Japanese imports and theft

Bellie1

Have come across old threads about this but am more confused if anything. Want to buy a small automatic car for max 12k,ideally from a dealer. Japanese imports seem the most reliable but put off by potential theft.A few I've my eye on do have immobilizers but apparently thief's don't know this and target them anyway because they know they're imports? Got a quote for insurance for one that wasn't too bad so that's not my concern now

User1998

Theres only a few that are targeted. Aquas, Corollas, Vitz, March, Demios. Pretty much everything else is fine. And its only really a problem in rough parts of Dublin.

Bellie1

Thanks , that's reassuring. From my vast googling this week, Vitz is Yaris automatic and March is Nissan automatic. Thought was nationwide, will suss out Suzuki swift at weekend so and won't rule out a Yaris. Have licence but only drove for a year afterwards so am almost a beginner again as that was years ago.

Bellie1

Are there any ten year old small automatics that aren't Japanese?

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122146558#Comment_122146558

There are some German options but they will still be Japanese imports. VW Up, Polo, Audi A1, Renault Clios etc. Pretty much anything petrol automatic is a Jap import these days.

BK5

Some Japanese imports dealers will fit alarms and immobilisers to their cars for buyers security so always ask. As said above it is only a few of the models on offer.

trindade

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122146229#Comment_122146229

I live in east meath, in a good area and it happened here too. Garda told me that this is hapenning in the whole country.