Car died. What to replace it with?

Mousewar

Sorry for another "What should I buy" thread but I'm really not sure what I should buy!

My beloved Mazda 6 (2005) seems to have died on me. Failed the NCT 3 times. Too much fumes/carbon output. Garage thinks oil is getting into the fuel and it will cost more to fix than the car is worth. It has about 220k on the clock so fair enough I suppose.

So I need a new car but I have limited funds right now. Gone are the days when I could worry about how sexy a car is. My priorities now are:
1 - Cheap to run: I loved the Mazda but Tax was 636 every year and it cost a lot to run it. I'm done with that. I want cheap tax and I don't want to take out a loan every time I go to the Petrol station.
2 - Reliable: I'm sick of garages. I want something that won't be giving me problems.
3 - Size: It doesn't have to be big but I got 2 kids so it can't be small either. Need room for 2 car seats and buggy plus shopping.

Other than that it can be anything really.

Type of driving: It's a runaround largely. Short journeys and that with a few extended trips here and there.

Budget: As little as possible but 7k is probably my cutoff.

Wildcard7

So something reliable and Golf sized or bigger, and good value for money?

Kia Ceed?

http://www.carsireland.ie/detail.php?ad_id=1727138&r=s.php%3Fm%5B%5D%3D39%26o%5B%5D%3D1126%26yn%3D2010%26g%3D0

http://www.carsireland.ie/detail.php?ad_id=1770672&r=s.php%3Fm%5B%5D%3D39%26o%5B%5D%3D1126%26yn%3D2010%26g%3D0

They come with 7 years factory warranty, so a late 2010 or a 2011 will still have some of that left.

Seat Leon, slightly over budget but if you manage to haggle 10% off:
http://www.carsireland.ie/detail.php?ad_id=1725731&r=s.php%3Fm%5B%5D%3D78%26o%5B%5D%3D673%26i%3D50000%26ot%3Dm%26yn%3D2010%26g%3D0

Maybe even an Altea?
http://www.carsireland.ie/detail.php?ad_id=1788446&r=s.php%3Fm%5B%5D%3D78%26o%5B%5D%3D1099%26i%3D50000%26ot%3Dm%26yn%3D2010%26g%3D0

Suzuki SX4
http://www.carsireland.ie/detail.php?ad_id=1760790&r=s.php%3Fm%5B%5D%3D85%26o%5B%5D%3D1236%26i%3D50000%26ot%3Dm%26yn%3D2010%26g%3D0

Just a few cars I'd look at in your situation... No idea about the places that sell them, so as always do your homework (get a car report, inspect it properly, check the service log, etc.).

Sam Kade

Is it 220 km or miles?

Mousewar

Sam Kade wrote: »

Is it 220 km or miles?

On my Mazda? Km.

DellyBelly

A bicycle....ha ha hs

Mousewar

Thanks Wildcard. I don't think I'd be able to buy private so I'd have to restrict myself to the a dealer ones. I just don't know enough about cars to be sure of myself. Would rather the relative piece of mind of a dealer despite the slight premium.
Seats looks interesting. Are Seats reliable? Don't think I've ever even known someone who had one.

Wildcard7

Ok, keep in mind though that dealers (especially the ones that only flog cars) can be as crooked as a private person, so beware anyway. Motor check is mandatory, ask questions, and if they claim the car is free of accidents, get it in writing.

Seat is part of the Volkswagen group, so they're as reliable as VWs. So are Skodas, you might want to look at Skoda Fabias as well, maybe even Roomsters (not sure if they're in your price range).

Skylinehead

The Leon will be reliable, it's a Volkswagen platform, but I will say that particular model is very dated for a 2011. First came out in 2005 and the interior was dated even then...

Sam Kade

Mousewar wrote: »

On my Mazda? Km.

Worse again, I was wondering because they switched to KM during 2005, early 05 would be miles. I have a 07 mazda 6 with over 270k km on the clock passed emissions every time even though the oil is leaking through the valves into petrol since 70k km. I'd say your mechanic is wrong. the valve seals go but all you need do is keep checking oil level every 2 weeks and top it up.

Mousewar

Sam Kade wrote: »

Worse again, I was wondering because they switched to KM during 2005, early 05 would be miles. I have a 07 mazda 6 with over 270k km on the clock passed emissions every time even though the oil is leaking through the valves into petrol since 70k km. I'd say your mechanic is wrong. the valve seals go but all you need do is keep checking oil level every 2 weeks and top it up.

You reckon? He stuck an additive into the oil just before the 3rd test to see if we could get it through the test but there were so much fumes that they just failed it immediately. Been a right smell of eggs off it for a couple of months now as well.
On the second test, the high idle was 1600 whereas it's not meant to be above 200.

Stokolan

If its a run around go electric.. That's what I did. I was only doing 7k in my second car but between tax and running costs it was costing 2500+ a year.

Got myself an electric and have only used our petrol car for trips to the other side of the country.

Check out the electric vehicles & hybrid forum lots of info there.

JohnBoy26

Honda civic 1.8 I vtec. Good spec, decent performance 140bhp, extremely reliable, good mpg and if you go for a post july 2008 5dr example cheap tax too €390 per year.

tedpan

I would work out how much the Mazda was costing you to work out truly how much you can afford. You know the car tax was about 60 per month. How much fuel, servicing, repairs per month? Maybe you could afford a new car and don't realise? Like a new astra or something in that range on PCP. You'll be spending around 300e per month on payments, but having less tax, less fuel and zero fixing bills, you'll be much happier and better off in the long run, with no risk on buying a lemon. In three years time, trade aup to a new one and continue with the payments This is how there are so many new cars on the road..

They might even take the Mazda as scrappage for a deposit. I'd search around, the dealers are always looking for a sale.

Nuw

On the" ones Wildcard7 mentionned I'd go for the Suzuki if it's reliability you're after. It's not good looking but it drives alright (not the best but it's actually decent) and is pretty much bombproof. I'd go for the petrol model though, better to drive and doesn't drink petrol. 

You should have space enough in the back for growing children, boot is decent size for the class and the car is actually quite comfy (it's no barge but it's more comfortable than the Audi equivalent in my opinion).

JohnBoy26

Nuw wrote: »

On the" ones Wildcard7 mentionned I'd go for the Suzuki if it's reliability you're after. It's not good looking but it drives alright (not the best but it's actually decent) and is pretty much bombproof. I'd go for the petrol model though, better to drive and doesn't drink petrol. 

You should have space enough in the back for growing children, boot is decent size for the class and the car is actually quite comfy (it's no barge but it's more comfortable than the Audi equivalent in my opinion).

They are horrible looking car though with a nasty interior.

grogi

Nuw wrote: »

On the" ones Wildcard7 mentionned I'd go for the Suzuki if it's reliability you're after. It's not good looking but it drives alright (not the best but it's actually decent) and is pretty much bombproof. I'd go for the petrol model though, better to drive and doesn't drink petrol. 

You should have space enough in the back for growing children, boot is decent size for the class and the car is actually quite comfy (it's no barge but it's more comfortable than the Audi equivalent in my opinion).

Weird times when a Fiat Sedici is recommended for reliability. Worth remembering that the 1.6 Diesel in Suzuki is a the Ford/PSA diesel.

Nuw

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

They are horrible looking car though with a nasty interior.

That they are... but op is after running cost and reliability... It's not a car I would recommend other wise, and again it was simply picking between the ones previously mentioned... petrol unit in them is decent and they are simple to repair, which should keep cost down.

Nuw

grogi wrote: »

Weird times when a Fiat Sedici is recommended for reliability. Worth remembering that the 1.6 Diesel in Suzuki is a the Ford/PSA diesel.

I'm pretty certain it's a Suzuki rebadged as a Fiat, not the other way around... am i wrong? In any case, they are manufactured in Suzuki plants as far as i'm aware.

Mousewar

Someone mentioned pcps and now I'm going around looking at new cars. What a world. It's all terribly confusing tbh.

Nuw

Mousewar wrote: »

Someone mentioned pcps and now I'm going around looking at new cars. What a world. It's all terribly confusing tbh.

I wouldn't spend that kind of money in a new car tbh, unless I do have disposable income... At the end of the day, the money is still owed and you need to be certain you'll be able to afford it.
If you decide to go that route however, check the few threads about PCP on this forum so you go at it with a good knowledge of how it works.

Paudee

Maybe I'm crazy, but from actually reading the OP's posts, is the answer not Corolla

Mousewar

Paudee wrote: »

Maybe I'm crazy, but from actually reading the OP's posts, is the answer not Corolla

Thanks but 570 tax is a deal-breaker for me.

Mousewar

Nuw wrote: »

I wouldn't spend that kind of money in a new car tbh, unless I do have disposable income... At the end of the day, the money is still owed and you need to be certain you'll be able to afford it.
If you decide to go that route however, check the few threads about PCP on this forum so you go at it with a good knowledge of how it works.

No?
Went to see the Skoda man.
New Skoda Fabia Combi
6k deposit (incl a grand for my mazda)
188 a month for three years
GFV: 7808
0% APR

Seems good but I don't know. I was imaging just throwing 7k at a second hand car but man, that new car was nice. Hugh spec on it as well.
Still confused tbh.

Nuw

Mousewar wrote: »

No?
Went to see the Skoda man.
New Skoda Fabia Combi
6k deposit (incl a grand for my mazda)
188 a month for three years
GFV: 7808
0% APR

Seems good but I don't know. I was imaging just throwing 7k at a second hand car but man, that new car was nice. Hugh spec on it as well.
Still confused tbh.

Just me you know  but yeah I'd rather spend the money I have. Who knows what's going to happen within these three years, and what if you can't come up with the balloon payment? You just hand the car back and walk away, but then, you're probably better off renting the car, no?

It is tempting, and don't get me wrong I would love a brand new car and I would seriously consider it if I have that kind of money.

As I said, it is not necessarily a "bad" decision, as long as you know full well what you're getting into. And I do understand the appeal. I think it's just not for me

bazz26

I wouldn't even include the Mazda in the deal for a new car, it's worthless to the dealer as they will only pass it on to the trade. You will get a similar straight deal discount off the Fabia if you had no Mazda to trade in. I'd try and sell the Mazda on donedeal. Anything you would get for it would be a bonus then compared to trading it in.

Mousewar

bazz26 wrote: »

I wouldn't even include the Mazda in the deal for a new car, it's worthless to the dealer as they will only pass it on to the trade. You will get a similar straight deal discount off the Fabia if you had no Mazda to trade in. I'd try and sell the Mazda on donedeal. Anything you would get for it would be a bonus then compared to trading it in.

Yeah, he said as much in fairness but the thing is, the car is knackered. Failed the NCT so i won't realistically be able to shift it.

acronym Chilli

Mousewar wrote: »

Thanks but 570 tax is a deal-breaker for me.

But all your options will incur some tax. Skoda fabia probably €200 or so?
so the deal-breaker is €370 per annum? (€30 per calendar month).

I'm not saying to ignore the money: it is a real out-of-pocket expense and a cash-flow, but it is just one among many inputs to the cost-benefit calculation.

Mousewar

Well I think I'll pop out and see that Altea tomorrow. It's the only thing I've seen that ticks all the boxes for me even though I'm not keen on an automatic. Nor a diesel tbh.

selectamatic

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/08-skoda-superb-new-test-12-2019/15902150

This could be an option for ya. looks clean tested till the end of 2019 and tax is 390 per year.

acronym Chilli

selectamatic wrote: »

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/08-skoda-superb-new-test-12-2019/15902150

This could be an option for ya. looks clean tested till the end of 2019 and tax is 390 per year.

It does look good, but they manage to state the NCT details 3 different ways:

• title of advert says 12/2019
• text of advert says 12/2019
• "details" section of ad says 12/2017
• Actual NCT disc in photos says 21st July 2019

I'd go with the last date, and it's still a very long (almost 2 year) NCT. I don't think a December NCT is even possible yet (3 months early only allowed).

However, the car does look nice

Wildcard7

It's 9 years old though, has done over 200'000 km, and has an impractical boot.

Mousewar

Got over the PCP rush to the head and put down a small deposit on a Renault Laguna of all things. Bit nervous about it as the dealership didn't inspire confidence but I'm having my mechanic take a look in the morning before I commit. Very high spec and only 5k. We'll see tomorrow anyway.

tedpan

Mousewar wrote:

Got over the PCP rush to the head and put down a small deposit on a Renault Laguna of all things. Bit nervous about it as the dealership didn't inspire confidence but I'm having my mechanic take a look in the morning before I commit. Very high spec and only 5k. We'll see tomorrow anyway.

Nice one, best of luck!

Mousewar

tedpan wrote: »

Nice one, best of luck!

Thanks. Wouldn't have favoured Renault but car was lovely and I need something. Mechanic found a few faults. He said there was no sign of the timing belt having been done and it should be. Dealer said he'd do it (although I'll have to take his word that he actually does it cos it's not exactly easy to check.) Car dash also said there was a fault with the injection system. Dealership is in that infamous area so I know I'm taking a risk but frankly I can't afford to buy off the big dealership places. I'll take it for another drive on Wednesday before I pay to make sure all warning signs are gone. He said his warranty would cover everything though anyway.

Duke O Smiley

Please be very careful about committing to that deal. IMO, it sounds less than favorable. What year is the car? What made you go for this car specifically? There are plenty (and I mean plenty) of cars out there better than a Renault Laguna.

Mousewar

It was nice, it was cheap, and it was big. Also cheap to run. It's an 09.

I specifically went cheaper and older to hopefully minimise my risk a bit.

Tbh, with two small kids, I just don't have time to dedicate time to this. Car looks good. If he gets rid of the faults I'll go with it.

bazz26

Duke O Smiley wrote: »

Please be very careful about committing to that deal. IMO, it sounds less than favorable. What year is the car? What made you go for this car specifically? There are plenty (and I mean plenty) of cars out there better than a Renault Laguna.

The Laguna III is a good car. It would be a good choice for a car in that class with a 5k budget.

Duke O Smiley

bazz26 wrote: »

The Laguna III is a good car. It would be a good choice for a car in that class with a 5k budget.

Yeah, Laguna III is a good car indeed. I had no idea why I had the II in my head (i've been awake a while..) and I thought OP had bought one. Be careful with the dealer OP and good luck.

Mousewar

Hi, so I'm bringing the Laguna back.
Car had a dashboard warning saying 'Check Ignition system'. Dealer said he'd get it fixed. He had two shots at it but both times I took it back the warning light came on again. I just don't trust it and tbh I'm not mad on the diesel, it seems sluggish to me. He seems cool about swapping the car for something else. Not sure if I can get a refund of the cash from him. Anyone know my rights there?

I was actually thinking now of just trying to buy some old workhorse that I can get cheap but will run a few years. Would you kind people be willing to comment on the following.
2005 Ford Focas Estate 1.6 petrol
2006 Ford Cmax 1.8 petrol
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer 1.5 petrol

I'm seeing some sites telling me the lancer is one of the most reliable cars you can buy and others saying it's one of the worst. Very confusing.

ba_barabus

Links to these cars?

Mousewar

http://www.carsireland.ie/1816484
http://www.carsireland.ie/1750498
http://www.carsireland.ie/1841133

JohnBoy26

None of those cars are that cheap tbh.

ba_barabus

Out of that list I'd take the Lancer. Estate looks tired, Cmax has that flexifuel engine which is hard on petrol and the Lancer is the most straight forward and easy to run car there.

Mousewar

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

None of those cars are that cheap tbh.

You think they're overpriced for what they are?

JohnBoy26

Mousewar wrote: »

You think they're overpriced for what they are?

I do tbh. The lancer is bordering on honda civic money and out of the two I know which one id have. You can pick up one of those lancers up for a grand less and sometimes even cheaper.

Mousewar

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

I do tbh. The lancer is bordering on honda civic money and out of the two I know which one id have. You can pick up one of those lancers up for a grand less and sometimes even cheaper.

I saw the Lancer. Quite scuffed up and there was a warning light which he said was somthing small (he said it but I can't remember what it was) and it would be fixed in a service before selling. So a bit doubtful about it.

Test drove a Qashqai there as well. Ticks a lot of boxes but god was it awful to drive.

Honda Civics are good? What about this one? A hybrid apparently. Is that a good thing on a civic?
http://www.carsireland.ie/detail.php?ad_id=1827646&r=s.php%3Fm%3D32%26o%3D282%26r%3D2008%26g%3D0

grogi

Mousewar wrote: »

Honda Civics are good? What about this one? A hybrid apparently. Is that a good thing on a civic?

Civics are solid. The hybrid stuff is not as refined in them as in the Prii, but it still is very reliable and economical drive.

JohnBoy26

Mousewar wrote: »

I saw the Lancer. Quite scuffed up and there was a warning light which he said was somthing small (he said it but I can't remember what it was) and it would be fixed in a service before selling. So a bit doubtful about it.

Test drove a Qashqai there as well. Ticks a lot of boxes but god was it awful to drive.

Honda Civics are good? What about this one? A hybrid apparently. Is that a good thing on a civic?
http://www.carsireland.ie/detail.php?ad_id=1827646&r=s.php%3Fm%3D32%26o%3D282%26r%3D2008%26g%3D0

It isn't that easy to find a good lancer. Thin sheet metal and not so great paint means that they dent and age quiet easily. I know someone with a 2015 example that has a surprising amount of carpark dents for such a young car.

Id put the civic well above the lancer. It's a better car in almost everyway and if you go for the 5dr hatch it's a lot more clever and more pratical too with honda's magic seats and a large load bay with seats that fold completely flat.

The 1.8 I vtec engine is a peach and if you go for the 5 dr it's only €390 to tax.

The hybrid is a very decent car too but I think there is better examples out there than the one you linked which is modified which means it likely has fallen into the wrong hands.

A nice low owner 2008 on standard version with a full service history is the way to go if buying a hybrid, also try and get one with leather as it transforms the interior (many don't come with it.)

These are kind of beyond what you are looking for if looking for a cheap car or run around but so is a 5k lancer tbh.

If you want something cheaper a late 7th gen 2005, 2006 civic saloon would be the way to go. Top condition examples can be had for 2k and good condition examples for even less. They are as reliable as the day is long and economical enough too.

Mousewar

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

It isn't that easy to find a good lancer. Thin sheet metal and not so great paint means that they dent and age quiet easily. I know someone with a 2015 example that has a surprising amount of carpark dents for such a young car.

Id put the civic well above the lancer. It's a better car in almost everyway and if you go for the 5dr hatch it's a lot more clever and more pratical too with honda's magic seats and a large load bay with seats that fold completely flat.

The 1.8 I vtec engine is a peach and if you go for the 5 dr it's only €390 to tax.

The hybrid is a very decent car too but I think there is better examples out there than the one you linked which is modified which means it likely has fallen into the wrong hands.

A nice low owner 2008 on standard version with a full service history is the way to go if buying a hybrid, also try and get one with leather as it transforms the interior (many don't come with it.)

These are kind of beyond what you are looking for if looking for a cheap car or run around but so is a 5k lancer tbh.

If you want something cheaper a late 7th gen 2005, 2006 civic saloon would be the way to go. Top condition examples can be had for 2k and good condition examples for even less. They are as reliable as the day is long and economical enough too.

Modified? How do you mean?

I drove it there. Very nice drive actually. He said a coil spring needs to be replaced and you can hear a noise every so often. But passed the NCT there with flying colours anyway (for what it's worth).
Only downside for me was that the boot was a bit smaller than I expected and the seats don't fold down.

grogi

Mousewar wrote: »

Modified? How do you mean?

I drove it there. Very nice drive actually. He said a coil spring needs to be replaced and you can hear a noise every so often.

Don't. Ever. Buy. A car that only needs this or that.

Unless you are absolutely sure it is what the seller claims, assume the worst.

JohnBoy26

Mousewar wrote: »

Modified? How do you mean?

I drove it there. Very nice drive actually. He said a coil spring needs to be replaced and you can hear a noise every so often. But passed the NCT there with flying colours anyway (for what it's worth).
Only downside for me was that the boot was a bit smaller than I expected and the seats don't fold down.

Wheels are wrong and red honda badge tells me it's probably been in the wrong hands.

Better off with a standard one or if boot space is an issue the hatchback is the way to go.