Head Spinning..Car requied 3K ish

djsim101

Hi Lads,


Could really do with your help. I need a car in the next 2 weeks and I must admit it is a mine field looking through the 2nd car market. I will not be doing much millage, maybe 30 - 40 miles a day, so I am looking at pertrol. I would like something that comes with a little extra (leather seats , air condidtion etc) if possbile.


Before I ask about the cars, I have two questons that come to mind:


1) Dealer vs Private? I know the risks buying from a private seller but it is worth paying that 1.5K extra on average through the dealer for a 3 month warrenty in most cases?

2) Tax - if I buy a car thats lets say 3 months out of tax, do I have to pay the back tax?


Okay on to the cars, I think I have it down to the following cars:


Honda Accord (higher value so getting an older model compared to the below)
Toyota Avensis (1.6L would be a bit sluggish I think? 1.8L harder to find)
Mazada 6 ( I like this one)
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/mazda/mazda6/used-2007-mazda-mazda6-1-8-4dr-sp-dublin-fpa-200914382606758910
Opel OPC (Very hard to find one in my price range)
Audi A3\A4 (maybe?)
Please any opinionsjust throw them at me, maybe I am missing out on other cars?


Thanks a mill lads

Lellostag

djsim101 wrote: »

Hi Lads,


Could really do with your help. I need a car in the next 2 weeks and I must admit it is a mine field looking through the 2nd car market. I will not be doing much millage, maybe 30 - 40 miles a day, so I am looking at pertrol. I would like something that comes with a little extra (leather seats , air condidtion etc) if possbile.


Before I ask about the cars, I have two questons that come to mind:


1) Dealer vs Private? I know the risks buying from a private seller but it is worth paying that 1.5K extra on average through the dealer for a 3 month warrenty in most cases?

2) Tax - if I buy a car thats lets say 3 months out of tax, do I have to pay the back tax?


Okay on to the cars, I think I have it down to the following cars:


Honda Accord (higher value so getting an older model compared to the below)
Toyota Avensis (1.6L would be a bit sluggish I think? 1.8L harder to find)
Mazada 6 ( I like this one)
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/mazda/mazda6/used-2007-mazda-mazda6-1-8-4dr-sp-dublin-fpa-200914382606758910
Opel OPC (Very hard to find one in my price range)
Audi A3\A4 (maybe?)
Please any opinionsjust throw them at me, maybe I am missing out on other cars?


Thanks a mill lads

Hi there,

Yeah it can be daunting for sure, but a bit fun as well, especially if you're not too set on what you want.

Dealer v private, personally in this price bracket I'd prefer buying privately, but that's just me. As for tax, no you only pay from the date you buy the car.

I'd opt for the Accord out of the ones you've listed, most stylish car of them all with good reliability and revvy engines.

I have the same model Mazda6 but with a diesel. Good car but mine is going through brakes like they're going out of fashion... In 100k miles I have had to change all discs AND calipers twice! Then again it could be just my bad luck, don't think I am that hard on the brakes...

Good luck!

68 lost souls

Lellostag wrote: »

Hi there,

Dealer v private, personally in this price bracket I'd prefer buying privately, but that's just me. As for tax, no you only pay from the date you buy the car.

Good luck!

You pay from the first day of the month in which you buy your car. It is best if you buy the car towards the end of a month to get the seller to post date the purchase date if possible if the tax is out.

djsim101

Thanks lads, good to know that about the tax format.


Now to decide which car, am I mad to be looking for a 2L petrol for 30 - 40 mile daily trip?

darragh o meara

68 lost souls wrote: »

You pay from the first day of the month in which you buy your car. It is best if you buy the car towards the end of a month to get the seller to post date the purchase date if possible if the tax is out.

If he does that, don't post the logbook before the date he put on it otherwise you'll get it back in the post.

Lellostag

djsim101 wrote: »

Now to decide which car, am I mad to be looking for a 2L petrol for 30 - 40 mile daily trip?

No, personally I prefer petrol cars, and if you're not too concerned about getting there as cheaply as possible I'd say go for it! They tend to sound better too...

As for other car alternatives you could consider a Volvo S60 as they're very comfortable and most of them come with leather and lots of extras. Or why not a Saab 9-3, also very comfortable cars.