Car died. What to replace it with?

Mousewar · 22-08-2017 02:43PM #1

Sorry for another "What should I buy" thread but I'm really not sure what I should buy!

My beloved Mazda 6 (2005) seems to have died on me. Failed the NCT 3 times. Too much fumes/carbon output. Garage thinks oil is getting into the fuel and it will cost more to fix than the car is worth. It has about 220k on the clock so fair enough I suppose.

So I need a new car but I have limited funds right now. Gone are the days when I could worry about how sexy a car is. My priorities now are:
1 - Cheap to run: I loved the Mazda but Tax was 636 every year and it cost a lot to run it. I'm done with that. I want cheap tax and I don't want to take out a loan every time I go to the Petrol station.
2 - Reliable: I'm sick of garages. I want something that won't be giving me problems.
3 - Size: It doesn't have to be big but I got 2 kids so it can't be small either. Need room for 2 car seats and buggy plus shopping.

Other than that it can be anything really.

Type of driving: It's a runaround largely. Short journeys and that with a few extended trips here and there.

Budget: As little as possible but 7k is probably my cutoff.

Wildcard7 · 22-08-2017 09:50PM

So something reliable and Golf sized or bigger, and good value for money?

Kia Ceed?

http://www.carsireland.ie/detail.php?ad_id=1727138&r=s.php%3Fm%5B%5D%3D39%26o%5B%5D%3D1126%26yn%3D2010%26g%3D0

http://www.carsireland.ie/detail.php?ad_id=1770672&r=s.php%3Fm%5B%5D%3D39%26o%5B%5D%3D1126%26yn%3D2010%26g%3D0

They come with 7 years factory warranty, so a late 2010 or a 2011 will still have some of that left.

Seat Leon, slightly over budget but if you manage to haggle 10% off:
http://www.carsireland.ie/detail.php?ad_id=1725731&r=s.php%3Fm%5B%5D%3D78%26o%5B%5D%3D673%26i%3D50000%26ot%3Dm%26yn%3D2010%26g%3D0

Maybe even an Altea?
http://www.carsireland.ie/detail.php?ad_id=1788446&r=s.php%3Fm%5B%5D%3D78%26o%5B%5D%3D1099%26i%3D50000%26ot%3Dm%26yn%3D2010%26g%3D0

Suzuki SX4
http://www.carsireland.ie/detail.php?ad_id=1760790&r=s.php%3Fm%5B%5D%3D85%26o%5B%5D%3D1236%26i%3D50000%26ot%3Dm%26yn%3D2010%26g%3D0

Just a few cars I'd look at in your situation... No idea about the places that sell them, so as always do your homework (get a car report, inspect it properly, check the service log, etc.).

Sam Kade · 22-08-2017 09:58PM

Is it 220 km or miles?

Mousewar · 22-08-2017 10:04PM

Sam Kade wrote: »

Is it 220 km or miles?

On my Mazda? Km.

DellyBelly · 22-08-2017 10:06PM

A bicycle....ha ha hs

Mousewar · 22-08-2017 10:09PM

Thanks Wildcard. I don't think I'd be able to buy private so I'd have to restrict myself to the a dealer ones. I just don't know enough about cars to be sure of myself. Would rather the relative piece of mind of a dealer despite the slight premium.
Seats looks interesting. Are Seats reliable? Don't think I've ever even known someone who had one.

Wildcard7 · 22-08-2017 10:17PM

Ok, keep in mind though that dealers (especially the ones that only flog cars) can be as crooked as a private person, so beware anyway. Motor check is mandatory, ask questions, and if they claim the car is free of accidents, get it in writing.

Seat is part of the Volkswagen group, so they're as reliable as VWs. So are Skodas, you might want to look at Skoda Fabias as well, maybe even Roomsters (not sure if they're in your price range).

Skylinehead · 22-08-2017 10:18PM

The Leon will be reliable, it's a Volkswagen platform, but I will say that particular model is very dated for a 2011. First came out in 2005 and the interior was dated even then...

Sam Kade · 22-08-2017 11:34PM

Mousewar wrote: »

On my Mazda? Km.

Worse again, I was wondering because they switched to KM during 2005, early 05 would be miles. I have a 07 mazda 6 with over 270k km on the clock passed emissions every time even though the oil is leaking through the valves into petrol since 70k km. I'd say your mechanic is wrong. the valve seals go but all you need do is keep checking oil level every 2 weeks and top it up.

Mousewar · 23-08-2017 08:02AM

Sam Kade wrote: »

Worse again, I was wondering because they switched to KM during 2005, early 05 would be miles. I have a 07 mazda 6 with over 270k km on the clock passed emissions every time even though the oil is leaking through the valves into petrol since 70k km. I'd say your mechanic is wrong. the valve seals go but all you need do is keep checking oil level every 2 weeks and top it up.

You reckon? He stuck an additive into the oil just before the 3rd test to see if we could get it through the test but there were so much fumes that they just failed it immediately. Been a right smell of eggs off it for a couple of months now as well.
On the second test, the high idle was 1600 whereas it's not meant to be above 200.

Stokolan · 23-08-2017 08:18AM

If its a run around go electric.. That's what I did. I was only doing 7k in my second car but between tax and running costs it was costing 2500+ a year.

Got myself an electric and have only used our petrol car for trips to the other side of the country.

Check out the electric vehicles & hybrid forum lots of info there.

JohnBoy26 · 23-08-2017 08:20AM

Honda civic 1.8 I vtec. Good spec, decent performance 140bhp, extremely reliable, good mpg and if you go for a post july 2008 5dr example cheap tax too €390 per year.

tedpan · 23-08-2017 08:22AM

I would work out how much the Mazda was costing you to work out truly how much you can afford. You know the car tax was about 60 per month. How much fuel, servicing, repairs per month? Maybe you could afford a new car and don't realise? Like a new astra or something in that range on PCP. You'll be spending around 300e per month on payments, but having less tax, less fuel and zero fixing bills, you'll be much happier and better off in the long run, with no risk on buying a lemon. In three years time, trade aup to a new one and continue with the payments This is how there are so many new cars on the road..

They might even take the Mazda as scrappage for a deposit. I'd search around, the dealers are always looking for a sale.

Nuw · 23-08-2017 08:36AM

On the" ones Wildcard7 mentionned I'd go for the Suzuki if it's reliability you're after. It's not good looking but it drives alright (not the best but it's actually decent) and is pretty much bombproof. I'd go for the petrol model though, better to drive and doesn't drink petrol.

You should have space enough in the back for growing children, boot is decent size for the class and the car is actually quite comfy (it's no barge but it's more comfortable than the Audi equivalent in my opinion).

JohnBoy26 · 23-08-2017 08:40AM

Nuw wrote: »

On the" ones Wildcard7 mentionned I'd go for the Suzuki if it's reliability you're after. It's not good looking but it drives alright (not the best but it's actually decent) and is pretty much bombproof. I'd go for the petrol model though, better to drive and doesn't drink petrol.

You should have space enough in the back for growing children, boot is decent size for the class and the car is actually quite comfy (it's no barge but it's more comfortable than the Audi equivalent in my opinion).

They are horrible looking car though with a nasty interior.

grogi · 23-08-2017 09:01AM

Nuw wrote: »

On the" ones Wildcard7 mentionned I'd go for the Suzuki if it's reliability you're after. It's not good looking but it drives alright (not the best but it's actually decent) and is pretty much bombproof. I'd go for the petrol model though, better to drive and doesn't drink petrol.

You should have space enough in the back for growing children, boot is decent size for the class and the car is actually quite comfy (it's no barge but it's more comfortable than the Audi equivalent in my opinion).

Weird times when a Fiat Sedici is recommended for reliability. Worth remembering that the 1.6 Diesel in Suzuki is a the Ford/PSA diesel.

Nuw · 23-08-2017 12:35PM

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

They are horrible looking car though with a nasty interior.

That they are... but op is after running cost and reliability... It's not a car I would recommend other wise, and again it was simply picking between the ones previously mentioned... petrol unit in them is decent and they are simple to repair, which should keep cost down.

Nuw · 23-08-2017 12:40PM

grogi wrote: »

Weird times when a Fiat Sedici is recommended for reliability. Worth remembering that the 1.6 Diesel in Suzuki is a the Ford/PSA diesel.

I'm pretty certain it's a Suzuki rebadged as a Fiat, not the other way around... am i wrong? In any case, they are manufactured in Suzuki plants as far as i'm aware.

Mousewar · 23-08-2017 01:14PM

Someone mentioned pcps and now I'm going around looking at new cars. What a world. It's all terribly confusing tbh.

Nuw · 23-08-2017 01:55PM

Mousewar wrote: »

Someone mentioned pcps and now I'm going around looking at new cars. What a world. It's all terribly confusing tbh.

I wouldn't spend that kind of money in a new car tbh, unless I do have disposable income... At the end of the day, the money is still owed and you need to be certain you'll be able to afford it.
If you decide to go that route however, check the few threads about PCP on this forum so you go at it with a good knowledge of how it works.

Paudee · 23-08-2017 02:03PM

Maybe I'm crazy, but from actually reading the OP's posts, is the answer not Corolla

Mousewar · 23-08-2017 02:37PM

Paudee wrote: »

Maybe I'm crazy, but from actually reading the OP's posts, is the answer not Corolla

Thanks but 570 tax is a deal-breaker for me.

Mousewar · 23-08-2017 03:08PM

Nuw wrote: »

I wouldn't spend that kind of money in a new car tbh, unless I do have disposable income... At the end of the day, the money is still owed and you need to be certain you'll be able to afford it.
If you decide to go that route however, check the few threads about PCP on this forum so you go at it with a good knowledge of how it works.

No?
Went to see the Skoda man.
New Skoda Fabia Combi
6k deposit (incl a grand for my mazda)
188 a month for three years
GFV: 7808
0% APR

Seems good but I don't know. I was imaging just throwing 7k at a second hand car but man, that new car was nice. Hugh spec on it as well.
Still confused tbh.

Nuw · 23-08-2017 03:16PM

Mousewar wrote: »

No?
Went to see the Skoda man.
New Skoda Fabia Combi
6k deposit (incl a grand for my mazda)
188 a month for three years
GFV: 7808
0% APR

Seems good but I don't know. I was imaging just throwing 7k at a second hand car but man, that new car was nice. Hugh spec on it as well.
Still confused tbh.

Just me you know

but yeah I'd rather spend the money I have. Who knows what's going to happen within these three years, and what if you can't come up with the balloon payment? You just hand the car back and walk away, but then, you're probably better off renting the car, no?

It is tempting, and don't get me wrong I would love a brand new car and I would seriously consider it if I have that kind of money.

As I said, it is not necessarily a "bad" decision, as long as you know full well what you're getting into. And I do understand the appeal. I think it's just not for me

bazz26 · 23-08-2017 03:28PM

I wouldn't even include the Mazda in the deal for a new car, it's worthless to the dealer as they will only pass it on to the trade. You will get a similar straight deal discount off the Fabia if you had no Mazda to trade in. I'd try and sell the Mazda on donedeal. Anything you would get for it would be a bonus then compared to trading it in.

Mousewar · 23-08-2017 03:45PM

bazz26 wrote: »

I wouldn't even include the Mazda in the deal for a new car, it's worthless to the dealer as they will only pass it on to the trade. You will get a similar straight deal discount off the Fabia if you had no Mazda to trade in. I'd try and sell the Mazda on donedeal. Anything you would get for it would be a bonus then compared to trading it in.

Yeah, he said as much in fairness but the thing is, the car is knackered. Failed the NCT so i won't realistically be able to shift it.

acronym Chilli · 23-08-2017 05:00PM

Mousewar wrote: »

Thanks but 570 tax is a deal-breaker for me.

But all your options will incur some tax. Skoda fabia probably €200 or so?
so the deal-breaker is €370 per annum? (€30 per calendar month).

I'm not saying to ignore the money: it is a real out-of-pocket expense and a cash-flow, but it is just one among many inputs to the cost-benefit calculation.

Mousewar · 23-08-2017 05:42PM

Well I think I'll pop out and see that Altea tomorrow. It's the only thing I've seen that ticks all the boxes for me even though I'm not keen on an automatic. Nor a diesel tbh.

selectamatic · 23-08-2017 06:43PM

Njg4_MWUx_Mj_Yy_ZTdh_NTQ5_Mjc0_MTAy_Nj_U2_Yzg5_Ym_Rm_Zm_MOq_I1b.jpg

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/08-skoda-superb-new-test-12-2019/15902150

This could be an option for ya. looks clean tested till the end of 2019 and tax is 390 per year.

acronym Chilli · 24-08-2017 09:38AM

selectamatic wrote: »

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/08-skoda-superb-new-test-12-2019/15902150

This could be an option for ya. looks clean tested till the end of 2019 and tax is 390 per year.

It does look good, but they manage to state the NCT details 3 different ways:

title of advert says 12/2019
text of advert says 12/2019
"details" section of ad says 12/2017
Actual NCT disc in photos says 21st July 2019

I'd go with the last date, and it's still a very long (almost 2 year) NCT. I don't think a December NCT is even possible yet (3 months early only allowed).

However, the car does look nice

Wildcard7 · 24-08-2017 09:59AM

It's 9 years old though, has done over 200'000 km, and has an impractical boot.

Car died. What to replace it with?

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