Can you buy a good car for 3k?

the deftone

Hi guys, I need to buy a car. Have been using my mams citron c3 but im moving now and need my own car. Only problem is iv no idea about cars and iv a budget of about 3k. Is it even possible to buy a decent car for that money?

Iv been looking online at cars I like. VW Passat, Honda Civic and even Bmw 3 series. All around 2007 or so.

Surprised to see you can get a bmw for that money, would it be a guaranteed banger?

Any advice at all appreciated, as you can probably tell i dont know much about cars.

turdball

Only thing is the tax is a pain on cars under 08 so thats why there cheaper

vandriver

the deftone wrote: »

Hi guys, I need to buy a car. Have been using my mams citron c3 but im moving now and need my own car. Only problem is iv no idea about cars and iv a budget of about 3k. Is it even possible to buy a decent car for that money?

Iv been looking online at cars I like. VW Passat, Honda Civic and even Bmw 3 series. All around 2007 or so.

Surprised to see you can get a bmw for that money, would it be a guaranteed banger?

Any advice at all appreciated, as you can probably tell i dont know much about cars.

Have you budgeted for insurance in your own name?

dbas

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201901103820547

the deftone

vandriver wrote: »

Have you budgeted for insurance in your own name?

Yeah I have the insurance sorted.

turdball wrote: »

Only thing is the tax is a pain on cars under 08 so thats why there cheaper

I didnt know that, thanks for the info

dbas wrote: »

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201901103820547

Beautiful find. Is it worth going up north with this budget though? Thanks

patsfan1286

Just IMO, buy Japanese at that price point. Honda and Toyota are brilliant.

Stay away from French / Italian makes.

JohnBoy26

the deftone wrote: »

Yeah I have the insurance sorted.



I didnt know that, thanks for the info



Beautiful find. Is it worth going up north with this budget though? Thanks

Not for a 1.4 civic. Plenty of them to be had here

chicorytip

the deftone wrote:

Hi guys, I need to buy a car. Have been using my mams citron c3 but im moving now and need my own car. Only problem is iv no idea about cars and iv a budget of about 3k. Is it even possible to buy a decent car for that money?

You could buy three decent Nissan Almera's with that amount of cash. They are cheap to buy, run and insure and very reliable.

dbas

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

Not for a 1.4 civic. Plenty of them to be had here

Could be right. I bought a 2008 mazda 6 for 3000sterling over there and paid €1300 vrt. They were listed for sale around €7500 here at the time so I made a nice saving.

Cars are better looked after over there and if they are from the southern half of England they are in better nick. Something about the type of road grit used (salt damage to underside of car I'm told)
I wouldn't buy up the North myself for same reason.
Buy a civic. They're bulletproof at that price point

the deftone

dbas wrote: »

Could be right. I bought a 2008 mazda 6 for 3000sterling over there and paid €1300 vrt. They were listed for sale around €7500 here at the time so I made a nice saving.

Cars are better looked after over there and if they are from the southern half of England they are in better nick. Something about the type of road grit used (salt damage to underside of car I'm told)
I wouldn't buy up the North myself for same reason.
Buy a civic. They're bulletproof at that price point

So the Civic would be better at that price point than say a bmw? More reliable? Lower maintenance cost?

dbas

the deftone wrote: »

So the Civic would be better at that price point than say a bmw? More reliable? Lower maintenance cost?

My first car was a 97 civic. Lasted me years. Once the car wouldn't start as the battery and alternator went. Bulletproof cars. Don't be frightened by high mileage if its a well looked after car, and a mechanic might check the car for you for between €50-100.
Best money you'd ever spend

dbas

dbas wrote: »

My first car was a 97 civic. Lasted me years. Once the car wouldn't start as the battery and alternator went. Bulletproof cars. Don't be frightened by high mileage if its a well looked after car, and a mechanic might check the car for you for between €50-100.
Best money you'd ever spend

Hyundai are also developing a great reputation for reliability also

the deftone

dbas wrote: »

My first car was a 97 civic. Lasted me years. Once the car wouldn't start as the battery and alternator went. Bulletproof cars. Don't be frightened by high mileage if its a well looked after car, and a mechanic might check the car for you for between €50-100.
Best money you'd ever spend

Great advice thanks, is it common for the current owner to allow you to take the car to your mechanic before purchase?

Ruraldweller56

patsfan1286 wrote: »

Just IMO, buy Japanese at that price point. Honda and Toyota are brilliant.

Stay away from French / Italian makes.

Would second this OP. In 2012 I brought a 00 corolla for the princely sum of €1,200. 100,000 miles. Around mid 2016 and up at just over 200,000 miles the gearbox went so I got rid of it. Traded it for a 162 off a main dealer.

I actually know the guy who wound up buying it after. A mechanic at the garage done the gearbox and sold it on himself privately. Still going well to this day.

BorneTobyWilde

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/05-vw-polo-1-2-new-nct-28-2-20-passed-today/20854452

Really can't go wrong with a polo, especially when it has a new NCT. The right engine oil is vital in these. Synthetic oil

endacl

turdball wrote: »

Only thing is the tax is a pain on cars under 08 so thats why there cheaper

Over the span of ownership it’s fairly minimal. A case in point:

I changed mine from a 1.4 Focus to a 2.0l Saab last year. Focus went bang and just wasn’t worth saving. I’m paying €710 per year on the Saab, and bought it for 2.5k. It’s cheap to service, and surprisingly cheap to run if the foot isn’t too heavy. I’d planned to change my car this year, and was planning on spending in or around 12k, and would probably keep it for five years or so. Tax on it would have been in the region, I imagine , if c.200 per year.

The Saab I bought had one owner from new, exceptionally low mileage for its age, had been serviced every 6000km or so, is nicely specced, and fun to drive.

So, over 5 years, the pre-08 car will cost me, in terms of purchase price and tax, about 6 grand. The newer car would have been twice that.

Tax only appears an expensive component of motoring when you don’t look at the big picture. It’s actually small beans. Like fussing around trying to find a station that sells petrol a couple of cent cheaper, when you wouldn’t actually save more than a couple of euros a tank.

elperello

Yes you can buy a good car for 3k.

Obviously the more you spend the better chance of getting something nice.

If it's a car for say a 10-20 km commute and the odd run down the country 3k will do the job. If you want to do 25,000 km a year then you will need to up the budget.

It's interesting that lots of people who spend big money trading in regularly suddenly find that they can buy a good cheap bargain when one of the kids needs wheels.

magentis

dbas wrote: »

Hyundai are also developing a great reputation for reliability also

And chocolate gearboxes.

dbas

the deftone wrote: »

Great advice thanks, is it common for the current owner to allow you to take the car to your mechanic before purchase?

Not a chance. You bring the mechanic with you to view it. A good mechanic on your side could save you a fortune by either making you walk away or haggling the price down as they will find the problems and know the repair costs involved, and they know the value of cars generally

Dakotabigone

dbas wrote: »

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201901103820547

I wouldn’t punish my grandmother to drive that yoke.

elperello

Dakotabigone wrote: »

I wouldn’t punish my grandmother to drive that yoke.

Seriously.
A one owner 09 petrol Civic with 75k miles.
What's not to love?

JohnBoy26

chicorytip wrote: »

You could buy three decent Nissan Almera's with that amount of cash. They are cheap to buy, run and insure and very reliable.

There hasn't been a decent almera since the mk1 went out of production in 00.

The mk2 is miles away from decent.

JohnBoy26

BorneTobyWilde wrote: »

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/05-vw-polo-1-2-new-nct-28-2-20-passed-today/20854452

Really can't go wrong with a polo, especially when it has a new NCT. The right engine oil is vital in these. Synthetic oil

That one went wrong a few times it seems.

dar_cool

Avoid the 1.2 polos, terrible 3 cylinder engine that will eventually give exhaust valve damage and need costly repairs( im currently rebuilding one for my mother and its a very time consuming job)

elperello

OP
If your parents are regular customers at a particular garage they might enquire there for you.
Main dealers sometimes have cheaper trade ins that they don't normally retail.
For a customer they might have something.

You could also have a look over at Bangernomics, but proceed with caution.

damon5

elperello wrote: »

Seriously.
A one owner 09 petrol Civic with 75k miles.
What's not to love?

Just had a look at that astra in the link and it says " had it from new " then a couple of sentences down says " 2 owners " ....

raxy

elperello wrote: »

Seriously.
A one owner 09 petrol Civic with 75k miles.
What's not to love?

Add says had it from new but 2 owners in the details further down.

elperello

damon5 wrote: »

Just had a look at that astra in the link and it says " had it from new " then a couple of sentences down says " 2 owners " ....

Yes I see that now.
You'd need to clarify that. It could be two in one family. Depending on the car it wouldn't be a deal breaker.
It is a Honda Civic though

ytjeffsy29

patsfan1286 wrote: »

Just IMO, buy Japanese at that price point. Honda and Toyota are brilliant.

Stay away from French / Italian makes.

Agreed. I have a reliable Honda Jazz 05. It's an excellent car. Never let me down.

the deftone

OP here, thanks for all the info so far guys. Especially about the mechanic. People seem to agree with my idea of buying a Honda Civic. The Passat and BMW havnt been even mentioned, is that because they would be a bad idea?

.red.

the deftone wrote: »

OP here, thanks for all the info so far guys. Especially about the mechanic. People seem to agree with my idea of buying a Honda Civic. The Passat and BMW havnt been even mentioned, is that because they would be a bad idea?

Just a word on that civic, my wife has one and loves it. Very reliable and cheap to run. You'd pick one up here for not much more after vrt is paid tho.
If you have a lot of city driving and maybe a trip of 10/15km for work it's perfect.
If you have a motorway commute it's not a pleasant car to drive, it's very underpowered and doesn't like overtaking without at least 2 gear changes. Fuel consumption goes down massively too, it feels like your constantly driving the car instead of cruising along
Just my opinion tho, my wife wouldn't swap hers for anything.

lalababa

A mechanic/good diyer could buy a good car : good condition/reliable /no signs of upcoming issues/even maybe nct for a few hundred euro. Also they could probably buy one for 50euro and put a few euro into it and motor on down the road.
Defo get mechanic to view a private sale at 3k. Should get one for garage sale as well, as prob only 3month garantee and there could be trouble signs (that raise problems after 3 months).
mechanic might see.

raxy

the deftone wrote: »

OP here, thanks for all the info so far guys. Especially about the mechanic. People seem to agree with my idea of buying a Honda Civic. The Passat and BMW havnt been even mentioned, is that because they would be a bad idea?

I bought an 08 Passat diesel. Was a lovely car to drive until the engine blew up. Got the engine replaced but had constant problems after that.
No idea on petrol passats but I'd say they're be heavy on fuel

CJhaughey

the deftone wrote: »

OP here, thanks for all the info so far guys. Especially about the mechanic. People seem to agree with my idea of buying a Honda Civic. The Passat and BMW havnt been even mentioned, is that because they would be a bad idea?

IMO bad idea at that price point, they will not be as reliable as a Honda.
Everyone pointing you at a Civic is giving good advice.

ExoPolitic

elperello wrote: »

Yes you can buy a good car for 3k.

Obviously the more you spend the better chance of getting something nice.

If it's a car for say a 10-20 km commute and the odd run down the country 3k will do the job. If you want to do 25,000 km a year then you will need to up the budget.

It's interesting that lots of people who spend big money trading in regularly suddenly find that they can buy a good cheap bargain when one of the kids needs wheels.

I do more than 25000k a year, with a 2004 BMW 320D I picked up two years ago for 1400 euro. it's brilliant. Only breakdown so far was a the driveshaft pulley, which was a piece of rubber that got replaced for 60 euro.

elperello

ExoPolitic wrote: »

I do more than 25000k a year, with a 2004 BMW 320D I picked up two years ago for 1400 euro. it's brilliant. Only breakdown so far was a the driveshaft pulley, which was a piece of rubber that got replaced for 60 euro.

Excellent, you get the Bangernomics seal of approval

the deftone

Thanks for all the info lads, really helpful.

extra-ordinary_

the deftone wrote: »

Great advice thanks, is it common for the current owner to allow you to take the car to your mechanic before purchase?

Last car i bought the missus was a 1.8 civic and the guy selling had no problem coming with us to my mechanic with the car. If the seller wants a sale then why not?

pajosjunkbox

I bought a 2006 1.8 Civic 4 years ago. I don't think I'll ever sell it. What a car for the money. Still seems to drive like it's a new car after 13 years. It's lively , tight on the road and ultra reliable. I mostly do town driving and it's perfect. Hard to see me buying anything but a petrol Honda again. I had a 04 megane previously. Now that's a car that would break anyone's heart !

SpermHunta

Honda accord

dbas

dbas wrote: »

Hyundai are also developing a great reputation for reliability also

Not at the 2008 age bracket.

Dakota Dan

turdball wrote: »

Only thing is the tax is a pain on cars under 08 so thats why there cheaper

The tax is a fraction of what you pay on maintenance and fuel, I still can't figure out the hang up about motor tax.

Dakota Dan

endacl wrote: »

Tax only appears an expensive component of motoring when you don’t look at the big picture. It’s actually small beans. Like fussing around trying to find a station that sells petrol a couple of cent cheaper, when you wouldn’t actually save more than a couple of euros a tank.

Just saw your post now, to add to that people that drive 10, miles out of their way to get petrol 2 cent a liter cheaper when they are spending more on the saving by driving an extra 20 miles.

Old diesel

Ruraldweller56 wrote: »

Would second this OP. In 2012 I brought a 00 corolla for the princely sum of €1,200. 100,000 miles. Around mid 2016 and up at just over 200,000 miles the gearbox went so I got rid of it. Traded it for a 162 off a main dealer.

I actually know the guy who wound up buying it after. A mechanic at the garage done the gearbox and sold it on himself privately. Still going well to this day.

100 k miles in a 1200 euro car is impressive.

Dakota Dan

Old diesel wrote: »

100 k miles in a 1200 euro car is impressive.

I know a man with a 1998 starlet 600k km on the clock last spring and still passing nct with minor problems, now that's what I call impressive.

colm_mcm

Dakota Dan wrote: »

Just saw your post now, to add to that people that drive 10, miles out of their way to get petrol 2 cent a liter cheaper when they are spending more on the saving by driving an extra 20 miles.

Which people though? Lots of people? People you know?

I’ve honestly never heard of this or witnessed it.

Dakota Dan

colm_mcm wrote: »

Which people though? Lots of people? People you know?

I’ve honestly never heard of this or witnessed it.

Listening to the radio I've heard of people doing it unless they are all bluffing, judging by some of the idiots that text radio stations I'd believe it.

nice_guy80

You can save up to 6c a litre in my local town between stations
That's €3.60 saving if you fill a 65L tank

Andrew00

nice_guy80 wrote: »

You can save up to 6c a litre in my local town between stations
That's €3.60 saving if you fill a 65L tank

If ye’re so stuck for the €3.60 or whatever it is I’ll give it to ya.

vandriver

Andrew00 wrote: »

If ye’re so stuck for the €3.60 or whatever it is I’ll give it to ya.

I fill up that amount every 5 days,so I'll gladly take you up on your kind offer.
To save on admin,if you could just send on a cheque for €250 for the first year,that'd be great.