Punto upgrade - 6k-7k budget looking for a nice, comfortable, stylish car.

lickme

Been driving the last three years with two years with my own insurance and full license a year. Finally the insurance company are not giving me ridiculous quotes to upgrade the car, only an extra 80 euro for a 1.6 petrol or a 2ltr diesel 3rd party.

Was thinking of a ford mondo, Honda accord, BMW. What would you guys recommend? Tax is included in the 7k budget. I'm probably missing out on a few makes. Viewed a astra the other day but meh! May as well keep the punto if buying that!

I make two 130 km trips a week and then just a bit on the weekend here or there.

lickme

Actually just see a 06 Mondeo 1.8 ltr in wicklow for 2350 in wicklow with 108000 miles. Think I'll view that and save my money!

Mister Jingles

lickme wrote: »

Actually just see a 06 Mondeo 1.8 ltr in wicklow for 2350 in wicklow with 108000 miles. Think I'll view that and save my money!

Just bare in mind that these are not great on juice around town. Try make sure as well it's a 125 bhp one. Throw up a link to it there anyway.

bazz26

Have a look at the 1.8 litre petrol Honda Civic hatchback or saloon. The 1.8 litre has decent poke in it and they are very good on fuel for the size engine. Saloons tend to be cheaper as they are less desirable.

lickme

I'm now thinking of this. Anyone any opinions? Thanks for the help so far. I don't really like the civics.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/audi-a4-1-6-2006-nct-6-16/9597785?offset=22

bazz26

Underpowered and ancient engine fitted, the 1.8t is much better.

For example:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/audi-a4-sline-1-8t-163bhp-swap/9091929?offset=21

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/audi-a4-1-8t-163bhp-sport-5sp/9596081?offset=22

lickme

bazz26 wrote: »

Underpowered and ancient engine fitted, the 1.8t is much better.

For example:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/audi-a4-sline-1-8t-163bhp-swap/9091929?offset=21

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/audi-a4-1-8t-163bhp-sport-5sp/9596081?offset=22

Many thanks for that. Think that Audi in Longford is the way to go. I'll try and haggle down the price a bit

Does the T stand for turbo?

colm_mcm

Yep, T means turbo, means faster

bazz26

Yes the 1.8t is turbo charged, has 163bhp as opposed to the weedy 102bhp of the 1.6

colm_mcm

Multitronic though.
No thanks.


(Blue one)

RyanMGF

Yep, avoid the multitronic CVT gearbox from that era unless you're doing very very small mileage. If it's Quattro it'll have a conventional automatic gearbox which is fine and reliable.

An A4 with a decent spec is a fine car but you could do worse than considering a Saab 9-3, the later ones are lovely and you'll get a newer car than an A4 at that price point.

lickme

Thanks for the advice so far, think that turbo AUDI is the way to go
Like the look of it and gonna haggle on price a bit to get it a bit cheaper.

What MPG would you get with this? Was averaging around 40 MPG on the punto on the motorway. 45 on normal 80 KM roads.

bazz26

Your not going to get Punto mpg out of it but cruising on the motorway it should be easy enough, probably mid 30s at a guess. If you have a heavy right foot then it will be less.

mossy50

2008/2009/2010 Peugeot 308 1.4 petrol or 1.6 diesel HDI offers great value for money and cheap tax. We bought a 2010 Peugeot 308 1.6 HDI for 7500 euro recently 200 tax for the year not the most exciting but excellent value having come from a 1 series bmw which was a nightmare