Buying a car

Kevin!

I'm currently on a hunt for a car, I'm looking for a diesel as I do a fair bit of long distance commutes with a reasonably powerful engine.

I had been thinking a 1.9 150bhp opel astra, but would be open to any other suggestions. My budget is max 9,000 and hoping for a post 08 to benefit from the cheaper tax

Cheers

charcosull

Some good value around on 1.9 Saab 9.3's. It has the bones of an Opel under it.
Volvo s40's have a nice interior so may be worth a look too.

ironclaw

Kevin! wrote: »

I'm currently on a hunt for a car, I'm looking for a diesel as I do a fair bit of long distance commutes with a reasonably powerful engine.

I had been thinking a 1.9 150bhp opel astra, but would be open to any other suggestions. My budget is max 9,000 and hoping for a post 08 to benefit from the cheaper tax

Cheers

Define 'long commute' in actual mileage. There is a pretty delicate balance between the mileage required for a diesel to be economical.

Also, do the math pretty carefully on the 'cheaper tax' If it costs you €9000 to upgrade but, for example, an 06 is a better buy at say €7000, thats €2000 to spend on fuel and tax. Its complete false economy to upgrade a car to save on tax. The cost of the upgrade will be many years worth of tax.

charcosull

I second whats said above. I bought an 07 Volvo C30 1.6D because it was 2 grand cheaper than an 08 model. The country has gone tax and MPG mad.

Kevin!

I'll be doing on average 20-25k km a year, majority of which is long distance travel so I think a diesel would cut it

Any other suggestions for sportyish looking diesel cars?

thanks

JC01

A Dtec accord (08-) would probably tick all the boxes your looking for although 20-25k KM isn't really anywhere near diesal territory

xual

When you start out economy and reliability are probably at the top of your list. Once you start driving more than 100 miles a day you quickly realize comfort and drive-ability also weigh in.

I bought a 02 toyota corolla hatchback, 2.0 d4d, with a high spec 2 years ago. I now want a volvo s60, jaguar x-type, mercedes e220 CDI from 08 onwards. I want a comfortable, drivable car :-)

That is a fair transition in car selection. I would consider the length of the commute and try out a few cars.

Mechanically all cars are ok if you pay attention and look after them. Too many irish drivers service a car just before an NCT OR take the NCT as the bible regarding their cars health.

djPSB

ironclaw wrote: »

Define 'long commute' in actual mileage. There is a pretty delicate balance between the mileage required for a diesel to be economical.

Also, do the math pretty carefully on the 'cheaper tax' If it costs you €9000 to upgrade but, for example, an 06 is a better buy at say €7000, thats €2000 to spend on fuel and tax. Its complete false economy to upgrade a car to save on tax. The cost of the upgrade will be many years worth of tax.

Would you not want to be buying the 06 cheaper than €7000.

If the OP keeps the car for say 4 years and the tax is an extra €500 per year on the 06, that's €2000 straight away. Plus the OP would be better to be driving a newer car if it's costing much the same.

discombobulate

Ticks your boxes: http://www.carzone.ie/search/Alfa-Romeo/159/1.9JTDM-/201348220043598/advert?channel=CARS

toastedpickles

Kevin! wrote: »

I'll be doing on average 20-25k km a year, majority of which is long distance travel so I think a diesel would cut it

Any other suggestions for sportyish looking diesel cars?

thanks

Saab 9-3 1.9tid in vector spec would be the job I'd say! If you can get one with the built in sat nav you're singing! comfiest seats I've ever sat in, it makes driving fun again

justsomebloke

ironclaw wrote: »

Also, do the math pretty carefully on the 'cheaper tax' If it costs you €9000 to upgrade but, for example, an 06 is a better buy at say €7000, thats €2000 to spend on fuel and tax. Its complete false economy to upgrade a car to save on tax. The cost of the upgrade will be many years worth of tax.

You have forgotten to add resale value into the equation though also in a couple of years time unless something changes in relation to equalising the tax systems pre 08s are going to become harder and harder to shift as post 08s get cheaper and cheaper.

jamiemaguire

Just bought a 1.9 cdti 150bhp 2008 astra, imported it from the UK and without doubt one of the best cars i've ever owned, just sold a GTI golf to buy it and can honestly say I don't miss the GTI. Ever considered importing? saves a lot of money plus you get a much better spec.

xual

djPSB wrote: »

Would you not want to be buying the 06 cheaper than €7000.

If the OP keeps the car for say 4 years and the tax is an extra €500 per year on the 06, that's €2000 straight away. Plus the OP would be better to be driving a newer car if it's costing much the same.

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