Upgrading car - what to go for?

mel.b

So my car (99 Mazda 323) has failed the NCT on high low idle emissions and the mechanic thinks it is probably not worth getting fixed, even though otherwise it is running really well and doesn't have a lot of mileage done (approx 125,000)

So I need to start thinking about a new car. I haven't decided yet if I will go new (probably only will if there is some sort of scrapage or other scheme brought in with the budget later this later) or used. If I go used, my budget will be 5 to 6,000 I think.

In terms of mileage I have been doing less than 10,000 miles a year - probably more in the region of 7 - 8000 I think. However that will increase a little bit now, as I have a 15min (10mile) journey each way to work as i have just moved house. For work I might do occasional trips of 60miles, but normally a lot less. Mileage for work (separate to the daily commute) can come in anywhere from 100 - 400 miles a month. Overall I don't think I am doing the mileage for a diesel car However, if the car was more fuel efficient than my current one, I probably would do a bit more travel, because at the moment I generally mind the petrol & travel outside of work.

I need a hatchback and I need one with a square shaped back. I had a Honda Jazz when I lived in Australia and loved it, so I am looking at one of those again, however they are not common used in Ireland, especially for the budget I am looking at, so might need to look to the UK. I also saw in the showroom today a Ford B-Max, but that is a bit more than I wanted to spend on a new car. What are some other ideas for a square backed hatch? What I'd actually love is a little SUV and I have seen that Ford are coming out with the Eco-sport early in the new year so that is something else to think about.

So after all my ramblings:
1. Do i do enough mileage to make getting a diesel worth it? I don't think so.
2. What other square hatchbacks can you suggest? I don't even need something as big as my 323.
3. Would it be worth getting a Honda Jazz from the UK?

Thanks,
Mel.b

TBi

Just out of curiosity did the car fail by much? My dad had an Escort which failed for emissions, for the second NCT he drove out in 2nd or 3rd (at 100KPH for about 10 miles), getting the CAT temp up as high as possible. The car passed when it went through again.

mel.b

TBi wrote: »

Just out of curiosity did the car fail by much? My dad had an Escort which failed for emissions, for the second NCT he drove out in 2nd or 3rd (at 100KPH for about 10 miles), getting the CAT temp up as high as possible. The car passed when it went through again.

Anything above .50% is a fail...mine was 2.99% which I have been told is pretty high.

My usual mechanic had a look at it and said he couldn't see anything obvious, but that he didn't have the equipment to plug in the older cars to test everything and to take it to the Mazda dealer. Took it up there and they are the most unhelpful people ever. I asked how much it would be to get the car plugged in and tested and he took one look at the car from the window of the showroom and said it was the catalytic convertor and there's no point in getting it fixed.

gooner99

TBi wrote: »

Just out of curiosity did the car fail by much? My dad had an Escort which failed for emissions, for the second NCT he drove out in 2nd or 3rd (at 100KPH for about 10 miles), getting the CAT temp up as high as possible. The car passed when it went through again.

Have done the exact same on my 2000 323 1.3, works a treat every time.look up Italian tuneup. I'd say give it a shot, you'll only be €28 down if it doesn't work. Mines passed the emissions test twice this Year and last year failed first time on emissions, but passed on re-test with just an Italian tuneup on drive to the test center. Just make sure the engine is well warmed up when you get there.

Engine wise these seems hard to kill, mine has 150k. It's not in great shape bodywise and doesn't get great care. I'll run it this year and try the test again next year.If she fails badly then what the hell I'll have gotten cheap motoring for a year.

Matthewjohn

How about these.
Ford Fiesta

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Ford/Fiesta/STEEL-2-/36613808160064170/advert?channel=CARS

Mazda 2

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mazda/Mazda2/1.25-COM/37113776897804930/advert?channel=CARS

Kia Cee'd

http://www.carzone.ie/search/KIA/Ceed/1.4-EX-5/37613783824827360/advert?channel=CARS

Ford Fusion

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Ford/Fusion/ARGENTO-/37613763177798080/advert?channel=CARS

mel.b

Thanks, i'll give that Italian tuneup a go...nothing to loose anyway.

Matthewjohn, thanks for posting those cars. I think the mazda2 and fiesta are just a bit small. What are the fusions like on fuel?

colm_mcm

Fusion is basically a fiesta, so pretty good. Mazda2 is very similar to the fusion. They're cousins actually.

Nissan note might fit the bill (never thought I'd ever recommend one but there you go)
Renault Modus might be worth a look too, as is the Renault a Grand Clio

bazz26

Honda Jazz:

http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Honda/Jazz/1.4-SE/32013535106584500/

Idbatterim

how about a terraclean?

http://www.terracleanireland.ie/

onemoredead

These might suit,as have good room in side and have parking sensors for easy parking!!

Can get auto / tipp..... good on fuel, bit hard on tax "but worth it"

A Bmw F10 M5 " buy not for handy money! Now most find them hard to tax....

or Mercedes SL65 AMG, around same money as Bmw, but buy in uk as , cleaner examples!!

The bmw, estate is best option as has loads of room,comfi as hell nice leather inside and "bit go in it"

Best of luck!! HOPE GET THE RIGHT AR FOR YOURSELF SOON, SAFE DRIVING!!

colm_mcm

I think you may have taken a wrong turn somewhere ??