Car for 4k (ish)

BGozIE

Hi Guys,

Looking for car recommendations...I know this gets done a lot so apologies for the reiteration of this.

Basically I have 4k (ish) to spend. I have no real requirements other then I don't want a dog of a car that wouldn't pull you out of bed, so probably looking at 1.6 and up. MPG would be a bit of a concern too but I can see past it.

So far I've been looking at Mazda 3's and 6's....my budget hasn't allowed many good examples so far.

Any other recommendations?

Thanks a lot.

_Brian

Ya need to supply more info.

Family?
Long commute?
Pull a trailer?
Any cars you like the look of??

BGozIE

Sorry mate, I was quite vague.

On top of what was said before, I'd be looking for something with decently low mileage (under 75k) that's comfortable to drive on the odd long spin. I dont have a big commute so a diesel for me would be a no. No kids (that I know of :P), usually only me in the car, occasionally the gf or a few friends.

I like the look of a few cars, the mazda 6, most of the alfas (test drove a 06 1.6 147 and it was utter ****e, not what I remember), the ford focus and MK5 golf a decent looking too.

So far in my search mileage has been the main issue for me. Cars with ridiculous mileage holding a decent price tag (Audi's, VW and BMW's).

I have been looking for a few weeks and nothing is taking my fancy. I test drove a 1.6 Mazda 3 and it drove quite well but the mileage was borderline too much for me (93k), it was also the base model and not priced accordingly.

Unless I was to settle for a bog standard 1.2 or 1.4 I dont know if my budget cuts it. Opinions appreciated

bazz26

Most cars in your price range which are going to be 7 to 10 years old and are going to have more than 75k miles on the clock. I think you need to be realistic around mileage and remove this restriction. 75k miles on a 7 to 10 year old car is going to be below average driving for a lot of people so this will only narrow down your options to a select few. Also low mileage is not the be all or end all of a good car yet people put so much emphasis on it when buying. Some low mileage cars can have had a harder life than higher mileage ones.

BGozIE

bazz26 wrote: »

Most cars in your price range which are going to be 7 to 10 years old and are going to have more than 75k miles on the clock. I think you need to be realistic around mileage and remove this restriction. 75k miles on a 7 to 10 year old car is going to be below average driving for a lot of people so this will only narrow down your options to a select few. Also low mileage is not the be all or end all of a good car yet people put so much emphasis on it when buying. Some low mileage cars can have had a harder life than higher mileage ones.

Ye I suppose you are right, its more important to find a clean example of a car. I will bear that in mind as I continue to look, thanks for the input.

bazz26

If you could stretch your budget a little then this may fit the bill:

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/honda-civic-1-8-litre-petrol/9007352?offset=3

Decent enough poke, very reliable and they return very good fuel economy for a 1.8 litre.

bazz26

Or a Civic hatchback:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/honda-civic/10114655?offset=6

Into The Blue

dont suppose you cut hair?

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/hyundai/coupe/used-2006-hyundai-coupe-2-0-auto-dublin-fpa-200914371316522530

BGozIE

Thanks for the suggestions bazz...both look really nice, I reckon I could ghet the hatch for the money I want to spend. Do you know what they are like?

Haha I only cut hair on the weekends ...there a nice car but I just couldnt do it.

bazz26

The Civic is a decent car and rarely give trouble.

BGozIE

bazz26 wrote: »

The Civic is a decent car and rarely give trouble.

Thanks for the suggestions, I may try and arrange a viewing of the Honda. Just checking out the consumption and im getting numbers like 40-44mpg...that's as good as I've had in some 1.4's...I wonder is it actually the case though.

bazz26

They are quite good on fuel.

BGozIE

bazz26 wrote: »

They are quite good on fuel.

Thanks for your help. Going to view the hb civic, hopefully tomorrow.

Anyone have an opinions on the vectra? Most likely 1.8

bazz26

The Vectra is a horrible car imo.

Preset No.3

Saab 93

stooge

bazz26 wrote: »

The Vectra is a horrible car imo.

very reliable though

bazz26

Not from my experience of owning one years ago.

BGozIE

I've done some research on the Vectra and I'll just say I'm not overly keen.

Couldn't get a viewing of the Honda until thios weekend so in the mean time I have my eye on a 1.8 Avensis and a nice Mazda 6, both 2006.

Anyone have opinions on the 1.8 Avensis?

My own opinion is the styling is better on the 6, and is probably a better car. They are similar price, the only thing right now seperating them is the Avensis has about 15k less miles on the clock (and its closer to me to arrange a viewing ha)

bazz26

I had a 2003 1.8 Avensis from new years ago and it was a great car. Decent enough poke in it and quieter at motorway speed than the 1.6. 1.8 is rare enough in the Avensis and just make sure it wasn't a rental at some stage. Gearbox bearings can go on them too so listen out for a whining from the gearbox or trouble shifting gears. Mazda 6 is a superior car to drive than the Avensis but the 6 feels a bit more dated in the interior. The 1.8 engine in the 6 is a little less powerful and thirstier too than the Avensis. The 6 can suffer from rust too.

Unless you need the extra room and comfort I'd focus on the Civic over both as it feels more modern.

JohnBoy26

BGozIE wrote: »

I've done some research on the Vectra and I'll just say I'm not overly keen.

Couldn't get a viewing of the Honda until thios weekend so in the mean time I have my eye on a 1.8 Avensis and a nice Mazda 6, both 2006.

Anyone have opinions on the 1.8 Avensis?

My own opinion is the styling is better on the 6, and is probably a better car. They are similar price, the only thing right now seperating them is the Avensis has about 15k less miles on the clock (and its closer to me to arrange a viewing ha)

Those avensis are great cars. They are far better built than the Mazda 6 imo. The 6 will probably be a bit sharper in terms of handling and more fun to drive but the avensis is more pleasant to drive. Eg it's quieter and more refined and the gearchange is much smoother.

BGozIE

Thanks for the opinions, much appreciated.

Sorry to pick your brains again about another car (there is just some good info/advice to be found here)...the 1.6 focus hatchback 05. I think they may be fairly slow? Just the mpg might be kinder then any 1.8

Although that being said, I am fairly set on an Honda, 6 or Avensis. The next few days will tell all

BGozIE

Just to close this out... I randomly bought a Kia Cee'd 1.6 Petrol.

A friend knows the owner of a garage in Meath, very well. I test drove it and got a great deal, too good to turn down (2.2k cheaper then the asking price, and anything I can find online with the same year,mileage, NCT etc). Completely left field choice for me to go for a car like that (bit conservative), I like it though.

I have read and heard good things about the car, so fingers crossed.

I'm recently home from traveling, hence the budget. I will keep the car for a year or two before going for a newer Mazda 6, if everything goes to plan.

Thanks so much for your help though. Great opinions/advice and much appreciated.