newboard wrote: » Thanks for the replies - my main concern would be the 240km mileage. Do you think this would be a sensible purchase for something that I'd hope to get 3-4 years out of of good low cost driving? (any unforeseen hiccups aside). Looks and performance aren't major concerns for me at all, I just want something that will be reliable and relatively low cost to run. Any similar makes/models I should consider while I'm looking? Thanks again
newboard wrote: » Thanks again all, in particular Toyotafanboi. I did buy a Corolla before and it too didn't get through the NCT and was for the bin within the year and I'm getting sick of buying old cars that have problems that raise their head within a year or so. Maybe I've just been unlucky but at this stage buying something newer is appealing. I know though that newer doesn't mean more reliable and cars like the last Corolla I posted do seem like good deals.
punisher5112 wrote: » 1.4 is a Toyota engine the 2.0 is a BMW plant. The 1.4 won't be exciting but extremely reliable and been around a long time. Toyota have gone away from diesel and are pushing hybrid.
RandomUsername wrote: » Sounds like good advice , What are the d4d engines like from that era &which is the one to go for 1.4 / 2.0 ?
Toyotafanboi wrote: » @newboard, its a common theme, not just with yourself but with many many people who wish to buy and run a car on a shoestring budget (not that there is anything wrong with that), that they become uncontrollably drawn to shyte, "heartbreaker" cars. You've posted your tale of woe about your behind economic repair Focus and the cars you've had before that that have shafted you in a similar fashion. Yet, you want to buy another cheap car, which again is absolutely fine. However, good advice has two main qualities. It is usually free and it is seldom listened to. If you want to buy a €1k~ car that will give years of trouble free driving it really has to be a Corolla, or possibly an Avensis. You mark my words that that Fiat will give you grief, in your circumstances I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole. I'm not saying it's a fundamentally bad car (though there is an element of that) but it is not the car for a shoestring budgeter. Sure the early noughties Corollas aren't in high fashion but you'll have a tough time finding a better, more dependable work horse that won't look for much in return.
johndaman66 wrote: » I'd definitely agree that your best to check with your insurer before making a phone call on that Civic. Save wasting your time and the sellers. You had asked about fuel economy of the Civic versus the 01 Focus which I'm guessing is a 1.4? My sister had a 1.4 Focus and while not terrible she did find it to be a bit of a pig on fuel, especially given its really lacklustre performance too. They are a pretty heavy car and it often struck me that the body was too heavy for the engine. As Johnboy26 alluded to the 1.6 Civic should be every bit as good on fuel as the Focus if not better. I can't see the Civic hanging around too long at that price though...surprised its not gone already
bear1 wrote: » No one can answer whether that car will cost you more or less than what you have. Do a quote a see, it's the only way. Economy should be good and the jtd engine in general is quite robust. What mileage are you doing? Does it justify a diesel?
newboard wrote: » Do you think I'd have to expect a big jump in insurance for this vs my 01 Focus 1.4L? This could be a solid investment for the next few years if it's got great economy and the low tax as well.
BorneTobyWilde wrote: » https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bravo-08-diesel/18459740 Fiat Bravo diesel 08 Low tax 280 per year Air condition 1780.00 nct jan 19
newboard wrote: » Would strongly consider this one if doesn't hike up the insurance loads from a 01 Focus. My broker doesn't open on Saturdays so wasn't able to get a quote.
johndaman66 wrote: » Bangers not busses and back to Civics If this one is legit its a decent bargain given the generous amount of motor tax on ithttps://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/03-civic-new-tax-02-19-new-nct-03-19-only-61-000-m/18453060 03 Civic 1.6 saloon; 61 k miles; NCT 03/19; Taxed 02/19 Good to go and asking €899
newboard wrote: » What's the fuel economy like on that civic compared to a 01 Focus?.
colm_mcm wrote: » I’d have to disagree too, maybe it was the model you had, but I sold a good few of these new and used back in the day and would never have said they handle poorly. Sure they aren’t a sports car, but they’re well able to be flung into roundabouts and back roads.
