Ideas for a new motor

Nuw

Hi Boardsies,

I'll be in the market for a new motor by the end of the year and am looking for suggestions as to make/model, don't hesitate to go outside the box here I'm no badge snob

So here's what I need from it:

- small(ish), say ford focus size at max, will need to seat four but the back seats would be used only occasionaly, so wouldn't mind three door or coupé even.
- petrol (I don't do enough mileage to justify diesel, nor would I really want to drive one if I'm honest)
- automatic (I have nothing against CVTs, but if it comes to it, would prefer DSG-typed autos)
- something with a little character: some torque and bhp welcome, no need for something too crazy though, I'd like it to be insurable
- quiet and confortable

Here's what I wouldn't mind it has:

- decent mpg (anywhere near 40 would do)
- I do a fair bit of city driving, so something easy to maneuvre would be a +
- cruise control, auto headlights and wipers
- reasonable tax (something like 650, might go a bit above that if it's really worth it)

I'd be using it mainly as an everyday runabout but will need it to go on road trips across the continent once in a while, so I've dismissed electrics, but actually have nothing against hybrids.

Pricetag would around €5-6000. I am not afraid of high mileage though (provided there's full service history) so that should give me some options, or at least I hope

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Nuw

I've seen the volvo C30, is this any good? Does it come with a decent auto box?

weadick

Nuw wrote: »

I've seen the volvo C30, is this any good? Does it come with a decent auto box?

They are a nice car, v different. They are based upon a Ford Focus though, so not particularly sporty. Almost all the ones for sale in Ireland seem to be 1.8 petrol or 1.6 diesel. The 2.0 and 2.4 diesel engines were popular in the UK though and are meant to be the best. You'd want a diesel really as the 1.8 petrol is quite thirsty.

The boot in them is a bit small and difficult to access due to the small glass hatch. For an expensive car their resale value isn't great. There's a massive difference in price between say a 09 or 10 r design and the equivalent Scirocco. It means they are good value to buy but you won't be getting much for it in a few years if you want to sell again.

Don't know anything about the auto in them sorry.

Nuw

Thanks for your reply Weadick (sorry for the late reply from myself, been away for the past few days). I did a little digging and it would seem that only the 2L and 2.5 petrol came with the auto box.

I'm guessing it is the same kind that ford used on these same engines, so probably not the best choice as they feel a bit jerky (according to reviews that is), + the tax on those would probably kill me so I guess I'll have to look elsewhere for something that'd fit the bill...

There are a few other models that caught my eyes recently:

- honda civic 1.8 with i-shift (again no idea how these autobox work, nor if it's any good)
- merc CLK 200 (not sure about the reliability on these, heard bad things and good)
- DS3 (loves the looks of those, heard the 1.6 vti with 120hp is the one to go for, does it come with a decent auto though... that's the question)

colm_mcm

I-shift is muck.

What about a prius?

Nuw

yeah a prius would actually make sense, but in fairness, I'm not a big fan of the looks of these things, especially the way it screams hybrid at other people faces.

the more I read about it the more the DS3 appeals to me, I still have to find out if they come with a decent autobox though..

grogi

Nuw wrote: »

yeah a prius would actually make sense, but in fairness, I'm not a big fan of the looks of these things, especially the way it screams hybrid at other people faces.

Civic Hybrid then? Not as advanced and refined as Prius, but at least it looks like a regular sedan...

Nuw wrote: »

the more I read about it the more the DS3 appeals to me, I still have to find out if they come with a decent autobox though..

The DS3 1.6 from around 2010 came with DP0/AL4 gearbox - it is a 4-gear hydraulic box. Smooth, but not that efficient nor super reliable.

The 1.6 VTI engine is not without its faults - especially chain tensioner which could even break the chain. Fortunately around 2009 an update was released and older engines repaired on warrantly. DS3 released 2009 should be safe then, and it is a very nippy motor. I was driving C4 with it some time ago and was very impressed.

Nuw

Thanks Grogi!!

I think I'll go ahead and test drive the DS3 and the civic and we'll see what happens...

Appreciate all the feedback and I'll make sure, should I go for it, that the DS3 has all the necessary work done or that it's post 2009. If it's really that good of an engine, might even consider a manual... but see how it goes!

Nuw

Thanks Grogi!!

I think I'll go ahead and test drive the DS3 and the civic and we'll see what happens...

Appreciate all the feedback guys and I'll make sure, should I go for it, that the DS3 has all the necessary work done or that it's post 2009. If it's really that good of an engine, might even consider a manual... but see how it goes!