Can't find a new car!!

Murt102

Basically I sold my car (Vw Passat B6) a few weeks ago and I haven't found any new car that I like. I had my eye on a nice 2008 Ford Focus 1.8tdci Titanium but it ended up being a complete lemon.

Having a look on DoneDeal, Cars Ireland, Carzone etc. and there doesn't seem to be anything that catches my eye.

Criteria;
Preferably above 2007,
1.9 is the max engine size due to insurance purposes,
Must be no smaller than a Ford Focus and no bigger than an Audi A6,
Must be diesel (unless there is a powerful & economical petrol as I do approx 30k kms a year).
The absolute maximum I have to spend in cash is €5,000.

Any suggestions?

**Thankfully I am not in a huge rush to purchase, I have a loan of a car for the next 4 weeks.

Four Phucs Ache

The Volvo v50 for something different ?

It's a 1.6d I think as a rep in work had one for 3 years and never mentioned any bother with it but all cars will have issues over time.As for the engine I've no experience whether it's troublesome or not but I always like the shape.

James Bond Junior

Four Phucs Ache wrote: »

The Volvo v50 for something different ?

It's a 1.6d I think as a rep in work had one for 3 years and never mentioned any bother with it but all cars will have issues over time.As for the engine I've no experience whether it's troublesome or not but I always like the shape.

That 1.6 isn't exactly known for its reliability. Google psa 1.6 diesel issues.

What about a Volvo s40 2.0d? Could you stretch to a 2.0 from a 1.9?

An Alfa 159 jdtm could be a good about. Reliability is pretty much sorted nowadays.

Murt102

Very unlikely that they'll allow me to push to 2 litre, unless I cancel my policy and go elsewhere.

Would the Alfa Romeo really be a good choice?

Nuw

Murt102 wrote: »

Very unlikely that they'll allow me to push to 2 litre, unless I cancel my policy and go elsewhere.

Would the Alfa Romeo really be a good choice?

Provided it has service history, the Alfa is definitely to consider, in that price range, you can't do much better in terms of driving experience and with a diesel.
It might be a tad "big" compared to a focus however, don't get me wrong, it's no barge.

For something different, what about a Kia Soul

The 1.6 diesel from Kia is quite reliable, economical and relatively lively and enjoyable. Just a thought, I know the design of these machines is not everyone's cup of tea...

H3llR4iser

Nuw wrote: »

Provided it has service history, the Alfa is definitely to consider, in that price range, you can't do much better in terms of driving experience and with a diesel.
It might be a tad "big" compared to a focus however, don't get me wrong, it's no barge.

Second that, I have a 2006 petrol 159, in the 1.9 JTS flavour.

Stuff you need to be on the lookout for, especially on the 1.9JTDm:


- the gearbox is the car's weak spot, make sure there's no "whine" in 5th and 6th; If the owner had the bearings replaced, even better;

- The pre-2008 models came with a wrong power steering fluid and reservoir, there has been a recall to replace those, make sure it' been done. Dead giveaway - the fluid should be green, not red. All the 2008 and later cars should come with the green fluid (and correct reservoir!) from factory;

- When checking the front tires, make sure to check the inside thread - the car has a fairly dramatic camber angle and wears the inside times faster than the outside; It might be needing new tires and not be apparent from inspecting the outer side of the thread;

- Last, as with all Alfas prefer one that's in the hands of an enthusiast; They're cars that, like BMWs, don't like being neglected;