Something different for 7k

younggalway

Just sold my fiesta, it was my first car and I've decided to take the plunge and get something decent. I'm 21 but do not have any interest in the usual Golf/Focus kind of cars.

Basically the criteria is:
Max 7k budget, diesel, something a bit different (in comparison to most people my age)

I'm currently considering the following cars:
Saab 9-3 (facelift)
Volvo S40
Jaguar x-type
Audi a4

I'm aware of the tax/insurance implications so I don't need reminding. What I really want is some advice as to what to buy that stands out from the crowd a small bit. But it has to be relatively practical, reliable etc.

Thanks in advance.

_Kaiser_

Of those you've listed I'd probably go for the Jaaaag myself

christy02

Jag is a mondeo in disguise lol
Alfa 159
Accord

Supergurrier

Different but wants a diesel hmmm

Alfa Brera coupe diesel maybe ? (i think i just threw up ion my mouth a little)

wandererz

Of those I've owned a 04 S40 Diesel Sport and an X-type Jag Diesel.

Both of them great cars. Decent mileage: 45+mpg.

Volvo never gave any problems.
Timing belt did have to be done and cost €700 at the time.

Currently driving the X-type and loving it.
It doesn't need to be a later model either. A 04 or 05 is decent enough.

Try to go for a 2.0D Sport model with leather or half leather interior; Sat Nav system and and sport wheels.

I prefer the lighter coloured leather interior - it just looks better.
The Sat Nav option is good for the fact that everything then becomes touch screen, from audio to climate control to Sat Nav. Even better if it has Bluetooth built in and cruise control.

For €7000 you should be able to get a really nice LOW mileage version from the UK with as many of the above options as possible.

VRT for a 04 is only about €460.

Plus, there's no timing belt or DPF to worry about. Just make sure you take it out for a good blast every now and again. Egr may need to be cleaned and/or blanked off to prevent build-up.

Other than that it is really simple to maintain.

Yes, it is a Mondeo engine, but you also get Mondeo servicing and repair options / costs.
You also get the luxury options above and the "prestige" badge.

There's also a great Jag forum in the UK with a good xtype following.
Jaguarforum.co.uk

Here's an example of what I'm talking about:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201406024668608/sort/default/usedcars/page/1/price-to/6000/postcode/cm20dn/radius/1501/maximum-mileage/up_to_70000_miles/fuel-type/diesel/keywords/Sat/body-type/saloon/price-from/3000/onesearchad/used,nearlynew,new/make/jaguar/model/x-type?logcode=p

alias no.9

http://cars.donedeal.ie/view/6833355

Haggle hard on that price but you won't meet anybody else with one and the facelifted version is that bit more appealing than the early models.

Maybe finish it off with an irmscher grill

For Forks Sake

Alfa GT ?

bazz26

Alfa 159:


http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Alfa-Romeo/159/1.9-JTD/51714018965310590/

Or a GT:

http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Alfa-Romeo/GT/1.9-BLACKLINE/45313996235195470/

younggalway

Thanks for your suggestions guys. I really like the jag but the insurance is very high and I would have to offset that against the car buying budget, which means I'm looking at a 2006 model. I would absolutely love an Alfa but finding a well cared for 159 with a genuine FSH is near impossible in this country. Which reminds me, if anybody knows of somebody selling a nice x-type/159 could you PM me with the details. Keep the suggestions coming guys.