Suggestions for a medium sized car?

bonsai_73

Looking for a bit of advice on what cars to consider when changing please. Currently driving a 2004 Almera, but needs some work doing at the moment, and we're probably just going to go ahead and change it, rather than put any more money into it.

Not sure if it's even worth anything as a trade in. but we'd be looking at taking out finance, so would be buying from a dealer as opposed to privately. Probably looking at finance of up to about 8500, plus whatever (if anything) the Almera is worth (but obviously, the lower the better!).

I'd be hoping for something of a similar size, don't mind if it's a bit bigger or smaller, but not too drastic of a change in size, and definitely looking for a hatchback. Have two kids, aged 6 and 9 to fit in the back. Would like a decent bit of boot space, but it wouldn't be a deal breaker. Most driving would be done driving to and from work each day (in South Kilkenny into Waterford City area), as well as dropping and collecting kids from school daily. Also drive to and from Cork once a week - a total of about 350-400km per week.

I don't mind what the car looks like (within reason!), just looking for something safe, reliable and decent mpg that won't cause too much hassle over the next few years. Probably looking at 1.4/1.5L max to keep tax costs down.

Appreciate any recommendations for cars to look out for (or anything specifically to avoid). Thanks

bazz26

Hyundai i30 is a good reliable car:


http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Hyundai/i30/DELUXE-1.4/39713900465651420/

road_high

Honda civic petrol? Good car and very practical. The 1.4 is fine but won't break any speed records.

spank_inferno

Begins with 'O'
Ends with 'ctavia'!!

bonsai_73

Thanks for the suggestions. Just had a quick look at what's local to me right now, and no sign of any of those!

Any opinions on any of these: Ford Focus, Opel Astra, Nissan Note, Chevrolet Aveo, Seat Ibiza?

colm_mcm

Travel for the right car.

bazz26

I wouldn't rule out travelling (within a reasonable distance) to find the right car.

Have a look at the Nissan Qashqai also.

bonsai_73

Thanks, I will do. I don't really know a whole lot about cars, which was why I was trying to keep it closer to home, so I'd have a better idea of the dealers I may be buying from, but I will look around now.

toyotaavensis

Dont forget the corolla saloon or an sx4 or maybe a mazda3.

green123

toyotaavensis wrote: »

Dont forget the corolla saloon or an sx4 or maybe a mazda3.

he doesnt want a saloon.
if you read the op before you posted you would know that

bonsai_73 wrote: »

Looking for a bit of advice on what cars to consider when changing please. Currently driving a 2004 Almera, but needs some work doing at the moment, and we're probably just going to go ahead and change it, rather than put any more money into it.

Not sure if it's even worth anything as a trade in. but we'd be looking at taking out finance, so would be buying from a dealer as opposed to privately. Probably looking at finance of up to about 8500, plus whatever (if anything) the Almera is worth (but obviously, the lower the better!).

I'd be hoping for something of a similar size, don't mind if it's a bit bigger or smaller, but not too drastic of a change in size, and definitely looking for a hatchback. Have two kids, aged 6 and 9 to fit in the back. Would like a decent bit of boot space, but it wouldn't be a deal breaker. Most driving would be done driving to and from work each day (in South Kilkenny into Waterford City area), as well as dropping and collecting kids from school daily. Also drive to and from Cork once a week - a total of about 350-400km per week.

I don't mind what the car looks like (within reason!), just looking for something safe, reliable and decent mpg that won't cause too much hassle over the next few years. Probably looking at 1.4/1.5L max to keep tax costs down.

Appreciate any recommendations for cars to look out for (or anything specifically to avoid). Thanks

barneystinson

green123 wrote: »

he doesnt want a saloon.
if you read the op before you posted you would know that

So because they missed / overlooked half a dozen words in the OP they didnt read it?!

OP a Civic or an i30 might be up your alley...

toyotaavensis

green123 wrote: »

he doesnt want a saloon.
if you read the op before you posted you would know that

Apologies for not being perfect I meant to say hatch. Believe it or not I did read the original post.

bonsai_73

Thanks again, I'll take a look around again.

colm_mcm

Where in the country are you?

bonsai_73

colm_mcm wrote: »

Where in the country are you?

Sorry for the delay. I'm just outside Mooncoin, work in Waterford City.

Grab All Association

Beautiful part of the country Carrick-Mooncoin-Waterford. The best advice I can give you is to go out there visit dealers and test drive and do your own research on as many cars as you can. Asking for suggestions on here on which is the best car for you will be no help to you and could actually cost you a lot as what would be the perfect cars for me or any other of the posters on here could be a nightmare for you that you will be stuck in a finance agreement for a few years with a car that you hate. That's why I'm not going to recommend any makes or models.