/

Thanks bazz but I'm not after an automatic.

dnme

On the back of this thread, I've been looking at Honda Civics, Is it me or are they exactly like a computer mouse ? Can't get passed it! Might be a tiny bit small for me too I wonder (6' 5")

Karl Stein

Civic
Year: 2010
€14,950
1.8 Petrol
140 BHP
~40 MPG
6 speed
15,534 M / 25,000 KM
Multi function steering wheel,
Full service history
Sunroof
Cruise control,
Climate Control

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Honda/Civic/1.8I-SES/34413655046508050/advert?channel=CARS

Noccy_Mondy

As always i'll suggest the good aul mondeo :P Then again if you're after petrol nevermind...

colm_mcm

dnme wrote: »

On the back of this thread, I've been looking at Honda Civics, Is it me or are they exactly like a computer mouse ? Can't get passed it! Might be a tiny bit small for me too I wonder (6' 5")

I'm 6'1 and I have plenty room.
Maybe it wouldn't suit you though.

dnme

Noccy_Mondy wrote: »

As always i'll suggest the good aul mondeo :P Then again if you're after petrol nevermind...

Well if I could get away with a diesel I'd go for one, but from spending a few years reading this forum, you fellas seem to advise against diesels for my kinda annual mileage.

Petrol options are limited in Ireland and getting even more so. What to do ?

bazz26

Charlie Rock wrote: »

Civic
Year: 2010
€14,950
1.8 Petrol
140 BHP
~40 MPG
6 speed
15,534 M / 25,000 KM
Multi function steering wheel,
Full service history
Sunroof
Cruise control,
Climate Control

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Honda/Civic/1.8I-SES/34413655046508050/advert?channel=CARS

A cheaper one here:

http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Honda/Civic/1.8-4dr/37613727828304560/

Noccy_Mondy

dnme wrote: »

Well if I could get away with a diesel I'd go for one, but from spending a few years reading this forum, you fellas seem to advise against diesels for my kinda annual mileage.

Petrol options are limited in Ireland and getting even more so. What to do ?

I got my diesel mondeo before even joining/ checking here and i dont even do that high mileage, now I see why they argue against diesels for low mileage, looks like i'll have to suffer the consequences in the future

dnme

Noccy_Mondy wrote: »

I got my diesel mondeo before even joining/ checking here and i dont even do that high mileage, now I see why they argue against diesels for low mileage, looks like i'll have to suffer the consequences in the future

Why, what happened ?

Noccy_Mondy

dnme wrote: »

Why, what happened /

Nothing YET and hopefully nothing will happen, dont do mad mileage so the dmfs and all that craic will go, which i believe are expensive to fix... i dont really know what im talkin about so i'll quit while i'm ahead

dnme

bazz26 wrote: »

A cheaper one here:

http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Honda/Civic/1.8-4dr/37613727828304560/

They just look like Corollas, silver is so boring, my head is gonna hit the sidewalls of that sunroof. Sorry, I'm an ingrate I know :rolleyes:

colm_mcm

dnme wrote: »

They just look like Corollas, silver is so boring, my head is gonna hit the sidewalls of that sunroof. Sorry, I'm an ingrate I know :rolleyes:

Hatchback is taller and sunroof doesn't eat into headroom as it doesn't open.

Noccy_Mondy

Why is there such a stlye change between the civic hb and saloon, even the front end is different? I find the saloons minging, but like the look of a decent spec hatch

George Dalton

I reckon an Accord is a much more suitable option for the OP. They really are a class apart from a Civic in terms of overall driving experience.

bazz26

The saloon was designed and built in Japan, the hatchback was specially designed and built in Europe only.

colm_mcm

Noccy_Mondy wrote: »

Why is there such a stlye change between the civic hb and saloon, even the front end is different? I find the saloons minging, but like the look of a decent spec hatch

Different markets, the saloon is mainly for Japan and US and the hatch is for Europe.
The 1.8 and 2.0 powertrain is common to both, but there is no diesel saloon or hybrid hatchback.

There are other differences, the saloon has independent rear suspension, but the hatch has a torsion beam, the hatch also has the petrol tank under the front seats so there's loads of space in the back under the rear seats.

Noccy_Mondy

Jaysus Colm, You know your stuff!

dnme

George Dalton wrote: »

I reckon an Accord is a much more suitable option for the OP. They really are a class apart from a Civic in terms of overall driving experience.

Totally agree, they're beautiful but sweet jesus they're expensive if you want a decent spec (which I do).

George Dalton

dnme wrote: »

Totally agree, they're beautiful but sweet jesus they're expensive if you want a decent spec (which I do).

I agree they are expensive. You get what you pay for I suppose.

dnme

Jesus people,

If I go to carzone, search for
Honda,
then Accord,
then choose Petrol,
then try to bring the year slider up to 2010

I am limited to "3" models. Yes Three and they are all 2009.

Jesus in anyone driving a petrol anymore? How come the whole diesel v low mileage debate is not more widely known / factored in to purchase decisions ?

bazz26

Best of luck finding a current model Accord petrol in this country.

What about a Passat:


http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Volkswagen/Passat/HL-BM/36613796812171350/

George Dalton

The fact is that diesels suit a lot of people better than petrols.

The DPF issues only affect certain people and a lot of the spread is geographical. We are a garage in Co Laois and see very few DPF problems compared to what a Dublin based garage would, for example. It is all about the type of usage rather than the actual total daily/weekly/monthly/annual mileage.

Where are you located? What kind of roads does the 40 mile round trip commute consist of? As long as you aren't doing primarily urban driving then you should be fine.

dnme

George Dalton wrote: »

The fact is that diesels suit a lot of people better than petrols.

The DPF issues only affect certain people and a lot of the spread is geographical. We are a garage in Co Laois and see very few DPF problems compared to what a Dublin based garage would, for example. It is all about the type of usage rather than the actual total daily/weekly/monthly/annual mileage.

Where are you located? What kind of roads does the 40 mile round trip commute consist of? As long as you aren't doing primarily urban driving then you should be fine.

Hi George, I'm rural Co. Clare and drive a mix of back roads and main roads into Ennis for work. Many thanks for that input, it's very helpful. I'd actually love a high spec'd modern diesel for all the benefits they bring.

Having said all this, I'm looking at some beautiful high spec'd Honda Accords in the UK. I'm very tempted by this make/model in petrol. 2-3 years old suits me perfectly on the depreciation curve. As usual the UK cars are higher spec'd, greater choice with low mileage, FSH main dealer etc.

What do you think of this little beauty ?
http://url.ie/j1pg

colm_mcm

Not much change out of €20,000 there. How long can you see yourself keeping it?
Is that €750 tax?

Karl Stein

Save yourself a few euro and get something like this?

Alfa Romeo 159
€7,945
1.9 Diesel
Mileage 106,000 M / 170,590 KM
NCT October, 2015
Full service history from day one.
150 bhp
Warranty

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Alfa-Romeo/159/DIESEL-T/36513805740555700/advert?channel=CARS

dnme

colm_mcm wrote: »

Not much change out of €20,000 there. How long can you see yourself keeping it?
Is that €750 tax?

No, its the next one down, €500 odd. I can live with that. I'd keep it for 3-5 years at least. I'm told they're a very reliable make and hold their price well. That car/spec new is touching 40k so you can see where I'd be coming in on it's depreciation curve. I've read some great reviews on it and am told that the engine is a beaut. Love the top spec and the refinement of it, love the shape, the size, the engine, the cabin. This is the first model I have gotten genuinely excited about.

colm_mcm

They are a lovely car alright. Are the emissions not 189 though?

Edit, 162 according to parkers

dnme

Charlie Rock wrote: »

Save yourself a few euro and get something like this?

Alfa Romeo 159
€7,945
1.9 Diesel
Mileage 106,000 M / 170,590 KM
NCT October, 2015
Full service history from day one.
150 bhp
Warranty

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Alfa-Romeo/159/DIESEL-T/36513805740555700/advert?channel=CARS

I'd sooner be the only woman on a Turkish fishing trawler, thanks all the same.

dnme

colm_mcm wrote: »

They are a lovely car alright. Are the emissions not 189 though?

162g/km = Band D, €570 pa. I'd happily live with that for a decent drive.

lomb

Dpf issue is a red herring. If it failed youd bypass it with map for 500 or so. Before it fails you rev the nuts off it occasionally to clear it. It needs the temperature up to burn off the residue.
Dpf is just like other modern junk ie turbo charging ,electric power steering, integrated sat navs/radios, dual zone climate, electric seats, electric motorised steering, dual mass flywheels etc etc all of which goes wrong and can write a cheap car off economically or put a dent in your wallet. All of these things are common to petrols as well. Best bet is buy a 7 or 8 year old petrol that has none of these things and drive it for the next million miles. Alternatively expect to pay out when it fails.

bear1

Here would be my list:

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/lexus-is-220-d-s-design-sale-price/5586245

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/honda-accord-2-2-litre-diesel/5755410

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/honda-civic-2-2-es-t-i-cdti-satnav/5766812

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-318-diesel-m-sport-high-spec-2010/5622137

or...................

I'd lower my requirements and have fun with these :

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/audi-s4-4-2-litre-petrol/5690913

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/mint-04-e46-m3/5742450

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-m5/5766095

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/07-chrysler-300crd/5620355

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/jaguar-xf-3-0-litre-petrol/5685403

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/03-e55-amg/5722430

Donnchadh

Or this


http://www.adverts.ie/car/volkswagen/passat-cc/2009-volswagen-passat-cc-2-0tdi-cr/3707009

bear1

Why does that car look familiar......

H3llR4iser

dnme wrote: »

I'd sooner be the only woman on a Turkish fishing trawler, thanks all the same.

This kind of casts a different light on your question, sounds to me you're looking for something bland rather than something nice to drive...

I had a list made up but it's made up by two 159s, a 3-Series and a TT Quattro, but I guess you won't be interested.

Ps. I think you should be fine with a diesel for the type of driving you do, honestly.

bear1

Have a drive in this

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/alfa-romeo-gt-3-2-v6-2dr-only-32k-like/4570031

Wossack

daysul a5 08/09 I'd say possible <20k

GavMan

bear1 wrote: »

Have a drive in this

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/alfa-romeo-gt-3-2-v6-2dr-only-32k-like/4570031

Absolute dreamer. Outrageously priced, even if it is the v6. In fact, you'd be hard pressed to sell that for 6 or 7 grand here in this day and age, given the tax and running costs.

Idbatterim

youd just about pick up a 2011 5 series for the top end of your budget...

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/520-D-F1/36613803000397310/advert?channel=CARS

Karl Stein

Okay, in keeping with the direction of this thread, have you considered on of these?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM7HHB51WX8

Scortho

bear1 wrote: »

Have a drive in this

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/alfa-romeo-gt-3-2-v6-2dr-only-32k-like/4570031

That's been up for yonks.

Nice engine in it though.