Sub 1k Corolla vs sub 2k Fiat Bravo (or similar)

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

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.

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 ?

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.

bear1 wrote: »

So you want a low mileage sub 1.8k car with a long nct, that requires little maintenance and cheap to insure which will last a few years.
Whatever about Toyota being the best available I think you'll struggle to get all of that in the one car.
Honestly and I don't mean this to sound in any way mean but you've posted and have had posted quite a few interesting cars and then you split off and query a diesel bravo.
Have you checked insurance prices for other cars?
I don't agree with toyotafanboi that the fiat will give you grief as it's simply an unknown just like the rest of the cars.
I'd suggest you open a thread in the buyers forum and set out your wants in a car and let others post their opinions.

newboard wrote: »

Hi all,
I've been looking through Bangernomics. I'm not particularly fussy on make/model as long as I get something reliable and good value.

The main ones that are sticking out for me at the moment are;

2002 1.4L Corolla, 60k miles, asking €700;

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/corolla-for-sale/18471313?campaign=3



and this 2008 Fiat Bravo, 1.9L Diesel, 240k km, asking €1780.

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bravo-08-diesel/18459740



It doesn't have to be between these two, I'm mainly wondering should I go for something that's a little newer (albeit possibly with more miles on it), that is more expensive, but has lower tax and better fuel economy, or just stick with the usual Bangernomics sub 1k staples.

fwiw in relation to the diesel, my commute is 50km roundtrip and both cars above give no increase on my insurance (currently 1.4L Focus).

My main concern is cost/efficiency for the next ~3 years. I've had a bad run of buying Bangernomics (including a Corolla) with a year of NCT on them that end up not getting through the next NCT due to high repair costs. Not the end of the world when you spend around €600 on a car, but I'd much rather something I know has a solid chance of lasting a few years and not have to deal with replacing it anytime soon.

Advice appreciated[/QUO

How much were you quoted to put your old corolla through the test previously??
Sometimes its worth spending 600 on a car to pass an nct if it has been reliabile rather than buying a new car. This is regardless of the 600 repair costing more than the value of the car.

punisher5112 wrote: »

Kermit they have a 1.4 focus which isn't worth fixing.

Low mileage Corolla is the job.

kermitpwee wrote: »

Yes i saw the thread, if his focus is running well he should get it repaired for 5-600 and drive it for the year. He has already put a starter in it.
Also he has not got an estimate from a garage just from boardsies about the repair cost.