Recommend a used car for approx 5k?

ZappaMan

Hi,

I'm looking for a reliable used motor for around 5k. Don't need anything too flash, I'm not much of a petrol head. Have had a 02 Corolla hatchback for the last 4 years. Fantastic car, reliable out but the mileage is high now so time for a change.

Has anyone got a suggestion. My knowledge of what's good/bad is basically nil so any help would be greatly appreciated

bazz26

If this is genuine then it's worth a look at:
http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/KIA/Ceed/1.4-EX/200714557233468150/

ZappaMan

Thanks for the reply - I guess I'm looking for a general guide as to what a reliable model would be for that price, one that doesn't need too much maintenance

bazz26

Those Ceeds are very reliable, they originally came with a 7 year warranty. Another one to look at is the Toyota Corolla, very reliable car but they tend to cost a bit more than the Ceed.

For example:
https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/toyota-corolla-2006/11665018

Soulcrew09

Audi A3 take your fancy at all?

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/audi-a3-s-line-1-6-petrol-2006-/11284857

Bravobabe

Hi Zappaman,

The choice is massive
You need to set your requirements
Engine size, Fuel, transmission and seats (4,5 etc)

Personally - we have had 4 x Nissan primera over twenty years and no issue. My wife's has had a Citroen Picasso & a Mazda 323.
I going to presume your going to look at 1.6 or lower
So what's generally reliable in my opinion (a general bias towards the japs)

Nissan: Note, Primera, Micra, Tida (personally I don't like the look tida) The Cube (love them or loath them)
Toyota: Avensis, Corolla,
The corolla from Bazz26 looks good
Mazda: Mazda 5 or 3
VW: Any good value at <5k ?????
Ford: Focus
Hyundai: Only really accents in this price range. Nice reliable car but prefer a Nissan/Toyota/Mazda
Opel: Corsa, Astra, Zafira
Honda: Civic (old model favoured by boy racers, new shape - some like it)
Citroen: C4 & see C4 Picasso (I like the Picasso as a reliable family car - very versatile with removable seats etc)
https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/citroen-c4-picasso-7-seater-nct-amptax-2007-4-950/11583353

So the choice is huge - you need to see
what you like the look of: saloon, hatchback, mini
Space: 4 or 5+ seats, large boot, access to boot hatchback etc
Driving Position: Sit up into or sit down into (eg Picasso sit higher SUV type position, good for dodgy hips, back etc)
Comfort: nice comfortable car for passengers and driver
Spec: Electric Windows, mirrors. AC, parking sensors, camera

If you looking at a 1.2 to 1.6 petrol engine all the above cars are reliable (Peugeot & Renault are others to be considered.
But I think if your coming from a reliable corolla - you should look at Toyota, Nissan, Mazda and Honda in the first instance. But keep an open mind - all the other makes have reliable options

Soarer

Prius dude.

chancer12

Hi

I wonder if I can jump on the bandwagon? IN a similar position, need to trade in my much loved Corolla 2005. However, I can't afford to replace it with another Corolla as I have a max budget of 10K. I'm looking for a 5 door hatchback, petrol, 1.2 car and would appreciate recommendations. I think the Fiesta looks nice but don't know anyone with one. Also, the Hyundai seems to have become popular recently but I don't have any info on their models. Any recommendations appreciated, am no car expert! Just want one that starts and goes!

colm_mcm

Fiestas are cheap and plentiful. You could look at the i20 or Rio, but they usually aren't any cheaper than the Fiesta second hand.

These are all smaller than your a Corolla though.

For post 08 cars, tax is not related to engine size, so unless there's another reason to limit yourself to 1.2, you should also include bigger engined cars in your search.
You should be able to get the likes of a 5 year old Ceed or i30 for €10k . They have a good 1.4 petrol that's a little more powerful than your Corolla.

irish_dave_83

You'd get a 08 Ford Focus with reasonable mileage for €5k. I bought one a few months ago for my wife and its a great car

chancer12

Thanks a mil for that. I was looking at a smaller engine because of the tax so thanks for clearing that up. I'll broaden my search so, will probably go for whoever gives me the best trade-in. Hate giving up the Corolla, have been driving them for 15 years!

chancer12

am hoping to trade in and put 5k to a car so spending about 10K. However, I've just looked at the i30 and Ceed and they're way over my budget, guess I'll have to go back to the Fiesta!

colm_mcm

What spec is the corolla, is it a hatchback? What's the mileage?

chancer12

The car is a hatchback, 1.4 CC with 174k on it

colm_mcm

Ais it just the basic terra or the Luna with alloys and aircon etc?

chancer12

Basic Terra but its well maintained and NCT'd

colm_mcm

Your Corolla isn't worth €5k though.

chancer12

Jeeze, only beginning to realise that now! I rang a garage yesterday and they offered me 2k! STupidly used the book value. Guess I'm back to the drawing board, might end up with a Micra. Disappointed

colm_mcm

Don't give up just yet.
You should be able to get around €3000-3750 privately for it. Then buy the new car without a trade in. You'll usually get a discount for doing this. It also makes buying a car that's far away easier.

chancer12

Thanks, will have to take another look at the finances!

ZappaMan

Bravobabe wrote: »

Hi Zappaman,

The choice is massive
You need to set your requirements
Engine size, Fuel, transmission and seats (4,5 etc)

Personally - we have had 4 x Nissan primera over twenty years and no issue. My wife's has had a Citroen Picasso & a Mazda 323.
I going to presume your going to look at 1.6 or lower
So what's generally reliable in my opinion (a general bias towards the japs)

Nissan: Note, Primera, Micra, Tida (personally I don't like the look tida) The Cube (love them or loath them)
Toyota: Avensis, Corolla,
The corolla from Bazz26 looks good
Mazda: Mazda 5 or 3
VW: Any good value at <5k ?????
Ford: Focus
Hyundai: Only really accents in this price range. Nice reliable car but prefer a Nissan/Toyota/Mazda
Opel: Corsa, Astra, Zafira
Honda: Civic (old model favoured by boy racers, new shape - some like it)
Citroen: C4 & see C4 Picasso (I like the Picasso as a reliable family car - very versatile with removable seats etc)
https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/citroen-c4-picasso-7-seater-nct-amptax-2007-4-950/11583353

So the choice is huge - you need to see
what you like the look of: saloon, hatchback, mini
Space: 4 or 5+ seats, large boot, access to boot hatchback etc
Driving Position: Sit up into or sit down into (eg Picasso sit higher SUV type position, good for dodgy hips, back etc)
Comfort: nice comfortable car for passengers and driver
Spec: Electric Windows, mirrors. AC, parking sensors, camera

If you looking at a 1.2 to 1.6 petrol engine all the above cars are reliable (Peugeot & Renault are others to be considered.
But I think if your coming from a reliable corolla - you should look at Toyota, Nissan, Mazda and Honda in the first instance. But keep an open mind - all the other makes have reliable options

Just coming back to this now, willing to spend 6/7k. Any other makes you would add to the list. Volvo?

colm_mcm

Are you looking for something roughly the size of the corolla?

Soarer

10 months on, and the answer is still a Prius.