Where to start

gandalfio

Hi,

In the market for something up to 10 or 11k.

Main priorities are MPG, reliability and safety. Also not really high mileage as I will be driving 30k kms or so a year.

Low tax would be preferable and not a tiny hatchback. Would like to buy from a dealer given the added security that comes with that.

There are a plethora of dealers in the Dublin area each selling multiple different brands of used cars.

Any tips on where to start? Any dealers especially known for quality used cars and good after service? Any tips on cars meeting my priorities within my budget?

Thanks in advance

bazz26

My tip is first find a particular model that you like or that suits your needs, research that model for common problems or issues. Find a selection of dealers who have examples of that model for sale and then research those dealers to see what sort of experience buyers have had especially around warranty and after sales.

So what sort of car do you need? saloon, coupe, estate? Are you open to a manual or automatic? Will you be carrying passengers regularly?

gandalfio

bazz26 wrote: »

My tip is first find a particular model that you like or that suits your needs, research that model for common problems or issues. Find a selection of dealers who have examples of that model for sale and then research those dealers to see what sort of experience buyers have had especially around warranty and after sales.

So what sort of car do you need? saloon, coupe, estate? Are you open to a manual or automatic? Will you be carrying passengers regularly?

Hi,

Cheers for the feedback.

Yes narrowing it down would help. I don't mind manual or automatic. Given my mileage would a diesel be best? Size wise I'd like something that feels safe, can overtake with ease, and is spacious enough for to carry passengers when not working. Coupe is too small and an estate would be too big.

Ford Focus has been recommend and a Volvo s40 1.6 Diesel.
But I'm not sure about reliability or if they cost a lot to maintain with parts and servicing?

I had initially been thinking along the lines of Japanese makes or Hyundai or Kia. I'd also like the tax so not go much higher than the 200-250 mark..

bazz26

What does you daily mileage consist of? Mainly stop/start short urban journeys or mainly long motorway type driving. It's mainly city driving then diesel is not advisable as it's not suited to that type of driving and won't be that frugal either. If your doing a mix of both then a hybrid like a Toyota Auris or Prius might suit you. They will offer the best of both a diesel and petrol around economy and reliability.

Also if your after reliability then the Ford Focus and Volvo S40 with the 1.6 diesel engine are probably not a good choice. That engine is hit and miss around reliability.

gandalfio

bazz26 wrote: »

What does you daily mileage consist of? Mainly stop/start short urban journeys or mainly long motorway type driving. It's mainly city driving then diesel is not advisable as it's not suited to that type of driving and won't be that frugal either. If your doing a mix of both then a hybrid like a Toyota Auris or Prius might suit you. They will offer the best of both a diesel and petrol around economy and reliability.

Also if your after reliability then the Ford Focus and Volvo S40 with the 1.6 diesel engine are probably not a good choice. That engine is hit and miss around reliability.

About 100 a day over 5 days, on motorways. Shorter journeys at weekends.
Not sure whether to be focusing on diesels or petrol. Is driving a 1.3 or. 4 petrol on those kinds of journeys really that much of a disadvantage compared to driving a diesel do you think?

Needs Must

Volvo S40 1.6 diesel is very economical. Also once you stay on top of the servicing it won't give you any bother. Overall a good car.

bazz26

Even meticulously serviced examples of that 1.6 HDI diesel engine have reliability issues, as I said they are hit and miss. The S40 also has a small boot and rear legroom is tight.

gandalfio

https://www.google.ie/amp/s/www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/new-fuel-rules-will-drive-up-car-prices-and-motor-tax-costs-1.3105821%3Fmode=amp

Seems to be some uncertainty around increases in diesel excise and tax, and around new emissions testing affecting the price of petrol vehicles

gandalfio

Any views on a 2013 or 2014 1.3 Yaris? Or Hyundai i30 1.4? Would I feel a noticeable lack of power on the motor way and lack of leg room in the back for passengers?

colm_mcm

30kkm a year is a fair bit of driving. The i30 is in a size class above the Yaris. I30 would compete with Auris, i20 would compete with Yaris.

Cee-Jay-Cee

I’d go for a 2.2 Civic, bullet proof engine, great MPG, excellent torque/Power and plenty of room inside.

Wildcard7

gandalfio wrote: »

Any views on a 2013 or 2014 1.3 Yaris? Or Hyundai i30 1.4? Would I feel a noticeable lack of power on the motor way and lack of leg room in the back for passengers?

The missus has a 2014 Yaris 1.3. Once you're at speed on the motorway it's fine, but if you have to drive up a hill you'll have to shift back to 5th gear. There's a 1.4 Diesel as well with more power (well, torque really). I do like the car but I wouldn't want to drive 100km motorway in it every day.

Plenty of legroom in the back, unless both people (front and back) are tall.

If a small car is fine for you as long as it's somewhat comfortable and powerful, I would look at the VAG TFSI motors (1.2/1.4 in Polo/Golf/Ibiza/Leon/Fabia).

U_Fig

Cee-Jay-Cee wrote: »

I’d go for a 2.2 Civic, bullet proof engine, great MPG, excellent torque/Power and plenty of room inside.

I'd be more leaving towards the 1.6 idtec civic even more efficiency not much less in terms of go.