Recommend a Car - Budget 13k

tony1980

Hi,

Could anyone recommend a comfortable, reasonable economical car for about 13k?

I have recently moved so I have two days working at home a week and 3 days on site which varies as it can be anywhere around Ireland. This week for example, I am travelling to Belfast from Limerick, then to Cork and then Dublin on 3 different days so hopefully that gives a good indication of mileage.

We have a second car which will be used at home locally.

We currently have a 04 Mondeo and 01 BMW, I am selling the BMW. Both are petrol.

My knowledge isn't the best with cars but my hope is to get a decent spec car for that budget, that is hopefully good on mpg, decent power and is very spacious and comfortable. I have no preference on make, I enjoyed driving the Mondeo but the BMW was a beautiful drive and really comfortable even if it was an old car.

I would like to go through a garage for peace of mind unless I can be convinced otherwise. Somewhere around Limerick ideally as I haven't the time to travel and low tax band also.

If anyone has any suggestions or links, it would be much appreciated.

Cheers

Tony

bazz26

Maybe a Renault Fluence?

http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Renault/Fluence/SAVE-%C3%A2%E2%80%9A%C2%AC%C3%A2%E2%80%9A%C2%AC%C3%A2%E2%80%9A%C2%AC%C3%A2%E2%80%9A%C2%ACs../1487296356811478943/
http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Renault/Fluence/R-LINK/5914690680467830563/

Above is slightly above your budget you if you're buying with no trade-in then you might be able to negotiate a better price. They are not the most glamorous of cars but they are pretty reliable, very comfortable, well equipped and it will still have the balance of Renault's 5 year warranty.

tony1980

bazz26 wrote: »

Maybe a Renault Fluence?

http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Renault/Fluence/SAVE-%C3%A2%E2%80%9A%C2%AC%C3%A2%E2%80%9A%C2%AC%C3%A2%E2%80%9A%C2%AC%C3%A2%E2%80%9A%C2%ACs../1487296356811478943/
http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Renault/Fluence/R-LINK/5914690680467830563/

Above is slightly above your budget you if you're buying with no trade-in then you might be able to negotiate a better price. They are not the most glamorous of cars but they are pretty reliable, very comfortable, well equipped and it will still have the balance of Renault's 5 year warranty.

I actually had a look at this Fleunce yesterday evening and took it for a quick spin
http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Renault/Fluence/Dynamiqe-1.5/3025849786285588068/

It's a little more inside my budget, how does the price of this one look to you?

The traffic was heavy when I took it for a spin so I would definitely take it out again for a better feel for it. It was comfortable and spacious and I did enjoy the few mins in it.

bazz26

It's a year older and slightly lower spec so I'd want some further movement on that price. Also make sure it's the 110bhp version as that version is much nicer and pokier than the lesser powered 90bhp version.

tony1980

I had a look at this one an hour ago http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Renault/Fluence/R-LINK/5914690680467830563

They can do it for 14k cash. I will sell the BMW privately.

The above car was lovely to drive, has SAT Nav and all the bells and whistles, lumbar support, etc. It's a little above what I was saying but I like it, might get about 500 for the BMW so would only come in a little above budget so I think I'll go for it.

Edit: it's also the 110bhp version which is a plus.

bazz26

Good luck with it.