Deluded Blitz wants a new car

Blitzkrieger

...and can't find anything good.

This is part rant, part looking for suggestions.

I've had my current car for ages, and I think it's time to shift it on before things start going wrong with it. The problem is finding a suitable replacement in my price range - while keeping my car for so long prices seem to have gone nuts!

I'm not sure if I want something smaller and sportier than my current car, like a GR86, or bigger and more comfortable like a hybrid Lexus. I kind of stopped looking at big, comfortable cars early on because so many seem to be automatic, and I don't want an automatic. I'm thinking petrol or hybrid, manual, preferably 4WD but probably not likely, and was hoping to get something relatively new/low mileage for €25k. Deluded!

Stretching the budget a bit and looking to the UK/Japan, it seems like I could get a GR86 or a Civic Type R, and even afford the shipping and VAT, but then that illegal tax, VRT pushes me way beyond budget.

Guess I'll have to go for something older and less fun...

galvo_clare

GT86? The only manual hybrid was a Honda several years ago.

User1998

If you want hybrid you have to go automatic. Whats wrong with auto? Choosing manual only will limit your choices.

elperello

Did you consider a Camry ?

Big, comfortable, in budget, go on forever.

It is Hybrid though so you'd have to accept the gearbox issue.

hoodie6029

We gave up starting cars with crank handles when better technology came along, no one is longing for the days trying to turn a car over like that.

Manual gearbox is going the same way. It only survived so long because it was cheap to produce.

Blitzkrieger

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120829893#Comment_120829893

The replacement - GR86. Bigger engine, stiffer chassis, etc.

Lot of grá for automatics. I realise they're better since I last drove one, but they're never going to know what gear I want better than I do.

Blitzkrieger

Currently thinking about a 4 Series and VRT is melting my head. Can get one in the North, slightly older than ones I've been looking at in the Republic, but cheaper and with lower mileage. The problem is VRT brings it back up to the same price.

In theory, if I successfully appealed the VRT, I could save maybe €2.5k, but is it worth hassle? I'd have to sell my car, travel North for the new car, register it (bring it to the NCTS as well), then appeal the VRT and hope I'm successful. Alternatively there's a dealer near the NCTS with a slightly worse car who would probably take mine as a part exchange.

How tf is the revenue's OMSP so far out? Revenue says €44,400 and there's more than one for sale for just under €29k. Joke of a system.

creedp

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120861572#Comment_120861572

Fully agree, the OMSP estimates appear at times to be no more realistic than pulling a random number from where the sun don't shine. If you're going to screw so much money from a captive audience the very least the victims should expect is that the basis for being screwed is at reasonably objective. And a response along the lines that you can appeal the ridiculous figure only after you pony up is even more egregious imho