€3-3.5k to spend, seeking low tax and low insurance car

Garrigai

I'm looking for a bit of advice. I'm downsizing from a 2004 Mazda 6 1.8l. I have 3-3.5k to spend, I'm looking for a lowish mileage, max 1.4 litre preferably 1.2 litre, the oldest car I would consider is a 2006. Any suggestions?

djimi

It greatly depends on what your needs are. Do you do much driving, and what sort of driving do you normally do (motorway/city/country roads)? Do you need a sedan with boot space or are you happy with a small hatchback?

If this is purely an exercise to save money, then would you perhaps be better off sticking with what you have an pocketing the €3.5k? That money would go a long way towards the difference in petrol, insurance and tax between your current car and the car that you are looking to buy.

Garrigai

Thanks for the reply Djimi.

I only drive at the weekend. Boot space isn't an issue, so I'd be happy with a hatchback. It would only be a little run around as I use public transport to commute.

bazz26

Does the €3k-3.5k include what you get for the Mazda or plus the Mazda?


Hyundai Getz:

http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Hyundai/Getz/1.1-5DR/37613836472614930/



http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Hyundai/Getz/3DR-SPORT/39713926583593410/

Garrigai

Thanks Bazz, the mazda is out of the equation. Its 3.5k cash total

Taylor365

Micra.

If your aiming low, might as well hit the bottom.

Garrigai

Thanks Taylor.

A work colleague had suggested a Fiat Grande Punto...Opinions??

Idbatterim

I see no point in changing, if the car is only doing tiny mileage, fuel savings will be pocket change, tax savings will be what? well it depends on the engine size, see below. Your current motor tax is E636, for under 1000cc its 199, 1.1 E299 1.2 E330, 1.3 E358, 1.4 E385, 1.5 E413, 1.6 514, 1.7 E544. Also it might be best hanging onto the devil you know. Look, if someone was driving a largeish engine, my advice would be different, but at 1.8L, unless you go down to a 1L etc savings arent substantial, the 1.4L might be the best value though, when you take tax and output into consideration...

djimi

Idbatterim wrote: »

I see no point in changing, if the car is only doing tiny mileage, fuel savings will be pocket change, tax savings will be what? well it depends on the engine size, see below. Your current motor tax is E636, for under 1000cc its 199, 1.1 E299 1.2 E330, 1.3 E358, 1.4 E385, 1.5 E413, 1.6 514, 1.7 E544. Also it might be best hanging onto the devil you know. Look, if someone was driving a largeish engine, my advice would be different, but at 1.8L, unless you go down to a 1L etc savings arent substantial, the 1.4L might be the best value though, when you take tax and output into consideration...

This is my thinking also. Unless it costs virtually nothing to replace the car then I dont see the savings significantly outweighing the cost to change, especially where the car is not being used much (so things like fuel are not really a factor). You might save €250 a year on tax and (depending on your circumstances) and couple of hundred at most on insurnace, so if you are talking an overall saving of €500 a year, how does that compare to the cost of replacing the car?

Garrigai

The Mazda is gone, I gave it to my parents. Long story.

So I do need a car.

draiochtanois

This post has been deleted.

Viper_JB

If it's just for weekends........why not get something fun

ironclaw

If you were willing to come back a few years (I don't see why it has to be over 2006?), the old body Yaris (1999 to 2005) is a great little car. Very solid and the 1.0L will go for yonks without any hassle if maintained. Cheap maintenance, low tax (€199 for the 1.0L) and the insurance will be low too. Considering your mileage and overall needs, I can't see the point in spending anywhere near €3.5k.

wonski

With that budget you won't have a great choice of cars (from 2006 onwards).
Quick look at donedeal reveals most of them would be Renault Megane/Peugeot 307 etc (most with 1.4 or bigger), and the likes of Chevrolets etc.
Fiat is a good bet as they are cheap, good looking (imo better than any of the above examples) and reliability wise it isn't as bad as some may think.
There are not many for sale, but if they are it is usually low price, well within your budget.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/06-fiat-puntonct-1-16-5-door/6556793

Moneymaker

And you'd make back most of your money when you sell on the Yaris too, hold its value extremely well in this country.