Opinions welcome, €2k budget

piobhan

I need to purchase a car for myself, 1.4-1.6 petrol. Budget of €2k cash. Would ideally like a 3 door as there will be no children on board. Would also consider smaller 4 door hatchback.
Won't be doing big miles. Looking for something that will last about 2 years causing little headaches. Thoughts or suggestions welcome?

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2005-citroen-c4-1-4-vtr-3dr-new-nct-tax-09-15-/9887242?offset=28
Are this reliable?
What would you buy in this bracket?

Sleepy

I'd be looking at something like this:

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/honda-civic-coupe-02-nct-16/9928602?offset=13

piobhan

Sleepy wrote: »

I'd be looking at something like this:

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/honda-civic-coupe-02-nct-16/9928602?offset=13

That does look nice, my last car was a Honda. It's different as well. Fits the budget. Should be reliable? Low mileage for a 2002, thanks. Will definitely consider it

darragh o meara

piobhan wrote: »

I need to purchase a car for myself, 1.4-1.6 petrol. Budget of €2k cash. Would ideally like a 3 door as there will be no children on board.
Won't be doing big miles. Looking for something that will last about 2 years causing little headaches. Thoughts or suggestions welcome?

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2005-citroen-c4-1-4-vtr-3dr-new-nct-tax-09-15-/9887242?offset=28
Are this reliable?
What would you buy in this bracket?

I had a C4 for a while and know people who still have them, not a bad car at all for the money.

piobhan

Sleepy wrote: »

I'd be looking at something like this:

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/honda-civic-coupe-02-nct-16/9928602?offset=13

Was written off at some stage so won't be looking into it further.

darragh o meara wrote: »

I had a C4 for a while and know people who still have them, not a bad car at all for the money.

Thanks, any issues to look out for?

darragh o meara

piobhan wrote: »

Thanks, any issues to look out for?

The only thing that springs to mind is the timing belt needs to be done on time, Ive heard of one or two C4s with broken belts.

bazz26

Hyundai Coupe:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/hyundai-coupe-04/9628784?offset=14

piobhan

bazz26 wrote: »

Hyundai Coupe:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/hyundai-coupe-04/9628784?offset=14

Bit girly for a 28yr old man , probably needs to be more sensible as well,

Sleepy

piobhan wrote: »

Was written off at some stage so won't be looking into it further.

Sorry, was just using it as an example so didn't look too closely at the car.

From your requirements in the OP, it's still what I'd be looking for tbh: a late 90's, early 00's Civic Coupe.

JohnBoy26

piobhan wrote: »

Was written off at some stage so won't be looking into it further.

It's a UK import so it depends on what type of write off it was. For example if it was a cat d write off it could of been very minor damage, even cosmetic.

piobhan

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

It's a UK import so it depends on what type of write off it was. For example if it was a cat d write off it could of been very minor damage, even cosmetic.

Fair point, slightly to boy racer for me,

Pricey for a 15 yr old car with NCT running out?
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/toyota-corolla/9938891?offset=5

piobhan

piobhan wrote: »

Fair point, slightly to boy racer for me,

Pricey for a 15 yr old car with NCT running out?
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/toyota-corolla/9938891?offset=5

Sold already

bazz26

A little outside your budget but might be worth a look:

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/audi-a3-1-6-new-nct-done-today/9933967?offset=10

Ilikesheep

Plenty of 1.6 l avensis,s around 2k to 2.5k round the 05/06 mark with fresh NCT.
If your set on a three door then can't go wrong with a decent corolla.

bazz26

MG ZR, long NCT and low mileage:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/car/9967132?offset=18

JohnBoy26

bazz26 wrote: »

MG ZR, long NCT and low mileage:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/car/9967132?offset=18

Don't go for one of these if you value reliability and hassle free motoring. They can end up being nightmares with faults.

piobhan

Would this be a good option? It blows the €2k budget a bit, what would it be like on petrol?

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/audi-a3-1-6-new-nct-done-today/9933967?offset=10



The older ones are within budget, would I be looking at more issues?
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/audi-a3-1-6-attraction-long-nct-and-tax-low-mila/9928039?offset=5

I forget to say, I am in Mayo so traveling to Dublin, would be possible but it's an extra risk if the car is a dog! Ha

darragh o meara

piobhan wrote: »

Would this be a good option? It blows the €2k budget a bit, what would it be like on petrol?

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/audi-a3-1-6-new-nct-done-today/9933967?offset=10



The older ones are within budget, would I be looking at more issues?
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/audi-a3-1-6-attraction-long-nct-and-tax-low-mila/9928039?offset=5

I forget to say, I am in Mayo so traveling to Dublin, would be possible but it's an extra risk if the car is a dog! Ha

The Audi is nice, the 1.6 is a little heavy on juice but manageable.30-35mpg around town. We have a car with same engine in the house and it's 100% reliable. The Audi I would imagine is built better. Hit him with a firm offer of 2300 and see will he bite. Petrol Audis are not as sought after as the diesel ones, so a deal should be easily got.

piobhan

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/volkswagon-for-sale/9873202?offset=1

What is this worth, it's local to me and I know the car, Nct to January 2016,

ba_barabus

piobhan wrote: »

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/volkswagon-for-sale/9873202?offset=1

What is this worth, it's local to me and I know the car, Nct to January 2016,

Funny spec on that Golf. Looks like a Highline but doesn't have a sunroof or aircon and also has the wrong alloys.

Nice interior mind.

piobhan

ba_barabus wrote: »

Funny spec on that Golf. Looks like a Highline but doesn't have a sunroof or aircon and also has the wrong alloys.

Nice interior mind.

Good information, would that put you off it? What is it worth?

ba_barabus

piobhan wrote: »

Good information, would that put you off it? What is it worth?

Yes and no. I'd like to know it was changed but tbh it's nice looking.

I don't know if it's worth 3k though, I'd have thought it would be closer to 2000-2400

JohnBoy26

piobhan wrote: »

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/volkswagon-for-sale/9873202?offset=1

What is this worth, it's local to me and I know the car, Nct to January 2016,

It looks great inside, very nice seats but those engines are soft and give oil consumption and emmision issues.

piobhan

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

It looks great inside, very nice seats but those engines are soft and give oil consumption and emmision issues.

Should I tread carefully or avoid these 1.4 golfs all together?

ba_barabus

piobhan wrote: »

Should I tread carefully or avoid these 1.4 golfs all together?

I'd avoid them. They're underpowered for the car and as Johnboy points out, not nearly as good as their reputation suggests.

piobhan

ba_barabus wrote: »

I'd avoid them. They're underpowered for the car and as Johnboy points out, not nearly as good as their reputation suggests.

Thanks, any other suggestions then? I would purchase soon if I found a good car. The criteria again, budget of about €2k, looking for something reliable to to give me 2 years reliable driving, something that has been looked after, preferably 1.4-1.6 petrol, will mainly be used for a short commute, don't want a big car, 3 door or small hatchback

bazz26

Mitsubishi Colt:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/00-mitsubishi-colt-brand-new-nct-1200/9896934?offset=13

Old school Japanese stuff so should be able to get 2 years out of it, some tax left on it and fresh NCT.

piobhan

bazz26 wrote: »

Mitsubishi Colt:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/00-mitsubishi-colt-brand-new-nct-1200/9896934?offset=13

Old school Japanese stuff so should be able to get 2 years out of it, some tax left on it and fresh NCT.

A little bit too small, I'm picky, ha! My mate wants me to stretch to closer to €3k and go for something like these astras

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/opel-astra-mint-nct-07-16-hatchback/9933326?sv=1

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/open-astra-1-4sxi/9675420?offset=14

Bigus

Why not view and make an offer on the open to offers Audi A3 , quality motor there.

bazz26

If your looking at the newest year at the cheapest prices then there is probably a good reason they are the cheapest.

What about a Corolla:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2005-toyota-corolla-1-4-3dr-h-b-nct-06-16/9900919?offset=9

darragh o meara

piobhan wrote: »

A little bit too small, I'm picky, ha! My mate wants me to stretch to closer to €3k and go for something like these astras

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/opel-astra-mint-nct-07-16-hatchback/9933326?sv=1

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/open-astra-1-4sxi/9675420?offset=14

For 2-3 grand you would be better off with the Audi, much better build quality in my opinion. If petrol isn't an issue then theres good value to be got in a 1.6 A3 or a Golf. On the other hand, a Corolla is a pretty decent and reliable car and certainly worth a thought.

piobhan

darragh o meara wrote: »

For 2-3 grand you would be better off with the Audi, much better build quality in my opinion. If petrol isn't an issue then theres good value to be got in a 1.6 A3 or a Golf. On the other hand, a Corolla is a pretty decent and reliable car and certainly worth a thought.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/audi-a3-1-6-new-nct-done-today/9933967?offset=10

Put the reg of the Audi into the motor tax website, was transferred to an individual on the 15/07/2015 so something doesn't add up

darragh o meara

piobhan wrote: »

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/audi-a3-1-6-new-nct-done-today/9933967?offset=10

Put the reg of the Audi into the motor tax website, was transferred to an individual on the 15/07/2015 so something doesn't add up

Could be a switcheroo to avid back tax or a part time dealer. Definitely worth ringing about it and asking how long he/she had it, if they say they've owned it years ask them about the recent change of ownership.

piobhan

darragh o meara wrote: »

Could be a switcheroo to avid back tax or a part time dealer. Definitely worth ringing about it and asking how long he/she had it, if they say they've owned it years ask them about the recent change of ownership.

Tried it there, no answer, phone off, will try again later and ask some questions

bazz26

Car was probably sold on the 15th and the seller probably didn't update the advert.

piobhan

bazz26 wrote: »

If your looking at the newest year at the cheapest prices then there is probably a good reason they are the cheapest.

What about a Corolla:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2005-toyota-corolla-1-4-3dr-h-b-nct-06-16/9900919?offset=9

Rang this lad, would accept €3k cash, is it worth it? It's a long way to drive from Mayo, 2 previous owners

darragh o meara

piobhan wrote: »

Rang this lad, would accept €3k cash, is it worth it? It's a long way to drive from Mayo, 2 previous owners

Looks a nice car for the money.

bazz26

piobhan wrote: »

Rang this lad, would accept €3k cash, is it worth it? It's a long way to drive from Mayo, 2 previous owners

Hard to tell really without being in front of it but it looks clean enough especially the interior. They are a good car just make sure there is no whine from the gearbox or difficulty changing gears as a weak point in them is the gearbox bearing.

Try and bring someone with you who knows a bit about cars. Sometimes you can end up making a wasted journey but I'd rather that than wasting €3k on a complete shed.

NickDunne

Would a fiesta zetec s take your fancy?

piobhan

NickDunne wrote: »

Would a fiesta zetec s take your fancy?

I haven't ruled anything out yet, considering all realistic options, have you a link, might be on the small side

piobhan

https://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/citroen-c4-1-4-coupe-new-nct-03-2017-/8835828

Wourt it to stretch to €3k for something like this?

bazz26

Lol, being sold as seen, service and warranty is costing €1k more.

Why bother buying it from a dealer at all if it's been sold as seen, might as well buy privately at that rate rather paying a dealer his profit on something he is charging extra for come back on.

piobhan

bazz26 wrote: »

Lol, being sold as seen, service and warranty is costing €1k more.

Why bother buying it from a dealer at all if it's been sold as seen, might as well buy privately at that rate rather paying a dealer his profit on something he is charging extra for come back on.

I see that alright, it has low mileage and a lot of recently done mechanical work including a lengthy Nct,

piobhan

All these can be got for roughly €3k, which would be the best to go for, planning to keep for about 2 years, the less hassle the better, Citroen has the lowest mileage. I'm located in Mayo so travelling is also a consideration


Citroen C4 2005, 2 previous owners, 1.4
https://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/citroen-c4-1-4-coupe-new-nct-03-2017-/8835828


Focus 1.6 Zetec, 2006, 3 previous owners,
https://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/3dr-focus-zetec/9866186


Corolla 1,4
https://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2005-toyota-corolla-1-4-3dr-h-b-nct-06-16/9900919

Golf, 1.6
https://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/vw-golf-1-6-sport-new-nct-cheap-fsh/9886734

JohnBoy26

piobhan wrote: »

All these can be got for roughly €3k, which would be the best to go for, planning to keep for about 2 years, the less hassle the better, Citroen has the lowest mileage. I'm located in Mayo so travelling is also a consideration


Citroen C4 2005, 2 previous owners, 1.4
https://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/citroen-c4-1-4-coupe-new-nct-03-2017-/8835828


Focus 1.6 Zetec, 2006, 3 previous owners,
https://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/3dr-focus-zetec/9866186


Corolla 1,4
https://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2005-toyota-corolla-1-4-3dr-h-b-nct-06-16/9900919

Golf, 1.6
https://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/vw-golf-1-6-sport-new-nct-cheap-fsh/9886734

Less hassle? Then it has to be the corolla. It's easily the most reliable car on your list.

piobhan

It's a mine field out there trying to purchase a clean car for a reasonably low budget, looked at 5 all together from Dublin to Tipperary, (bearing in mind I'm from Mayo)looked at a 06 focus with a sketchy past, an 02 Corolla that had never been cleaned inside, an 03 Corolla With a thick owner, a Mini Cooper s and finally a golf today.



Ended up purchasing a clean 04 mark 5 golf, 1.6 comfortline, 105,000 miles. Very happy with it, thanks for all the help etc. I can't link it, it's already been taken down