Used car purchase

Potential-Monke

Hey all. I'm hopefully picking up a new car this weekend, going from a 2002 S40 1.8 petrol and I absolutely love this car. The money to get it roadworthy enough for the NCT is better spent on going up in years, but i'm getting into the years where I know very little about them. Just looking for advice on the ones I've narrowed it down to.

So, anything I should keep an eye out for in the following models?

04-07 S40, either 1.8 petrol or 2.0 diesel
04+ E200 Kompressor
04+ S60/S80

I can tax anything up to 2L, and I do prefer petrol but the milage of diesel is calling me. But I've also heard that the DPF in those model S40's are not great and cost a lot to replace. Budget is €1k. NCT preferable, even a couple of months to allow me to gather more money for any necessary repairs (preferably a car with none needed!). But must have cruise control, this is stopping me from speeding and is now a necessity.

Yes, I could get a smaller car newer for the same money, but I don't feel comfortable in smaller cars, and I spend quite a bit of time in my car, so a bit of luxury is what I'm after. Speaking of, leather interior and a centre arm rest is preferred!

Any and all advice, or other recommendations are most welcome! Thanks in advance!

Belfast

I would consider a Skoda Superb
some thing like this
2013 (131) Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI ELEGANCE
€13,950


https://www.carsireland.ie/detail.php?ad_id=2238687&r=s.php%3Fm%5B%5D%3D80%26o%5B%5D%3D683%26f%3D2%26nx%3D12%26nn%3D10%26t%3D1%26yn%3D2010%26f1%3DELEGANCE%26g%3D0

https://www.carsireland.ie/search-results.php?make_id%5B%5D=80&model_id%5B%5D=683&min_year=2010&max_year=&colour_id=&body_type_id=2&doors=&ncap_overall=&min_price=0&max_price=&road_tax_cost=&mpg=&min_engine_id=10&max_engine_id=12&fuel_type_id=2&transmission_type_id=1&max_power_bhp=&green_rating=&min_odo=0&max_odo=&odo_type=m&added=&seller=&ubf=0&fts=ELEGANCE&fts_or=0&submit=Search+used+cars

2004 car can be hard to insure so check with insurance company


Beautiful, But Horrible: 2003-2005 Mercedes-Benz W211 E-Class
http://www.clunkerture.com/home/2014/2/18/beautiful-but-horrible-2003-2005-mercedes-benz-w211-e-class

Shefwedfan

Belfast wrote: »

I would consider a Skoda Superb
some thing like this
2013 (131) Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI ELEGANCE
€13,950

At least you got the Skoda recommendation out of the way quickly on this thread.....


Find it strange a budget of 1k and a 14k Skoda gets posted

Duke O Smiley

For maximum comfort I would go with a Mk1 S80 (99-05ish). They are 2.0t, generally automatic with cruise control, leather, arm rest etc.

Have a look at the bangernomics thread, they often pop up there.

S60 is a good call too but IMO not as comfortable. They are more plentiful though.

The second generation S40 is not great IMO. Based on a Ford Focus so not really near S60/80 levels of comfort.

Belfast

Shefwedfan wrote: »

At least you got the Skoda recommendation out of the way quickly on this thread.....


Find it strange a budget of 1k and a 14k Skoda gets posted

I did not see the 1K budget.


Skoda superb 2005
10 days 400 views Galway
Price
€1,000
Skoda superb 1.9 TDI
Tax and
Fresh NCT 23/03/2020
Electric windows
Central locking
2keys
Cruise control
All service history
Iv owned this car for the last 3year and running perfect!cheap on fuel and very spacious ideal for family or general use. May swap for a van. It may say 10 owners but I was the 2nd from new but has been changed for tax a few times

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/skoda-superb/21145240

R.O.R

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars/Honda/Accord?price_from=0&price_to=1000&year_from=03

A bit boring, a bit thirsty and top of the budget to tax, but a petrol Honda Accord is one of the most reliable recent ish cars you can get your hands on.

Belfast

or you could go to the Uk and get one like this.

**BARGAIN TO CLEAR**Volvo S40 1.8 Bi-fuel Petrol & LPG SE**MOT UNTIL JAN 2020**
Broadstairs, Kent
£495.00
***VOLVO S40 1.8 DUAL FUEL 5 DOOR SALOON***LPG & PETROL***

***LPG WORKS FINE - GENUINE VOLVO FITTED SYSTEM***

***TYRES ARE DECENT ALL ROUND***

Central Locking; Tilt Steering Wheel; Rear seat belts; Immobiliser; Passenger Airbag; Alarm; Safety Belt Pretensioners; Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS); Leather Seats; Driver Airbag; Cruise Control; Tuning; Climate Control; Alloy Wheels

https://www.gumtree.com/p/volvo/-bargain-to-clear-volvo-s40-1.8-bi-fuel-petrol-lpg-se-mot-until-jan-2020-/1336637831

LPG should be cheaper if you are doing big mileage.

Belfast

R.O.R wrote: »

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars/Honda/Accord?price_from=0&price_to=1000&year_from=03

A bit boring, a bit thirsty and top of the budget to tax, but a petrol Honda Accord is one of the most reliable recent ish cars you can get your hands on.

No cruise control on that car.

ToBeFrank123

Budget of 1k won't go far.
Make sure any car has newish tyres otherwise you will spend 500 or more replacing all four.

Also if its older than 2008 and a diesel, the tax will be colossal, as will the petrol version tax.

You are better going for:
2008+ diesel
Just passed NCT
Good tyres
Recent belt change (otherwise another 4-500)
Recently serviced

You'd get a car for 5k probably but in the long run would be a saving.
Marquee cars like the ones you mention can be expensive to run.

R.O.R

Belfast wrote: »

No cruise control on that car.

That's a link to all Honda Accords less than a grand and 2003 or newer. The first one that comes up for me is a blue one and that has controls on both sides of the steering wheel, like my old Accord with Cruise control had so I'd say it's on it.

Potential-Monke

Thank you all for the recommendations. I had a bit of a journey, but I've finally settled.

The budget was quite low, but it usually is for me. On Saturday, I picked up a 06 S40 1.8 petrol, had all the bells and whistles, NCT until March next year. Seemed fine, private dealership, got a 6 week warranty. Driving home, the engine light came on, then the windows, mirror and locks on the left side of the car, front and back, stopped working. Then heard a rattle start in low revs, and discovered the key fob didn't have the actual key in it. Brought it back yesterday, and got my money back.

Then went and got a 05 S40 2.0 Diesel. Exact same car otherwise. Just passed NCT on the 9th and good until May next year. Couple of scratches, but still very good condition for the year. Interior is nearly immaculate. Driving it yesterday and today, and all still seems good. Have to get the fan belt done, but that's cheap, and the cruise control is not working. Don't know if that'll be expensive or not, i'm hitting the button but it's not coming on, so I'm hoping it's just the contact on the back of the button that's worn.

Anyway, thank ye again for the recommendations!