Car Advice

BOBIDGE

Hi all,

I wonder if people could kindly provide some advice for buying a second hand car. The car I am currently driving has served its purpose and I want to upgrade in the coming weeks.

Essentially, I drive an average 20,000 miles a year, 75% of my driving is on the motorway. So I need a reliable and fuel efficient car and my budget is between 4-8k, under 2.0lt prefer. Any car I purchase will be checked over by a mechanic I know.

As part of my online trawl, I can across car:

http://www.carsonline.ie/used-cars/Honda/Civic/1.8I-SES/200714625405341400/

Any advice provided would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

colm_mcm

Those are biblically reliable, but they're nowhere near as efficient as a diesel would be on the motorway. They're very good for a petrol though. I have the hatch version and would average early to mid 40s with 80:20 dual carriageway/motorway driving. If you slow down to 80kmph and drive like a nun you can get over 50mpg, but who has time for that.

So, with the mileage you'll spend a lot more on fuel, but potentially less on repairs. A €4K diesel could well be a money pit.

One thing to note, the saloon civic is pretty low slung, and may not be the most comfortable for long journies.

BOBIDGE

colm_mcm wrote:

Those are biblically reliable, but they're nowhere near as efficient as a diesel would be on the motorway. They're very good for a petrol though. I have the hatch version and would average early to mid 40s with 80:20 dual carriageway/motorway driving. If you slow down to 80kmph and drive like a nun you can get over 50mpg, but who has time for that.

Hi Colm,

Thanks a million that is great advice. I am more leaning towards a petrol due to the cost of repairs.

Do you think that's a fair price they have advertised? As I said my number one requirement is reliability. Thanks

duffman3833

now a days i thinks cars are only as reliable if the previous owner(s) have taken care of it. Ive owned a good few diesel cars and once they are looked after you should have no issues. The only thing is diesel is higher tax since your budget is quite low but i wouldn't rule out a diesel yet

colm_mcm

BOBIDGE wrote: »

Hi Colm,

Thanks a million that is great advice. I am more leaning towards a petrol due to the cost of repairs.

Do you think that's a fair price they have advertised? As I said my number one requirement is reliability. Thanks

Price is about right from a dealer. You'd want to see exactly what benefits you get from buying from that dealer, ie warranty, how well prepped it is, service, tyres etc.

That particular garage wouldn't have an excellent reputation.

Idbatterim

the below for example come highly recommended, 2.2 Engline so E980 tax on old system, but on emissions only E390...

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/honda/accord/used-2008-honda-accord-2-2-ctdi-t-meath-fpa-201314610930465280

BOBIDGE

colm_mcm wrote: »

Price is about right from a dealer. You'd want to see exactly what benefits you get from buying from that dealer, ie warranty, how well prepped it is, service, tyres etc.

That particular garage wouldn't have an excellent reputation.

Hi,

I think I need to visit the dealership and see for myself. Thanks for the heads up re. the reputation of the garage. Good to know.

BOBIDGE

Idbatterim wrote: »

the below for example come highly recommended, 2.2 Engline so E980 tax on old system, but on emissions only E390...

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/honda/accord/used-2008-honda-accord-2-2-ctdi-t-meath-fpa-201314610930465280

Thanks for sharing. It's outside my budget, but good to know what is out there.