Advice sought...

krattapopov

Hi people,

I'm going to be getting my first car very soon and I was looking for advice on the matter. Now im prepared to spend 5k to 6k and up to a 1.4 ltr engine.

I'm mainly looking for a car for reliability 5-6 years old, I've been told to look out for any japanse car for this. I was very close to buying a rover 25 for E5300 but was advised against this because of the inherent problems the car has with its head gasket...

So what car would you get if you were in my position, all opinions sought!!

jayok

99-00 Honda Civic 1.4. Zippy, normally comes with a good enough spec (elec windows, airbags, etc). I know that some people here detest Civic's simply because of their scanger image, but underneath they are reliable with reasonable cars and cannot be faulted for that. The 3 door is the sportiest of the lot but if you need more space the 4 door is equally good. Try to buy an unmodified one and you'll get a solid car that will last you for years.

The Corolla is equally good but between the two I'd pick the Civic. Check your insurance before you buy as Civic's are generally loaded.

Beyond this would you consider a 1.3 Mitsubishi Colt? An ex had one and I thought it was a fabolous car. She bought it with 15k on the clock and sold it last year with 90k and no problems (it is a 1999 model)

Whatever you do if you buy one, please, please, please don't scanger it up!

krattapopov

thanks for the reply,
dont worry absolutely nothing will be scangerd up!! all three of those cars have definitely come into the running alright. i've been told to avoid fiat's because the engine could prove to be unreliable in the winter is this true?

jayok

Re: FIATs to be honest, I have never owned on so cannot directly comment. I could quote you the difficulties that my ex had with her Punto before she bought her Colt, but that wouldn't be fair. I believe that FIAT have significantly improved their quality in recent years. As for a 5-6 year old car, it seems relatively simple, Japanese Manufacturers seem to make the most reliable cars. The surverys, experience, etc.

I don't want to turn this topic into (another) debate on the mertis and faults and another "Well I've had a XYZ for years that everyone thinks is a terrible brand and it didn't give me an ounce of bother". This will get you nowhere. All cars have bits that fail on them, it is simply a question of which models, makes fail the less and thus cost less to maintain.

On an aside, you will find that particular car owners, be they, Toyota, BMW, FIAT, Honda, Nissan, Alfa and so on, will tend to be loyal to their brand and see their cars through rose tinted glasses with claims like "I've never had a problem" but in fact they do, but just seem to "forget" them. For example, I am a Honda fan. I have had loads of Civics including a 00 1.4i, 1998 1.5 iLS, 2003 1.6S, 2004 Type R and more recently (last Wednesday) I bought a 2000 1.6 VTi. I have had problems with some of them

1.4i - the front disc brakes warped
1.5i - The voltage regulator failed
1.6S - The 2nd gear clicked

I've had no problems with the Type R yet but I am about to sell it and the VTi is too new to me. But I would still recommend Honda. Why? When the components did fail they were all replaced by Honda free of charge under their warranty (even when the 1998 was out of warranty). It was minimum hassle.

In comparison, my wife had an Alfa and we had difficulties. Now I am not about to start an Alfa bashing thread either, and some components failed. However the Alfa dealers and warranty back-up system was dreadful and left me with a sour taste and impression (probably unfairly so) about their cars. To be fair, this was in 2002 and I can only speak of my experience upto then. From other Alfa owners on this thread, I believe that the quality and dealer support has improved in recent years.

Ok, rant over. I am trying to give you a background as to why I found Civic's particularly good - it's the overall package that I like. But it may not be the package for you.

bazz26

Honda Civic saloon: (less likely to be tarted up by boyracers)
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=291849
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=278718

The Civic is ultra reliable (how many 91, 92 ones do you still see on the roads), only thing is insurance can be more expensive.

Also consider the old Mazda 323F if you can stretch to 1.5 as imo I think they still look very stylish and they fall within your budget.
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=281612
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=289540
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=277714

Also
The Peug 206 is a good little car and have heard no complaints about them and they keep their value well.
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=291359

Skoda Fabia: Based on the Polo but cheaper and with better equipment.
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=288072
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=273462

Toyota Corolla: Not the best looking car by any means but will go forever and pretty nippy for 1.4 and good mpg. My father had one of these for over 4 years and never gave any bother.
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=283814
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=186521

Check out http://www.honestjohn.co.uk for a run down of these cars.

Best of luck.

krattapopov

Thanks for the opinions and advice guys, very comprehensive. I'll let you know how I get on.

krattapopov

Well I have purchased my first car and it is a 98 toyota corolla. Im fairly happy with it and it is in mint condition, 60k on the clock and very little wear and tear etc.
Thanks again for the advice and fingers crossed all will be fine.

bazz26

Congratulations and well done.

The Corolla is a good choice and generally they are hassel free. Keep it serviced regularly and it should last you along time.

Best of luck with it and safe motoring.

jayok

Well I have purchased my first car and it is a 98 toyota corolla. Im fairly happy with it and it is in mint condition, 60k on the clock and very little wear and tear etc.

Congrats. The Corolla is a wonderful car that will serve you very well. Is that the VVTi engine? Nice bit of lift out of those also.