To buy or not to buy (up to €5500)

rizzodun

So my 2004 almera saloon passed the NCT with flying colours today, so now I'm in two minds to sell up and get something else or just keep plodding along with what I have, bought just over 2 years ago for €2250.

If I change I'm thinking of spending a max of €5500, something with decent power, the 1.5 in the almera can be a bit weedy, not too interested in whether petrol or diesel, the mileage probably would mean I'd save if I had a diesel but not a huge amount so a economical petrol engine would be quite ok.

Anything in particular I should be keeping an eye out for?

Bpmull

It kind of makes no sense to change it if it's running well and you are reasonably happy with it. The thing about changing it is although 5.5k is a lot of money you can still end up buying a car that can cause alot if trouble or needs a lot of work in that orive bracket.

If you are changing and don't do a lot of mileage I wouldn't bother with a diesel you will get a better petrol car for your budget than diesel. As everyone seems to be out looking for diesels in and around that price bracket and good ones are hard to find.

rizzodun

That's my feelings too, more to do with wanting something newer/different rather than being forced. Have two Almeras in the house and both running well at the moment in spite of very little being paid for them, plenty big enough for the kids etc, right now, would change though if there was something in my budget I really liked, it seems to be all golfs and passats which I'm not keen on.

bazz26

Something like a Honda Civic:

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2007-honda-civic-1-8-ivtec-executive-model/8861176?offset=1

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/honda-civic-1-8i-ses-4-door-4dr/8860899?offset=2

arthur daly

I would change now it's gettin old now and problems will be showing up,with the test I'd say 1700 and take 1500 any more and you won't shift it

arthur daly

I would change now it's gettin old now and problems will be showing up,with the test I'd say 1700 and take 1500 any more and you won't shift it

rizzodun

Quite like the look of those civics, anything in particular to watch out with them?

rizzodun

So I held off for a while but I'm interested again. I like the look of the civics, something like this

http://cars.donedeal.ie/view/8842816

How good are the 1.8's?

MuppetCheck

To be honest they feel like any other 1.4 driven normally and are light on juice. When you rev them they give pretty brisk performance. Nice 6 speed box, good spec, loads of space and the car feels like it will go on and on with little more than regular servicing. They're an infinitely nicer alternative to a Ceed or an Auris and pretty economical too. What I don't like is the steering, the velour seats are a nightmare to keep and there's a fair few trim rattles in herselfs one.

rizzodun

What do you not like about the steering in particular?

I think the seats and trim I could live with if I liked how the car drove to be honest, so the steering is an interesting one.

I had a 98 civic saloon a few years ago, absolutely loved it, probably a world away from the newer ones but while I like my almera and it's served me very well, and the fact I own two, I did find the civic more enjoyable.