Best Banger for 1k

younggalway

Looking for a run around for the next year, ideally for 1k or less. I will be using it mostly for short trips to work, with the odd motorway trip so needs to be able for both. Don't really wanna go above 1.6 for tax reasons, I've kind of narrowed it down the following (in order of preference):

- 03/04 Ford Focus 1.6 H/B
- 03/04 Opel Astra 1.4
- 02/03 Toyota Corolla 1.4 (Prefer H/B)
- Possibly 04/05 Almera 1.5 H/B?

My main priority is reliability, I know this will be hard to gauge at this end of the market but budget is limited so don't want anything known to give trouble.

Most feedback online for the Focus is positive, but its hard to find a clean 1.6 and I would't go for the 1.4. Good choice of Astras but think they seem very old on both exterior and interior. Only have Corolla here as they seem to be fairly relaible but not mad on them. In terms of an Almera, they seem very good value for what you get and look fresh enough still, but I dont know much about their reliability.

Basically, which one would you go for if you had a grand and wanted relatively trouble free motoring for the next 12 months? Would be great to hear from anyone that has any of the above or has had recently enough. Thanks in advance guys.

moonlighting

cant go wrong with the toyota. problem i see is that car insurance for a car that old is going to cost a lot. possibly even more than the car itself.

younggalway

moonlighting wrote: »

cant go wrong with the toyota. problem i see is that car insurance for a car that old is going to cost a lot. possibly even more than the car itself.

I was thinking of that myself but I've got a quote from Axa on a 1.6 Focus for 1400, and they never mentioned the age so maybe only some insurers refusing to quote on older cars? And that quote was a good 4/500 cheaper than anyone else.

Atlantic Dawn

I'd go with the Corolla. Whichever you go with double check the car with your insurers to see they will cover you.

Bigus

2007 Nissan tiida for ?750
Ok it's a tiida but up in the years

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2007-nissan-tida-1-6/15785352

younggalway

Bigus wrote: »

2007 Nissan tiida for ?750
Ok it's a tiida but up in the years

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2007-nissan-tida-1-6/15785352

Very reasonable alright, but I dont think I could ever forgive myself

Bigus

younggalway wrote: »

Very reasonable alright, but I dont think I could ever forgive myself

Well it's a lot better than an Almera

younggalway

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/04-ford-focus-price-drop/15372093

This is the one I've had my eye on for the last week or two, but he has already dropped the price but I dont think its even worth that?

bazz26

Toyota Avensis, NCT to April 2018 ~ asking €1200:



https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/toyota-avensis-strata-nct-04-18/15120493

grogi

younggalway wrote: »

Very reasonable alright, but I dont think I could ever forgive myself

At that budget you should be more forgiving...

younggalway

bazz26 wrote: »

Toyota Avensis, NCT to April 2018 ~ asking €1200:



https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/toyota-avensis-strata-nct-04-18/15120493

Didn't really consider the avensis to be honest, what would this be like on juice? Is the body a bit big for a 1.6?

grogi

younggalway wrote: »

Didn't really consider the avensis to be honest, what would this be like on juice? Is the body a bit big for a 1.6?

1.6 is just fine. 1.8 is more suited for it, but taxman will be greedier. Both would have similar economy.

JohnBoy26

younggalway wrote: »

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/04-ford-focus-price-drop/15372093

This is the one I've had my eye on for the last week or two, but he has already dropped the price but I dont think its even worth that?

Id go.for the corolla over one of these. Those focuses aren't all that great when it comes to reliability. Lots of small niggles, rust and burning oil is what you get with them.

younggalway

Might have a better look at Corolla/ Avensis then, would I be better off with Avensis in terms of spec? I know Toyotas are not known for all their gadgets but most 03/04 Corollas seem to be terra spec with absolutely nothing in them, whereas the Avensis seems to have a better finish inside. Just worried it might be harder to shift the avensis in a year than the corolla?

JohnBoy26

younggalway wrote: »

Might have a better look at Corolla/ Avensis then, would I be better off with Avensis in terms of spec? I know Toyotas are not known for all their gadgets but most 03/04 Corollas seem to be terra spec with absolutely nothing in them, whereas the Avensis seems to have a better finish inside. Just worried it might be harder to shift the avensis in a year than the corolla?

It will definitely be harder to sell but if you want better spec it might be the best option. 02-04 Hatchback luna corollas are rare enough and wont be easy to find for under 1k.

younggalway

How would an Astra of that generation fair in terms of reliability then? Some in Njoy spec are decent enough and the 1.4 wouldnt be as dead as that in the focus, any particular issues to look out for?

AMKC

All them cars are boring. Get a Mk1 Renault Megane the revamped mode if you can. Great cars with a much nicer dash than some of them cars. Sure it might break down the odd time, maybe the exhaust might fall off or it will have electrical problems but at least it has character. I still see some going around near me and think its great to see. Maybe all them problems are sorted and they are actually a reliable little runaround now.
An Alfa is another option you could consider. We only live once might as well make it exciting.

colm_mcm

AMKC wrote: »

Get a Mk1 Renault Megane the revamped mode if you can. Great cars with a much nicer dash than some of them cars.

Whaaaat?

AMKC

colm_mcm wrote: »

Whaaaat?

That pic is of a left hand drive one and before the revamp. Also a terrible angle.
I suppose it is showing its age do very plasticy. It is a 20 year old design after all. I was only joking and being sarcastic a little humour like. Renault have come a long way since them days.

Nekarsulm

The Avensis often don't have rear electric windows, and you can't fold down the seats in the saloon models.
Fairly bulletproof otherwise. Good handling as well.

bazz26

AMKC wrote: »

All them cars are boring. Get a Mk1 Renault Megane the revamped mode if you can. Great cars with a much nicer dash than some of them cars. Sure it might break down the odd time, maybe the exhaust might fall off or it will have electrical problems but at least it has character. I still see some going around near me and think its great to see. Maybe all them problems are sorted and they are actually a reliable little runaround now.
An Alfa is another option you could consider. We only live once might as well make it exciting.

Are you on medication? Should you be?

I cannot for the life of me see how a Mk1 Megane is any less boring than the other cars mentioned. Also most Mk1 Meganes at this stage are holding up ditches.

JohnBoy26

AMKC wrote: »

That pic is of a left hand drive one and before the revamp. Also a terrible angle.
I suppose it is showing its age do very plasticy. It is a 20 year old design after all. I was only joking and being sarcastic a little humour like. Renault have come a long way since them days.

They are a dreadful car tbh. They were dreadful even when new and horrible to drive.

JohnBoy26

younggalway wrote: »

How would an Astra of that generation fair in terms of reliability then? Some in Njoy spec are decent enough and the 1.4 wouldnt be as dead as that in the focus, any particular issues to look out for?

The focus is better than an astra, ill put it that way.

younggalway

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/04-honda-civic-v-tech-nct-06-2018/15800517

What about the civic? Not a looker but Id imagine these are reliable?

JohnBoy26

younggalway wrote: »

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/04-honda-civic-v-tech-nct-06-2018/15800517

What about the civic? Not a looker but Id imagine these are reliable?

They are a great car(the saloon version), up there with the corolla. Bear in mind that one is a 1.6. They are also available in 1.4 which is cheaper to tax but if you don't mind the tax the 1.6 is fine.

Bigus

It's all about the insurance so the newer the better , regardless of fashion.



https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/nissan-tiida-2008/15721718

colm_mcm

Folks, don't click that link

JohnBoy26

Bigus wrote: »

It's all about the insurance so the newer the better , regardless of fashion.



https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/nissan-tiida-2008/15721718

Id rather pay extra on insurance than look at that parked in my driveway

dell77

Mitsubishi lancer 1.6 petrol!! Good reliable car!

JohnBoy26

dell77 wrote: »

Mitsubishi lancer 1.6 petrol!! Good reliable car!

Dire

colm_mcm

Ah they're not that bad for a grand! They're a bit tinny but they're usually well equipped. I'd have the estate over a saloon. They're not nasty in a Nissan way, more nasty in a Suzuki/Mazda way,

sgalvin

Don't focus too much on the tax.
Tax on a 1.8 is only ~€200 more than a 1.4
Everyone thinks tax is representative of the cost or running a car and it's not.

And because of that no one wants them.

I bought a 12 year old Mazda 6 1.8 petrol 160k miles with full leather, full Nct, electric sunroof, electric windows and service records for €1k. It did nearly 40 mpg has a cam chain rather than a belt so no cambelt costs, started first turn of the key every time.

Plenty of 2007 Mazda 6 1.8 petrols for around €1k on DoneDeal. This was the last year they made that model so any reliability issues that were there will all be resolved.

Don't buy a diesel one.

Forget about resale, use and abuse it for 3/4 years. Cheap motoring.

The Japanese do reliability.
Similar applies to Avenis, primera, maxima qx, accord etc.

younggalway wrote: »

Might have a better look at Corolla/ Avensis then, would I be better off with Avensis in terms of spec? I know Toyotas are not known for all their gadgets but most 03/04 Corollas seem to be terra spec with absolutely nothing in them, whereas the Avensis seems to have a better finish inside. Just worried it might be harder to shift the avensis in a year than the corolla?

JohnBoy26

sgalvin wrote: »

Don't focus too much on the tax.
Tax on a 1.8 is only ~€200 more than a 1.4
Everyone thinks tax is representative of the cost or running a car and it's not.

And because of that no one wants them.

I bought a 12 year old Mazda 6 1.8 petrol 160k miles with full leather, full Nct, electric sunroof, electric windows and service records for €1k. It did nearly 40 mpg has a cam chain rather than a belt so no cambelt costs, started first turn of the key every time.

Plenty of 2007 Mazda 6 1.8 petrols for around €1k on DoneDeal. This was the last year they made that model so any reliability issues that were there will all be resolved.

Don't buy a diesel one.

Forget about resale, use and abuse it for 3/4 years. Cheap motoring.

The Japanese do reliability.
Similar applies to Avenis, primera, maxima qx, accord etc.

It's €251 more which is a significant amount to many people.

JohnBoy26

colm_mcm wrote: »

Ah they're not that bad for a grand! They're a bit tinny but they're usually well equipped. I'd have the estate over a saloon. They're not nasty in a Nissan way, more nasty in a Suzuki/Mazda way,

I know they aren't quiet that bad, they are reliable enough and not too bad to drive but there is a cheapness to them, they are a bit tacky or something and they don't seem to age all that well.

Ninjavampire

Look for a mk ii Clio. 1.2 engine is nice and simple, not much too it if anything goes wrong. Also low tax and a cheap car to insure.

younggalway

sgalvin wrote: »

Don't focus too much on the tax.
Tax on a 1.8 is only ~€200 more than a 1.4
Everyone thinks tax is representative of the cost or running a car and it's not.

And because of that no one wants them.

I bought a 12 year old Mazda 6 1.8 petrol 160k miles with full leather, full Nct, electric sunroof, electric windows and service records for €1k. It did nearly 40 mpg has a cam chain rather than a belt so no cambelt costs, started first turn of the key every time.

Plenty of 2007 Mazda 6 1.8 petrols for around €1k on DoneDeal. This was the last year they made that model so any reliability issues that were there will all be resolved.

Don't buy a diesel one.

Forget about resale, use and abuse it for 3/4 years. Cheap motoring.

The Japanese do reliability.
Similar applies to Avenis, primera, maxima qx, accord etc.

I have been looking at a few Mazda 3's, around 04/05, but haven't really considered the 6. I had originally just looked at cars that were 1.4 to keep the tax as low as possible and had only considered a 1.6 to accomodate the focus since the 1.4 is so slow in them. Dont think I could go much higher to be honest, I have to keep reselling in mind unfortunately since I'll more than likely be moving away in 12 months. Hoping to get something that can't lose too much more value if maintained, which I suppose makes the corolla the best bet but the hubcaps and grim interior keep putting me off.

Just saw this today and it looks to be good value, I know they have some gearbox and power steering issues but Im wondering if this would still be an issue in a 2005 car? Nice spec and reliable engine make it tempting if I could get it for a grand, maybe a bit less if Im lucky. Plus there's the benefit of it being local. Any thoughts on these?

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/need-to-go-that-weekend/15518262

JohnBoy26

younggalway wrote: »

I have been looking at a few Mazda 3's, around 04/05, but haven't really considered the 6. I had originally just looked at cars that were 1.4 to keep the tax as low as possible and had only considered a 1.6 to accomodate the focus since the 1.4 is so slow in them. Dont think I could go much higher to be honest, I have to keep reselling in mind unfortunately since I'll more than likely be moving away in 12 months. Hoping to get something that can't lose too much more value if maintained, which I suppose makes the corolla the best bet but the hubcaps and grim interior keep putting me off.

Just saw this today and it looks to be good value, I know they have some gearbox and power steering issues but Im wondering if this would still be an issue in a 2005 car? Nice spec and reliable engine make it tempting if I could get it for a grand, maybe a bit less if Im lucky. Plus there's the benefit of it being local. Any thoughts on these?

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/need-to-go-that-weekend/15518262

Yes but if it's going ok then it might last a good while without giving any of those issues. It's a chance.

colm_mcm

You have to look at it as a statistic, how likely is the power steering/gearbox to fail, if the car is 12 years old - how many gearboxes or power steering motors do you really think it's gone through? Then divide that by 12 if you're getting a year out of the car.
Is it a foregone conclusion that these items will fail? I know someone with a 1.4 hatch since new 15 years ago who has had neither of those issues.

grogi

colm_mcm wrote: »

You have to look at it as a statistic, how likely is the power steering/gearbox to fail, if the car is 12 years old - how many gearboxes or power steering motors do you really think it's gone through? Then divide that by 12 if you're getting a year out of the car.
Is it a foregone conclusion that these items will fail? I know someone with a 1.4 hatch since new 15 years ago who has had neither of those issues.

What's more, the more popular the car, the more you will hear about its problems.

younggalway

Well that Civic was sold and it wasnt even online for 12 hours, guess someone else realised it was a bit of a bargain. Back to the drawing board, going to look at focus and corolla this evening so we'll see how it goes.

younggalway

05 Corolla with over 200k miles? Do ye reckon this is too much of a risk?

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/05-toyota-corrolla-1-4vvti-1400-new-nct-today/14901399

The lad selling it has a breakers yard down here, would that be any reason to stay clear or am I being paranoid?

Nekarsulm

younggalway wrote: »

05 Corolla with over 200k miles? Do ye reckon this is too much of a risk?

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/05-toyota-corrolla-1-4vvti-1400-new-nct-today/14901399

The lad selling it has a breakers yard down here, would that be any reason to stay clear or am I being paranoid?

I would go and view it. Photo's look promising. Be nice to see evidence of regular oil changes.
I would bring 1100 cash in my pocket, and if you likes it, wave 1000 under his nose to see what happens.

younggalway

I've more or less decided on a corolla, went to look at this one this evening as it was local and not too overpriced, plus long enough NCT and some tax. Lack of service history and EIGHT previous owners put me off it a bit and I just had a weird feeling about it. It drove fine and is clean enough for the year but the owner said it has changed hands within his own family a few times within the last year which accounts for 3 owners but he seemed to be rambling a bit so I said i'd get back to him. Don't know if I'm being a bit unrealistic at this end of the market but prefer to go with my gut.

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/04-toyota-corolla-nct-3-2018-tax08-2017/15777675

Thinking of having a look at this one tomorrow, 190k miles on it which is not ideal but its an 05 and seems a good spec and looks clean in the pictures. Would prefer the 5 door but they are had to find within budget with a decent spec. Also, I have a notion in my head that 3 doors are more to insure, did I just make this up? Anyone with any tips of what to look out for at this mileage? Not very mechanically minded but know the basics, unfortunately the mechanic I would usually bring with me is not around so I'm going to have do it alone. Mileage works out around 16k a year which doesnt seem mad but I guess I just have that paranoia about anything over 100k miles. Need to buy tomorrow so any input is much appreciated.

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/price-drop-2005-toyota-corolla-nct-to-01-2018/14865961

bazz26

I know it's a cheap car but the blue Corolla in Donegal has what looks like a few different shades of blue body panels which is contrary to the claim being made by the seller that it was never crashed. I'll probably get flamed for this but I'm guessing it looks like it's owned by a young lad given it's a 3 door and being in Donegal I cannot help but think that it may have been ragged. Eyes wide open looking at a cheap car like that.

JustLen

PM sent.

JohnBoy26

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/toyota-corolla-2002-1-4/15802462

younggalway

Just thought I'd give an update on current situation:

Looked at a few cars last week, understandably there is some amount of sh1te for sale at this end of the market. Being the impatient fool I am, I looked at a 03 Corolla being sold by a local 'gentleman' (Not being an a$$hole but he was the kind of fella to arrive in a Hiace van with a small army of similar folk with him) and decided to buy it. He sells the cars taken in on the scrappage scheme for a local main dealer, this one had a good service history but there was a slight chugging at idle but I was in a rush and decided it would probably just need a good service. Called into my mechanic on my way home, he said its very possible the car is firing on 3 pistons. Went back to said gentleman and after much discussion/ debate, he agreed to refund my money as the car was a pile of sh1t. Before anyone says anything, I am a berk for buying it, and I know how lucky I am that he didn't just tell me to **** off (Well he did but I must be more charming than I look)

Anyway, today I made the 6 hour return journey to look at the 05 Corolla I posted earlier in Donegal. High mileage and body was slighly less glamorous than it looked in pictures but overall it was good value. Drove it home and it didn't miss a beat, its the luna strata model so has small things like remote central locking, fog lights, steering controls, while although not the most important do make it more enjoyable to own. Car had 2 owners in 12 years, the guy I bought it off has had it for 10 years and was not a Donegal boy racer as feared, so delighted with my purchase. Just needs a service in next few weeks and a set of break pads yesterday but all in due course. Thanks everyone for your contributions, never thought I'd be as happy to own a Toyota Corolla but after what happened last week I'm delighted to have something that I trust will start first time.

Lesson 1: Do not buy anything in a rush
Lesson 2: Trust your gut regarding sellers

Thanks again for all your help folks

JustLen

Well wear. Hope its reliable for you.

How much did you get it for in the end?

younggalway

JustLen wrote: »

Well wear. Hope its reliable for you.

How much did you get it for in the end?

Thanks very much JustLen, here's hoping anyway. Got it for 1200, thought I might get it for a bit less but he said he had another viewing after me. Could have been talking rot but I wasn't willing to chance it so decided to take it.

Nekarsulm

You done well to get your money back from the first lad!

younggalway

Nekarsulm wrote: »

You done well to get your money back from the first lad!

Oh don't I know it, I was so angry though and I think I guilt-tripped him with the whole 'I'm just a poor student' routine. He even offered me a lift since it was pissing outside. Infairness, I was a clown to buy it in the first place, so he wasn't the worst overall. Just happy I got sorted in the end.