Are used cars becoming harder to come by?

shreksaurus · 17-08-2009 06:29PM #1

Have created some threads here before and always got some great advice.

Have been saving for a car for some time. Have changed my mind many times within the past 8 months as to what kind of a car I want.

Currently due to the fact that I'm still a learner, and can get nervous easily; I'm not willing to spend anything more than 6000 on a car. I get nervous easily once I'm taken out from my comfort zone.

Interested in buying one of these:
Vw polo,
Ford fiesta,
Opel corsa.
Nissan Micra
Peugeot 207.

In that order.

So for the budget that I have it will probably buy me maybe an 03/04 of one of these cars.

Went to two car dealerships today just to see what they had. And nothing matched my critria.

However looked at other small cars that would be suitable for me:
06 skoda fabia. Nice car but a little over my budget at 7200. Seller dropped from 7900. Milage is 41000 miles.

05 renault clio. Was 6900, dropped to 6200. 23,060 miles. Nice car but not too sure about. Asked the dealer about the NCT and he said its up in 2011. Made a terrible mistake not checking and the page he printed for me says nct to: jan 09.

So was wondering are used cars becoming harder to come by.

Have checked a lot online lately and also in local papers and theres nothing locally matching my critria.

Should I continue to wait and do some more car shopping. Or should I take one of the above offers.

And advice would be great. Thanks

colm_c · 17-08-2009 07:50PM

I got a '05 fiat stilo (3dr) for just over 4k a couple of months back, and I scowered the country for a small learner friendly car for 3 weeks!

I also found for my budget only 3 dealers had cars in that price range, and that there were much more being sold privately.

So I just bought privately, and so far so good, although I did take a mate with me who knows stuff about cars and was able to give them the once over.

kasper · 17-08-2009 08:01PM

you have a micra on the list which is a renault clio with a different body ,same chassis ,engine and electrical components .

fatboypee · 17-08-2009 08:05PM

I reckon they're rare enough in that bracket. I've even less $$$ (2.5k) and there's SFA about with decent milage. Went a-lookin today in Limerick and the stuff on forecourts was simply tat and most of the sales people didnt even bother coming offering help or advice. The one that did, offered a 00 Micra 1.0L with 63k on the clock for 2350 :eek:....

Mind'yo theres an AWFUL lot of metal of 05/06/07/08 for crazy pennies around tho....

Regardless of whether cars are now more expensive, I reckon I'm off to the YOOKAY again for my next banger...

FBP.

johndaman66 · 17-08-2009 08:13PM

kasper wrote: »

you have a micra on the list which is a renault clio with a different body ,same chassis ,engine and electrical components .

I think in other words what you are saying is to steer well clear of the Micra kasper?

Mr Benevolent · 17-08-2009 08:32PM

OP you're limiting yourself with your choice of cars, especially since at least 2 of those cars aren't that great (the Polo and the 207). You should look at:

'05 Citroen C4 €6k
'06 Grande Punto €6k
'06 Micra €5,750
'06 Corsa €5,400

Not sure where you're getting the concept of €6k only buying an 03/04 model, there's loads of younger cars out there.

Bluefoam · 17-08-2009 08:40PM

There are a lack of good second hand cars on the forecourts because people.are keeping their cars for longer and not trading in.

samsamson · 17-08-2009 10:07PM

Fiat Panda, all 6000 euro or less;

2007, 10563 miles
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=200927194464938

2006, 33554 miles
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=200927194510362

2006, 15534 miles
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=200849191079229

I have no experience with these cars but have only heard good things, so long as you can put your pride aside and not worry about it being uncool or whatever

Owandy · 17-08-2009 10:17PM

For the love of God don't buy a Fiat. Or anything made outside Japan. Buy privately, bring a mechanic or someone experienced with you. Offer them much, much less then the asking price. They'll probably take it. I've been doing it for years without a problem.

Alanstrainor · 17-08-2009 10:21PM

Owandy wrote: »

For the love of God don't buy a Fiat. Or anything made outside Japan. Buy privately, bring a mechanic or someone experienced with you. Offer them much, much less then the asking price. They'll probably take it. I've been doing it for years without a problem.

There's so much wrong with that post i don't even know where to start.

Hotwheels · 17-08-2009 10:23PM

Owandy wrote: »

For the love of God don't buy a Fiat. Or anything made outside Japan. Buy privately, bring a mechanic or someone experienced with you. Offer them much, much less then the asking price. They'll probably take it. I've been doing it for years without a problem.

:rolleyes:

Bluefoam · 17-08-2009 10:41PM

The panda is supposed to be a great car. James May from top gear drives one.

Mr Benevolent · 17-08-2009 10:49PM

For the love of God don't buy a Fiat. Or anything made outside Japan. Buy privately, bring a mechanic or someone experienced with you. Offer them much, much less then the asking price. They'll probably take it. I've been doing it for years without a problem.

Ridiculous. Fiats are extremely reliable cars nowadays. Have you time travelled from the eighties or something?

ninty9er · 17-08-2009 10:53PM

Christ sake why is it so difficult to understand you should be competent and able to drive before you own a car. An instructor should do you until you pass a test. Buying a car while learning is a recipe for picking up bad habits and failing the test numerous times. Fair enough some people manage it, but some of the one's I know must only have passed because the tester didn't want to risk getting into the car with them again.

Pass your test and then buy a decent car.

Mr Benevolent · 17-08-2009 11:00PM

ninty9er wrote: »

Christ sake why is it so difficult to understand you should be competent and able to drive before you own a car. An instructor should do you until you pass a test.

And how is that practical exactly?

kasper · 17-08-2009 11:03PM

take your time because you are not an experienced driver bring someone reliablely qualified to look at whatever car you feel suits you some warranty would be good ,haggle on price all they can say is no ,japanise european the technology is the same learn the basics how to check oil and coolant and so on best of luck

ninty9er · 17-08-2009 11:12PM

Confab wrote: »

And how is that practical exactly?

You book your test. Get the date and get 10-15 lessons depending on need in the 6 weeks leading up to your test.

How safe exactly is it to have unqualified drivers out there.

Which is more important?

TheKnowledge · 17-08-2009 11:13PM

Buy a Hyundai! Very reliable! And some can even look well!!!! :eek: :eek: (for a small learners car)

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Hyundai/Accent/GT-SPORT/200931194780596/advert?channel=CARS

ninty9er · 17-08-2009 11:24PM

Says he after ditching one in a scrapyard:p:p Any wing mirrors going spare:p

shreksaurus · 17-08-2009 11:25PM

ninty9er wrote: »

Christ sake why is it so difficult to understand you should be competent and able to drive before you own a car. An instructor should do you until you pass a test. Buying a car while learning is a recipe for picking up bad habits and failing the test numerous times. Fair enough some people manage it, but some of the one's I know must only have passed because the tester didn't want to risk getting into the car with them again.

Pass your test and then buy a decent car.

ninty9er, I've had plenty of lessons and continuing with lessons on a weekly basis. The majority of my driving experience are lessons and its not enough. Failed my last test by only a few marks. Came so close to getting to it. One of the only things that is holding me back is not getting any practice in between lessons. So how dare you.
I came on here looking for advice on buying a car and not to given out to because I'm a learner. You have absolutely no idea. Do you think I'm going to be tearing around roads on my own? How dare you

samsamson · 17-08-2009 11:29PM

shreksaurus wrote: »

ninty9er, I've had plenty of lessons and continuing with lessons on a weekly basis. The majority of my driving experience are lessons and its not enough. Failed my last test by only a few marks. Came so close to getting to it. One of the only things that is holding me back is not getting any practice in between lessons. So how dare you.
I came on here looking for advice on buying a car and not to given out to because I'm a learner. You have absolutely no idea. Do you think I'm going to be tearing around roads on my own? How dare you

TheKnowledge · 17-08-2009 11:31PM

shreksaurus wrote: »

ninty9er, I've had plenty of lessons and continuing with lessons on a weekly basis. The majority of my driving experience are lessons and its not enough. Failed my last test by only a few marks. Came so close to getting to it. One of the only things that is holding me back is not getting any practice in between lessons. So how dare you.
I came on here looking for advice on buying a car and not to given out to because I'm a learner. You have absolutely no idea. Do you think I'm going to be tearing around roads on my own? How dare you

Well said shrekasaurus!

How dare you Ninty9er.....how dare you.....

ninty9er · 17-08-2009 11:33PM

shreksaurus wrote: »

ninty9er, I've had plenty of lessons and continuing with lessons on a weekly basis. The majority of my driving experience are lessons and its not enough. Failed my last test by only a few marks. Came so close to getting to it. One of the only things that is holding me back is not getting any practice in between lessons. So how dare you.
I came on here looking for advice on buying a car and not to given out to because I'm a learner. You have absolutely no idea. Do you think I'm going to be tearing around roads on my own? How dare you

If you're not going to be tearing around on your own then you don't need a car, just insurance on someone elses.

This is a motors forum. Don't come on here stating quite plainly you're a nervous unqualified driver and expect that we'll all be happy to have you coming down a country lane against us.

paul larry · 17-08-2009 11:35PM

ninty9er wrote: »

You book your test. Get the date and get 10-15 lessons depending on need in the 6 weeks leading up to your test.

How safe exactly is it to have unqualified drivers out there.

Which is more important?

Qualified don't necassarily mean safe!!!!!!!!

Has the OP considered crossin the border?! may be a bit of a journey, but the better half picked up a 06 peugeot 206 1.4 petrol. spotless one owner 17k miles. bargain basement £3500 sterling, €1500 approx to vrt. cheap as chips.

Saab Ed · 17-08-2009 11:35PM

TheKnowledge wrote: »

And some can even look well!!!! :eek: :eek:

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Hyundai/Accent/GT-SPORT/200931194780596/advert?channel=CARS

:rolleyes::D

Eh !!!!!!!!!!

galwaytt · 17-08-2009 11:38PM

shreksaurus wrote: »

ninty9er, I've had plenty of lessons and continuing with lessons on a weekly basis. The majority of my driving experience are lessons and its not enough. Failed my last test by only a few marks. Came so close to getting to it. One of the only things that is holding me back is not getting any practice in between lessons. So how dare you.
I came on here looking for advice on buying a car and not to given out to because I'm a learner. You have absolutely no idea. Do you think I'm going to be tearing around roads on my own? How dare you

We have a winner ! Riposte of the Month !!

btw, OP - I'm with you.

Oh, and best car I ever owned, rose-tinted glasses included?........yep, a Fiat.
There is a middle ground - a small local garage near me constantly trades learner cars - right now they have a warranted 00 reg Punto, for 1k. Even if you bump into every ditch for the next 12 months practising, you could walk away from it with no loss.

OWANDY - Unless you've owned one, your really should desist......

paul larry · 17-08-2009 11:39PM

:Das well as auto trder, search www.usedcarsni.com.

dealers are useless when it comes to cheaper cars, go private and take a mechanically minded mate with ya!!!!!!!!!!

TheKnowledge · 17-08-2009 11:42PM

Saab Ed wrote: »

:rolleyes::D

Eh !!!!!!!!!!

Back when I was 18 I'd have been happy with that!

galwaytt · 17-08-2009 11:44PM

TheKnowledge wrote: »

When I was 18 I'd be happy with that!

I think when I was 18, I'd have been happy just to get a lift in one !!

Saab Ed · 17-08-2009 11:45PM

TheKnowledge wrote: »

Back when I was 18 I'd have been happy with that!

Not the point. You said "some of them look good " . Now Im sorry but there's no way I could let that go.

TheKnowledge · 17-08-2009 11:47PM

Saab Ed wrote: »

Not the point. You said "some of them look good " . Now Im sorry but there's no way I could let that go.

I used to be cool! I must be getting old....

Are used cars becoming harder to come by?

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