2003 Carisma 1.6 or 2000 MK II Almera 1.5

Peterbilt

Which better for newly qualified driver? She'll be doing mostly city/suburban driving with once a month cross country drives from Dublin to West.

Carisma has 60000 miles, the Almera 40000. Neither has NCT. Both under €600.

Carisma due a TB change. Almera has chain but has reputation for chain stretch probs. No history with either.

Opinions?

Thanks.

crossman47

I had an Almera and it was a great little car.

colm_mcm

The Carisma is arguably the better car.

I wouldn’t buy either of them though.

Youd certainly get a 1.6 Avensis 2005-6 within budget. They’re a much safer more modern and reliable car than the Almera.

Allinall

Will insurance be an issue on such old cars?

BrianD3

At this price and age level the main things that matter are NCT status, rust and the overall condition of car as presented.

Will you get an NCT'd car of any model for under 600, the only chance IMO would be to look at makes which have a reputation for bad reliability, this is where you get one over on the market.

E.g. this Megane Mk2 facelift (the facelift is important) for 700, long NCT and says it has new tyres and timing belt. Rotten colour and bad photos but a much more comfortable car than an Almera or Carisma with a saving on tax as well.

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/renault-megan-1-4-petrol/28676442

AMKC

https://boards.ie/discussion/comment/117646370#Comment_117646370

Nothing wrong the colour of that Megane. The only problem I see with that Megane is that it is a private sale so you really need to have someone with you who knows there way around cars and what to look out for a check. Last thing someone wants to fo is spend 700 euro and then find the car has a major problem that could cost much more than that.