May HAVE to buy a car soon :(

optiplexgx270

Ok im not that too fussy so here goes

Looking for the best car (will be my first) with a max CC of 1600 for insurance and expense purposes.

Would like leather, a/c, power windows, sensor parking etc with a max budget of ~ €20k (less is always better )

Do like the current model Volvo S40 in 1.6 petrol or 1.6 deisel also.

This seems perfect but a wee BIG bit over the budget: http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=426755

Any input/pointers ?

Thanks

colm_mcm

Ooh ooh! a Mini Cooper with chilli pack, and loads of other upgrades!

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=442612

optiplexgx270

Not a mini fan sorry or a beatle fan either before that one is mentioned.

colm_mcm

do you need back doors?

steviec

Are you only learning to drive?

If so I'd go for something much cheaper/smaller just to ease yourself in and so it's not as big a deal if you pick up any little dings or anything.

Plug

Just what the doctor ordered;) I.6 black golf 2004 under E20000.
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=424636

Lex Luthor

optiplexgx270 wrote:

This seems perfect but a wee BIG bit over the budget: http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=426755

You're obviously a girl if you want one of these....;)

colm_mcm

nice car plug. should be able to be bought for €18,500 to €19,000, no Aircon though

mike65

Spending up to 20k on your first car is frankly nutz. Do as wise and mean folk do buy a 5-10 year old good value car with high spec for 3-6 grand.

Something like a Fiesta 1.25 Ghia for example.

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=396724

Or a ...pause....Renualt Laguna

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=441513

Mike.

Guy:Incognito

You've gone and done it now mike. Colm_mcm wont have the R word used in this forum.

colm_mcm

oh dear......

optiplexgx270

mike65 wrote:

Spending up to 20k on your first car is frankly nutz. Do as wise and mean folk do buy a 5-10 year old good value car with high spec for 3-6 grand.

Something like a Fiesta 1.25 Ghia for example.

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=396724

Or a ...pause....Renualt Laguna

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=441513

Mike.

Well I want something nice not a run of the mill fiesta etc. and I dont ding I've been driving for ~3-4 years and was avoiding the test for some reason (lazyness) but have it coming up i shouldnt have a prob bar sticking to the speed limits in the built up areas.

Plug

What about the golf I mentioned somewhere in the thread

optiplexgx270

yeah and no like the golf if even a bit boring looking but personally i think they are overpriced

_Kaiser_

Plug wrote:

What about the golf I mentioned somewhere in the thread

I can't stand Golfs myself.

Plug

Nicest hot hatch going;)

colm_mcm

optiplexgx270 wrote:

yeah and no like the golf if even a bit boring looking but personally i think they are overpriced

............yet you were considering a 1 series..........

optiplexgx270

well tbh id go for a gold if i was to see one with all the kit i would like in it.

colm_mcm

you can fit leather to any Golf for €2500. might make your search a bit easier

cantdecide

you won't get many leatherclad pimpmobiles in 1.6. mini is nice. but arguably, if you have €20k burning a hole... fuel economy can't be such a big factor. would you swing a Z3 ot TT for that kind of money?

optiplexgx270

1.6 is the max engine size ill go for insurance reasons Like this http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=426477 but would never buy it.

And leather isnt the main item im not dead set on it but would be nice to have. Would like parking sensors, climate control and if satnav (though not really expecting to get that) basically the kit in the 116 i linked to above in an older/cheaper car.

cantdecide

1 series is just out so will be rare in used market. what size engine is in the >04 316? i'm sure it's not a 1.6 like they used to do on the older ones.
i really have to ask, have you tried for insurance for a car over 1.6? people often assume insurance will kill them over 1.6. i've never found this to be the case..... if you REALLY HAVE TO HAVE a car no greater than 1.6, what about a well spec'd A3?

colm_mcm

Do you really have to stick to 1.6? for once I'm with cantdecide on this one!
If you're looking for a semi-fashion accessory, an older sportier car is really the way to go.

optiplexgx270

Nothing along the fashion accessory line i just think if im going to be sitting in it for ~2 hours a day i might as well be sitting there in comfort is the way i see it. I'm not just spending 20k for the sake of spending it.

The front runners at the moment are the Golf/A3 and if i can hold out long enough a 116/S40 when they come down in value a bit.

Might just be a matter of keeping an eye out and waiting for the right one to come along.

colm_mcm

A high spec Ford Focus saloon would be just as good as the new Volvo S40, in fact the S40 is based on it and uses the same diesel engine. would you consider one given that it's not a fashion thing?

optiplexgx270

Actually currently drive a 99 3 door focus 1.6 (not mine but been driving it since 99) and its a great car (drivers car) but im not a fan of the interior build quality having said that i havent seen the interior of the newer models. The saloon isnt an attractive car at all but would concider a well specd 3/5 door model. But as said ive been driving one for the past while so would like a change i have to say.

Also like the look of the C4 but unsure about it as a car havent heard good things but nothing bad either.

colm_mcm

I reckon the current Focus saloon is a great looking car, much better looking than the 5 door


It is very similar to the S40

Eoin

optiplexgx270 wrote:

And leather isnt the main item im not dead set on it but would be nice to have. Would like parking sensors, climate control and if satnav (though not really expecting to get that) basically the kit in the 116 i linked to above in an older/cheaper car.

Leather isn't actually all that nice to have. In weather like this, it gets really sticky and uncomfortable, and in cold weather it can take ages to warm up. IMO it's a status thing for your car, and the benefits aren't really worth it. (Cruise control is a far better extra - especially as you seem to have problems with driving too fast).

mloc123

Plug wrote:

Nicest hot hatch going;)

When did the phrase 'Hot Hatch' lose its meaning? I see it thrown around these days on 'sporting' 1.2s!! A 1.6 mk4 Golf is far from hot, its not even luke warm.

unkel

eoin_s wrote:

IMO it's a status thing for your car, and the benefits aren't really worth it

You don't have small children then, Eoin

Eoin

unkel wrote:

You don't have small children then, Eoin

Ah, good point. No sprogs or messy people are allowed in my car!