What models to look for & avoid?

flogen

I'm looking to upgrade my car (01 Punto) in the near future and had been hoping to make a decent jump, but after testing a few larger engined regs with my insurance I've realised I may have to be a bit more selective for now.

So I'm looking out for something that's 1.4l at most... ideally a 5 door and registered somewhere between 2007 and 2009 (but I'm willing to be flexible on that for the right car).

In terms of driving, I'd tend to do ~20k a day getting to/from work, with the odd long drive thrown into the mix.

With all that in mind are there any particular cars that I'd be wise to look out for - and any that I should avoid at all costs?

At the moment I'm thinking of something like an Opel Astra or Seat Ibiza, but have not heard much about what they're like or what might be better.

Thanks in advance for any pointers.

(and in terms of price, I've nothing set just yet - but I'd find it hard to justify going above €6-7k unless it was something particularly special)

AMKC

The Opel Astra and Seat Ibiza are both good cars but they are also both different sizes. The Ibiza is a smaller car than the Astra and is a class down. The Seat Leon would be in the same class and size as the Astra.
Have you thought a bout looking at another Punto. They are much bigger now and a good looking car or you could go bigger and get the Bravo.Or you could try a different car altogether like maybe a Peugeot 207 or a Mazda 2 maybe.

http://www.autotrader.ie/browse-used-cars/fiat/grande-punto/used-2008-fiat-grande-punto-1-2-d-dublin-fpa-153714273645827020

http://www.autotrader.ie/browse-used-cars/fiat/bravo/used-2007-fiat-bravo-1-4-16v-90-d-dublin-fpa-144514237611119400

http://www.autotrader.ie/browse-used-cars/fiat/bravo/used-2009-fiat-bravo-hatchback-2-antrim-fpa-151614273366737900

http://www.autotrader.ie/browse-used-cars/mazda/mazda2/used-2007-mazda-mazda2-hatchback-antrim-fpa-154314274229827850

http://www.autotrader.ie/browse-used-cars/peugeot/207/used-2008-peugeot-207-sx-1-4-8v-7-mayo-fpa-43613962620794960

Just some cars to look at. Loads of choice out there.

flogen

AMKC wrote: »

The Opel Astra and Seat Ibiza are both good cars but they are also both different sizes. The Ibiza is a smaller car than the Astra and is a class down. The Seat Leon would be in the same class and size as the Astra.
Have you thought a bout looking at another Punto. They are much bigger now and a good looking car or you could go bigger and get the Bravo.Or you could try a different car altogether like maybe a Peugeot 207 or a Mazda 2 maybe.

Thanks - I would consider going with a newer Punto (or Bravo) - I know Fiat have a bad reputation but the one I have has served me well for six years (including me learning to drive and not treating it as well as I should have). Presuming the newer models are better still I'd certainly give them a look.

Are Peugeot a generally reliable brand? Again, I know French cars can have a bad rap so would be a bit wary when it comes to them.

AMKC

flogen wrote: »

Thanks - I would consider going with a newer Punto (or Bravo) - I know Fiat have a bad reputation but the one I have has served me well for six years (including me learning to drive and not treating it as well as I should have). Presuming the newer models are better still I'd certainly give them a look.

Are Peugeot a generally reliable brand? Again, I know French cars can have a bad rap so would be a bit wary when it comes to them.

Your welcome. I have never heard anything bad about the current Punto. I think its a lovely car myself and they seem to be well put together. The Bravo is lovely too if you want something a bit bigger. I really don,t think Fiat deserve the reputation they have as there cars are not near as bad as some people try to say.
The Peugeot 207 was voted most reliable car in Europe last year I think. It is a good car. French cars are much better now.

flogen

AMKC wrote: »

Your welcome. I have never heard anything bad about the current Punto. I think its a lovely car myself and they seem to be well put together. The Bravo is lovely too if you want something a bit bigger. I really don,t think Fiat deserve the reputation they have as there cars are not near as bad as some people try to say.

I think there's still a hangover from the 'Fix It Again Tomorrow' days of the 1980s and early 90s. By all accounts they got their act together by the late 90s - early 2000s, though... and as I said, my 01 Punto has treated me well despite me not looking after it (though it's now getting to the point where a lot of problems are cropping up... though probably not much more than you'd expect in a 14 year old car).

I plan on taking a trip around a few places to have a proper look at some cars and see what I like and don't like... being over 6ft I also have to make sure I can fit comfortably in some of the smaller cars out there! That might give me a good idea of whether I'd prefer a Bravo or Punto.

The Peugeot 207 was voted most reliable car in Europe last year I think. It is a good car. French cars are much better now.

That's a good sign! Will factor them into my thinking too, so.

Thanks again.