New car 15.5K MAX, Idea's : Megane, 307.

HungryJoey

Hello there

Recently my mother is buying a new car, I made a thread a long time ago when she announced she was looking for a car but wasn't going to purchase till the end of august / september time. So here goes. Gotta' get out and look for her.

Well originally my 1st idea was a Peugeot 307 1.4 Which is VERY slow looking at the spec's, a 1.6 Woulod be much more ideal but i don't know if a 1600CC engine is too big for her, She is use to Smaller car's as my father always had big car's and she never liked them... But the 307 Is a nice car... Looking for a 15K max ish budget Top spec'd 02-03 Model or newer if it fit's in budget, BUT there is a problem, This car was voted one of the worste car's in the UK, but weather thats a load of crap about how people just treat them or not as laguna's are they same very bad ranked in the UK, yet me father has had no problem with any laguna he had... But i want youre opinions on the 307, What do you's think of it... Here's a few idea's i had in mind
( keep in mind we REALLY would like Air con, can't live with out it, Cd player obviously, Alloy's possibly as most car's will have them.. and your basic feature's ) With fairly low milage not too high and color isn't important ( too a certain extent )

Something like this : http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=274083

or : http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=238918

You get my point.



Next Car have in mind is a Megane... 03 is model for same about 15K - 15.5 K Possibly haggle them down a bit...

Preferably looking for a Dynamique Model over the Authentique as the Dynamique comes with all the fancy stuff including Air con, alloy's, And much more... But what are these car's really like ? I love them spec' wise but are they safe to buy,reliability wise as we really do want reliability here also.

I need your opinions on these car's and please mention a few more you's migt think are worth out while checking out.

Here's an example what i had in mind for the megane : http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=260868

If we went for the renault megane we would probably head down to Blanchardstown Renault as it is local to us and will be easy for my mother servicing her car or anyproblem's with it...


thats it for them car's, A few other car's i had on mind was a Seat Leon but not much feature's come with them, nor alloy's or Aircon, Its hard to find them or a Vw Gold Mk3 i think ( 00-03 ) range but they seem pretty basic and overpriced.

But please give your opinions, i need to make the right choice for her,

Thanks,

Hj



EDIT : I cannot believe i for got this, What about an Alfa 147 , are they anywhat decent ? They look stylish and are pretty well spec'd and look well when equiped with Alfa's 17" Alloy wheel's... I think we would defiently go for a 147 but all depends on Reliability.


Hj

Moanin

I have driven a Peugeot 307 1.4 hdi for the last 3 years.So far I have clocked up 78k miles and it hasn't given me an ounce of bother.It's the xs model which has a few extras to name rain sensor wipers, auto headlamps alloys etc.
The one complaint that I have about it is that the suspension is quiet hard and you feel all the bumps on the road (Unlike the german cars which are more solid).

It's a good value for money car

HungryJoey

WOW that's great news. I really wouldn't go by teh Topgear survey... All it takes is a few bad things to happen and nobody like's it. I love the look of it and alot of car's are critisized about there reliability but i won't go by that just yet. Hmm 1.4HDI ? Never knew that engine existed, anyway i mentioned a 1.4Petrol thats meant to be horrid slow, 99mph top speed Which she would do 100 Most of the way up the M1 in the UK when we go over to visit relatives which is where we are at the moment, going home in 2 weeks then to look for car's

What's the speed like on your 1.4HDI ?


Here's a beautiful XS 1.6L petrol which would be perfect but i amn't sure really if 1.6 is practical enough for her... and them alloy's most probably 17" , too Expensive to maintain ?

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=257815 Now i would love that... Gotta' mention that to her, BUT the only problem, we are trying to stay toward's Decent garage's for warantly Issue's if you get me ?

Moanin

The 1.4 HDI is a common rail diesel engine.Peugeot did a joint venture with ford.The same engine is currently being used in the ford fiesta and fusion.To be honest the overtaking power isn't great but torque on take off is quiet good.I never realised that there was a 1.4 diesel until I went to the dealers to test drive the 2.0 hdi and he asked me if I wanted to try the 1.4 so I did.For fuel economy it's superb.I fill it up for €50 and get between 650-700 miles out of the tank.It really depends on what type of driving you are doing.For city driving you probably woudn't get as much mpg.

It's pretty comfy also and well kitted out.You here lots of complaints about French cars (reliabilty wise) but to be honest from what I hear the Germans aren't far behind.

bazz26

You might want to read this thread:

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=226309&highlight=megane

This isn't a survey from a magazine, this is a board member's experience.

Also the 307 had a 1.4 75bhp 8 valve petrol engine up until around the middle of 2003, it then got a 1.4 90bhp 16 valve engine which was way more powerful than the old engine.

HungryJoey

WOW that thread ( still not finished reading it ) has really set my mind to think differently... I really am considering Avoiding Megane's and Peugeot here. Although i am really disapointed but i had a feeling the 2 car's i picked were probably VERY unreliable

Now back to the drawing board's....

1 other thing, people mentioning Alfa's being terrible, What are they like ?

So i really need suggestion's here what to go for...

Any idea's anybody ?

Thanks,

Hj

prospect

HungryJoe,

If you talk to enough people, you will never buy any car!
There is a horror story associated with EVERY brand of car.

RE: The megane thread.
I have a Megane and I am very happy with it. I had a megavan before that, and it was completely trouble free.

I know people who had Fiats and Alfas and they loved them, and enjoyed good reliability.

Likewise, i know people who had awful, awful, trouble with Alfa, Mercedes, Hyundai, Ford, Nissan and Toyota.

Also, between me, my wife, my parents, her parents and our collective siblings I can remember a total of 16 or 17 peugeots. One gave minor trouble cutting out, and bar a handful of quickly resolved problems, they were grand.

So, take what you will from that.

P.S. Sorry if I have confused you even further

HungryJoey

WOW jeesshhh now i am even more confused

Anyway thanks for that advice, I would 100% agree with you on there's trouble with every brand of car... I think @ this stage everything to do with renault and almost peugeot these day's, well be casted as Bad... I still have a notch to go ahead with a megane as its not everybody who has trouble's is it...

So still want to know what them 147's are like... Any good, They look very stylish and they are alot more rare and different design.

Any other car's out there worth a look at, but i have to say.. There is no toyota that actually make's me go " oh thats a nice car " nor nissan, There all Depressing looking car's With acceptions for the skyline :rolleyes:

So what ya's think ? Any other car's out there worth a look at. By now i can guess you's know what were after, Stylish ( non-depressing )

Thanks,

Hj

jimbling

have u thought about a skoda.... best value for money by a long way.... and they are an excellent car as well.

either the octavia or the fabia. The fabia vRS is a very fast car.....and diesal too - so does about 50Mpg

prospect

147 is a great looking car, as you already know.

It is probably one of the best built Alfas you can get (roll on the 159)!

I have driven one or two, and the handling is super. The driving position (as with all modern alfas) is FANTASTIC.

All of which explain why the 147 150Bhp 1.9 MJet Diesel is on my shortlist for my new (1 year old actually) car in January.

prospect

147 is a great looking car, as you already know.

It is probably one of the best built Alfas you can get (roll on the 159)!

I have driven one or two, and the handling is super. The driving position (as with all modern alfas) is FANTASTIC.

All of which explain why the 147 150Bhp 1.9 MJet Diesel is on my shortlist for my new (1 year old actually) car in January.

Hopefully Ciarsd will spot this thread soon, he has one.

HungryJoey

jimbling wrote:

have u thought about a skoda.... best value for money by a long way.... and they are an excellent car as well.

either the octavia or the fabia. The fabia vRS is a very fast car.....and diesal too - so does about 50Mpg

Yes i have actually, But ****ty Dublin on carzone, wait... what i don't understand is when you go to the UK you see all types and models of car's for sale there For eg instead of the places selling loads of Fabia's 1.2L they will sell All type's, I find it hard to find nice car's with a variety of engine's that are decent.

but As for Skoda's , they are amazing value but looking at there spec's, They really are basic unless you find a top spec model which as i said is very hard... Instrested in Octavia and Fabia but there spec's don't please me.

Unless you can show me a nice model with decent spec's Fabia Avoiding there 3 Cylinder 1.2 L engine( on carzone ), Its atrocious... Been in it.

Hj

RedorDead

As Bazz said, if you do go for a 1.4 307 - make sure its the 16v one as the older 8v one was underpowered. Generally 307's are hit and miss although later models seem to have ironed out alot of the electrical problems that the earlier models had.

See attached at the bottom for the latest reliability table

Peugeot have moved up the table recently.

I suppose you can only decide really by test driving all 3.

Check out www.honestjohn.co.uk as well

jimbling

HungryJoey wrote:

but As for Skoda's , they are amazing value but looking at there spec's, They really are basic unless you find a top spec model which as i said is very hard... Instrested in Octavia and Fabia but there spec's don't please me.
Hj

okay hungryjoe... if u go for either of the RS models you get a top of the line car. I have a 01 Octavia vRS. Its a 1.8T with 180Bhp. Does 0-60 in 7.9sec. It has leather interior... air conditioning... monitoring computer etc etc... this all came as standard with this car.

there is a 02 one for sale in the buyandsell at the moment... have a look.
Not sure about the fabia, but I presume the RS model is the same high spec. May be hard to find one... but Im sure they're out there. Again you may have to travel to get it (I went to galway - from cork - to get my car at a great price).

HungryJoey

Well thats all fair and well but my mother isn't going to Drive a 1.8T...

Would nice to get them specs without the 1.8T in a 1.4 or something... See thats my point, you can get all them specs Bar the engine in a 307/megane... If you get me ?

Hj

jimbling

ah... i see your point....
when your looking at the 1.4 models etc... then just look for comfort beside it... i think that normally means a lot of the extras....

HungryJoey

Meh i think i will just leave skoda's out of the equation for a while, Nothing pushed me about them.

So... still only got my eye on the Megane and 307 but i am still doubting them... Any other suggestions ?

HungryJoey

So you think its worth a go too go for a megane or 307 or would you's object...

What about the 147, Golf and Leon... Any experiences of any of them ?


Thanks

Hj

bazz26

How about a Ford Focus:
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=276084

or

Honda Civic:
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=213704

or

2005 Mitsubishi Colt:
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=266338

prospect

No offense intended, but if he is looking for style, then the colt and civic are non-runners.

HungryJoey, have you test driven any of these cars?

Me personally I would rank them as follows:

1. Alfa 147 -
Pros: Style, Performance, Interior
Cons: Depreciation

2. Renault Megane -
Pros: Looks, Massive amount of extras
Cons: A bit soft

3. Seat Leon -
Pros: Looks, Extras, tough
Cons: Personally I can't bring myself to really like Seat!

4. Ford Focus -
Pros: Good drive and handling
Cons: Boring interior and looks

5. Peugeot 307
Pros: Good specs, great diesel engine, economy
Cons: Ugly, depreciation

My Two Cents

bazz26

Well the OP is looking at the 307 and Megane so they are hardly the first images that come to mind when you mention pretty cars are they?

307, Focus, Civic, Colt I see very little difference is the styling, they all have that mpvish look about them imo.

That is why I threw the Colt and Civic in there as they look somewhat similar to the 307 and Megane.

prospect

HungryJoey wrote:

So what ya's think ? Any other car's out there worth a look at. By now i can guess you's know what were after, Stylish ( non-depressing )

Thanks,

Hj

I think the megane looks fairly good. much nicer than the mini mpvish cars you mention.

I agree about the others looking similar. In fact, I hate the way alot of cars are moving to this MPV styling.
The 306, Old Civic and Colt were all lovely stylish cars, then they replace them with the current muck!!!!! yuck.

bp_me

how about a corolla?? mazda 3??

bazz26

I was thinking about suggesting the Mazda 3 too but the OP suggested a budget of around €15k max so you will be hard pushed to find one at that price as they are only available since 2004.

HungryJoey

prospect wrote:

No offense intended, but if he is looking for style, then the colt and civic are non-runners.

HungryJoey, have you test driven any of these cars?

Me personally I would rank them as follows:

1. Alfa 147 -
Pros: Style, Performance, Interior
Cons: Depreciation

2. Renault Megane -
Pros: Looks, Massive amount of extras
Cons: A bit soft

3. Seat Leon -
Pros: Looks, Extras, tough
Cons: Personally I can't bring myself to really like Seat!

4. Ford Focus -
Pros: Good drive and handling
Cons: Boring interior and looks

5. Peugeot 307
Pros: Good specs, great diesel engine, economy
Cons: Ugly, depreciation

My Two Cents

You got it you must have similar stylin to me... thats exactly what i am after, I agree with youList 1 to 5 but the 307 i think is quite nice..


As far ask the Civic you's suggest, Ick...So un stylish, the Colt isn't so bad but its cheap and Dreab, I know the engines are pretty decent in both of them but still.

Mazda 3 i looked up a while ago, Not a personal favourite but its an average car that isn't yuck but not amazing... But i think i am pushing it As they are a recent car...

Focus ( old model ) I suggested, but something about them my mother doesnt like but i know she would get one if i really told her to and i would for the new model that came in... It makes it look dated, other then that i would of highly recomnended her the focus.


Corolla : My aunty drive's a 1.4 T2 Toyota corolla, one of the basic but new model's and i was shocked of the power of it... For a 1.4L, so i am looking at them but i am also SHOCKED at the price of them... Way over my budget for any of the newer model's... Unless somebody can find 1 for me ? I would love for somebody to, mabe i am looking in the wrong place... I wouldn't mind letting her have a look at one of the newer model corolla's.

As far as depreciation, don't worry about that for now... She's planning on keeping it atleast 2-3 Years...

Hj

HungryJoey

bazz26 wrote:

Well the OP is looking at the 307 and Megane so they are hardly the first images that come to mind when you mention pretty cars are they?

307, Focus, Civic, Colt I see very little difference is the styling, they all have that mpvish look about them imo.

That is why I threw the Colt and Civic in there as they look somewhat similar to the 307 and Megane.

I know where you are coming from, But look at the dash on both of them car's and extra's, If u compare them to other car's they suck.. Yes the Civic's generally come with Air con, but thats about the only attractive thing they have to offer including the look's for the civic, Ugghh.

HungryJoey

Ok, last thing i gotta' say here, TBH i am still wravvled with what to get still.

So what i am please asking is for everybody to read here and jsut say there honest opinions on what they would buy for 15K and obviously no Radicilous car's like Mercede's or BMW 8 Series. Mid sized small car's but not too small.

Please just give an honest opinin 1 answer ANYBODY who reads this thread, It will make thing's SO much easier for me to just see what's running in youre mind's, And to hear what you guy's would pick out of ANY car's out there. Last thing i will ask and beg for you's to do

Thanks alot of EVERYTHING so far, Appreciate it.

Hj

EDIT : Sorry about the triple Post, Only realised now

Chaz

What about my 03 Laguna 1.6 with Full House. Im selling to get something with a bigger engine. Offers ?? I am in Dundalk btw.

HungryJoey

Very nice car's, my Dad Drives an estate version 1.6L At the moment, How much are you looking for that ?

This one to be exact : http://img334.imageshack.us/img334/1440/imgp16344pj.jpg

And 1 of these baby's

http://img333.imageshack.us/img333/3875/imgp17767bd.jpg

< My mum only like's small car's, She cant drive anything big so shes only spending 15 K on a small car for her...

Hj

prospect

I'd go for the 147, a JTD multijet if possible.

Chaz

HungryJoey wrote:

Very nice car's, my Dad Drives an estate version 1.6L At the moment, How much are you looking for that ?

This one to be exact : http://img334.imageshack.us/img334/1440/imgp16344pj.jpg

And 1 of these baby's

http://img333.imageshack.us/img333/3875/imgp17767bd.jpg

< My mum only like's small car's, She cant drive anything big so shes only spending 15 K on a small car for her...

Hj

Cheers. Im looking for E16K as a minimum. Not really open to offers around that ...

HungryJoey

That's a nice price, I will get back to you if i am intrested If i was in trested i would put in an offer of about 15.5K as my Maximum she has to spend, But as you said 16 is your minimum, But tell me if your intrested and i will have a chat to her, see what she think's.

Any known problem's with the car as Laguna's are Generally know to have fault's here and there, Any issue's, Milage ? Anything replaced... Let me know

Hj

Chaz

Ye, I paid nearly E23K less than a year ago. No issues - just bored and with my next NCB i can insure something bigger - i dont keep cars long - costs me - just one of those things.

The only thing the car needs is 2 new front tyres. Depending on the price - ill put these on. Otherwise the car is clean, no issues, FSH, 33000 miles. Full leather, climate control, electrics, CD etc.

HungryJoey

Sounds lovely man, well If you would consider 15.5 I would say forget about the front tyre's, My mother would sort that, What would you say ? If you will " consider " it i will mention it to her, Im sure she might be intrested also, How long's left before the timing belt need's changing ? My dad's went reasonable early in his 1.6 model aswel which wasn't expected.

Hj

Chaz

Ill consider E15.5 - let me know. Im not 100% certain when the Timing Belt needs to be done. I can try and find out. What year was hers - how much mileage when it went?

HungryJoey

I amn't too sure when it did go... Couldnt say exactly, i know there is 43K on the clock now and it got changed a good while ago.

It would be nice knowing though how much Mi;age is left on the T-Belt before A purchase is made, But i cannot guarentee you a deal at all though, I wont be seeing my mothr for about 2 day's and even then it will be another week before we are home to Ireland as we are in UK at the moment for another week. But dont kill your self over anything, And if anything comes from this i will certainly let you know, thanks.

Hj

Chaz

Ye, no stress. I wont sell much below the E16K - even if the T Belt is nearly due. I would have lost too much on the car then. Let me know if you want to view the car etc.

HungryJoey

So thats a no @ 15.5 K cos 15.5K is pushing my mum also.

Hj

Chaz

HungryJoey wrote:

So thats a no @ 15.5 K cos 15.5K is pushing my mum also.

Hj

15.5 is a runner - sorry - i meant that i wont go below that 15.5.

BrianD3

The timing belt should be changed at 50k on the Laguna. It says 72k in the owners handbook but this is too long and Renault dealers recommend 50k.

HungryJoey

Ok i will get back to you. Its all weather she like's it or not, Might be a little too big for her ( not engine ) but physical size. I am slightly Confused about what you mean, Is 15.5K a Definete or no or will you think about 15.5 ? Sorry about confusion

Chaz

HungryJoey wrote:

Ok i will get back to you. Its all weather she like's it or not, Might be a little too big for her ( not engine ) but physical size. I am slightly Confused about what you mean, Is 15.5K a Definete or no or will you think about 15.5 ? Sorry about confusion

E15.5 is a runner - apologies for the confusion. What i was implying was, that if the timing belt was due (which it is not) - I would not drop the price further in lieu of this as I consider the price to be good.

The car looks fairly big - but it is a hatchback - they arent that big.

HungryJoey

Yes ok i will mention this one to my mother as soon as i see her 2moro Morning and well tell you a Definet no if she immediatly say's no... Or a possibility of either yes or no. Ill definetly mention this to her. Thanks for the offer, its a great deal.

Thanks,

Hj

Chaz

Hi, any updates? If you guys are interested I will hold off advertising the car. If not - id like to get some adverts in.

Let me know please.

Thanks

HungryJoey

Hey Chaz, Yes she is considering it, We are waiting till we get back to the UK so i can take her to the local renault garage and show her 1 and then i will have a definete yes or no. But if you feel you cannot wait, its your call go on and sell the beauty


While i am here, Somebody just recommended us to go for a BMW3 series ( obviously not new ) and i spoted quite a few nice 316's about Coupe's, I quite like them but anybody got a word on them or is it bad news going to BMW around a 99 Year ?

Something like this : http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=234166

Or the slightly Newer model : http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=268399

Hj

Chaz

HungryJoey wrote:

Hey Chaz, Yes she is considering it, We are waiting till we get back to the UK so i can take her to the local renault garage and show her 1 and then i will have a definete yes or no. But if you feel you cannot wait, its your call go on and sell the beauty


While i am here, Somebody just recommended us to go for a BMW3 series ( obviously not new ) and i spoted quite a few nice 316's about Coupe's, I quite like them but anybody got a word on them or is it bad news going to BMW around a 99 Year ?

Something like this : http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=234166

Or the slightly Newer model : http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=268399

Hj

OK, let me know. The issue with the Beemer is that is at least 2-3 years older than what you would pick up a similar car for - for the same type of money. Spares are expensive - so too is servicing. They are nice, no doubt. Its not always about brand though. They have also had issues with interior build quality - perhaps this 99 model had that - not sure.

I looked at a 2001 330I 2 weeks ago and walked away due to an issue with the interior.

When are you back in Ireland?

HungryJoey

I am back to my homeland on monday ! Just popped over here for 2 week to see Relative's who live here.

Ill keep you updated.

About the BMW's, I like the newer model i suggested, there are a few for sale 99-00 Of the newer model 3series which aren't too bad ( 318's ).

Hj

PauloMN

HJ, not to spoil the party, but you've gone from a newish 307 type car to a Laguna, to an older 3 series. If your mother doesn't like bigger cars (like the Laguna your Dad had), it's probably not a good idea to buy her one.

For what it's worth, my wife bought a 307 new in 2002 and is delighted with it. I really like it bar the lack of power, it's the 75bhp model and as someone else pointed out, there's a newer 1.4 16v which adds more oomph making a better overall drive.

It's very comfy though, pretty refined on the motorway, VERY well equipped (XT model - climate, ABS, 6 x airbags, auto wipers/lights etc.). It's also very practical - you can easily take out the back seats completely basically giving you a van when you need it - unfortunately this means I use it to go to the dump which doesn't make herself happy... :rolleyes:

Only problem we've had with it is the indicator stalk felt very flimsy - it was replaced FOC under warranty, so make sure this has been done if buying an older 307. You'll know by the feel if it's been done or not. Other than that, absolutely no problems and we're not intending to sell it for a while so that's as good a recommendation as any! If you get a well specced 1.4 with the 16v engine, you (and your mother) will be very happy with it I'm sure.

HungryJoey

Thanks alot Paul, Put a vote of confidence in me again. I am aon the look out, Its between 307, Megane, Laguna or 00 3 series BM 318. I know thats a strange variety But it really is mixed choices.

I will look out for a 16v 1.4 and if i find that i might just think about it

Might just take her out for 1 day and have a look at Laguna, Megane, 3 series and a 307 , I like the sounds of the 307 still. Here's a nice one,

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=274083

Hj

unkel

HungryJoey wrote:

Its between 307, Megane, Laguna or 00 3 series BM 318. I know thats a strange variety

Isn't it?

I don't recall someone choosing between a Megane and a 3-series here before

HungryJoey

Ill rephrase that : I dont recall anybody Choosing between a " newer " megane over an " older " 3 series here before

Hj.