Suggestions for second car - approx 6k

Sebastian Dangerfield

The family car has unfortunately been so taken over by the kids crumbs and sticky handprints, and the dings the Mrs has put in it, that I have given up taking any pride in it. I need a cheap second car and would love to get something a bit older with a small bit of luxury / comfort, but am probably constrained by budget and practicality.

The car will be used primarily for daily 3k trips to the train station and back, and the occasional weekend spin on the motorway. I'd love to get an older Saab or Volvo with some leather interior and ideally automatic, but the main brief is probably cheap to maintain / reliable which may not suit a bigger diesel engine. I've bought some cheaper end Audis and BMWs over the years and come out considerably worse off as a result from frequent garage trips.

Searches for automatics in the price range have thrown up a few 508s and Mondeos, which I like, but again maybe not right for the job at hand... which has led me to look at something in the Focus / C4 / Astra bracket. I know very little about cars, but a friend who claims to, tells me to steer clear of the Astra and the C4 because they are 'soft'. Any views for or against that statement would be appreciated.

Ay suggestions would be welcome - as it stands I'm looking at something like the following:

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/opel-astra-se-diesel-will-swap-for-a-van/34835022 (if it passes NCT, which seems to be booked for today)

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/citroen-c4-1-6hdi-110hp-vtr-6-speed-gearbox/34595638

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2013-ford-focus-1-0l-ecoboost-titanium-fresh-nct/34963335

chicorytip

The Ecoboost Focus is most definitely "soft" and to be avoided. I would suggest a diesel engined (max. 1.6 litre) car with a manual transmission might be best suited to your needs. Here are two examples of reliable models, economical and, particularly the Ford, good to drive which should be within your budget. Ford Focus and Renault Fluence/ Megane 2011 - 2015.

Sebastian Dangerfield

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121053299#Comment_121053299

Can I ask why you say manual rather than automatic?

hoodie6029

The old saying is ‘Fast, reliable, cheap. You can pick two’.

It’s good position to be in to have a low commute and chance to try out something nice.

Can’t make out the reg and it’s pretty short on NCT but this is a big petrol auto within budgeT

https://www.donedeal.ie/view/34937555

RARE f10 Bmw 5-series 523i petrol automatic

Volvo S80 3.2 AWD. Motor tax would be eye watering on this but it’s a lot of car for the money.

https://www.donedeal.ie/view/34921402

Volvo S80 2008 AWD

Marcusm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121053299#Comment_121053299

A modern diesel with a DPf and 3km commutes?

Sebastian Dangerfield

Anything to be said for one of these?

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/11-volvo-s60-2-0-d3-es-163hp-new-nct/34610015

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/volvo-v40-1-6d-nct-tax/34960805

Wolftown

Automatic E200 Merc, plenty about within that budget and you could spend less if you wanted.

chicorytip

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121053794#Comment_121053794

I suppose there's no compelling reason for choosing one over the other apart, maybe, from fuel consumption being higher with an automatic. It's a matter of personal preference. I have always favoured driving with a manual transmission.

djan

Given the 3km commute a diesel is absolutely out of question. Financially best bet is to go electric with an older leaf but there is scope for a small older manual petrol that's a bit more fun to drive but with this usually comes higher tax/insurance unless going classic.

djan

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121055749#Comment_121055749

For the most part manual will be cheaper to buy and maintain but newer ones have substantially lower consumption. I'd say for such a short drive and price go manual to get a better car.

hoodie6029

Another thought, If you’ve a garage to keep it in, I’d get something petrol, over 30 years old to get vintage tax/insurance and NCT for the weekends. I’d get a push bike for the 3km to the train station and back.

Sebastian Dangerfield

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121056402#Comment_121056402

A nice idea but I live right on the coast and with the winds, cycling around here is like pulling a heavy trailer behind you (thats my excuse anyway).

This car is not strictly a necessary purchase. I have a family-donated 2006 Peugeot 206 estate / station wagon for the trip, but its a truly hideous car and Ive a pain in my neck from hiding every time I see someone I know, in case they recognise me in it. I managed to get agreement to fund a replacement, on the basis that it's "practical".

XsApollo

https://www.donedeal.ie/view/34990641

Honda Accord CL7 Type S

price is a bit steep I think, but there’s not many of them around, mileage wouldn’t worry me,

perfect for doing 6km a day.