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Which car to get?

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  • 01-12-2008 11:07am
    #1
    Thumpette
    Registered Users Posts: 1,185 ✭✭✭


    We are looking into a getting a 2nd hand car at the moment as it looks like our 99 Polo might be gone to the car heaven in the sky… As we are used to Volkswagen the initial thoughts are going for another. We were thinking of changing to a Golf, but really what we are looking for is a car with Power Steering, a bigger engine, probably 1.4, and preferable central locking and electric windows.

    A newer Polo seems like it could satisfy all these requirements too. What is the difference between a Golf and a Polo? If you are to get the same specs on both- what would the difference be?

    Also, are there any other cars which would be sturdy and reliable and offer the same kind of specs. We are looking for a car which is at least 2001 with a budget of €5k ish. Was thinking along the lines of Ford Focus, Seat Ibiza etc…..We will mostly be using it for short drives around the city however we do often enough go for longer journeys to Cork, Donegal etc, so something that can deal with that as well...

    All advice from someone a bit more car savvy appreciated!:D


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    #2
    listermint
    Registered Users Posts: 33,978 ✭✭✭✭listermint


    Thumpette wrote: »
    We are looking into a getting a 2nd hand car at the moment as it looks like our 99 Polo might be gone to the car heaven in the sky… As we are used to Volkswagen the initial thoughts are going for another. We were thinking of changing to a Golf, but really what we are looking for is a car with Power Steering, a bigger engine, probably 1.4, and preferable central locking and electric windows.

    A newer Polo seems like it could satisfy all these requirements too. What is the difference between a Golf and a Polo? If you are to get the same specs on both- what would the difference be?

    Also, are there any other cars which would be sturdy and reliable and offer the same kind of specs. We are looking for a car which is at least 2001 with a budget of €5k ish. Was thinking along the lines of Ford Focus, Seat Ibiza etc…..We will mostly be using it for short drives around the city however we do often enough go for longer journeys to Cork, Donegal etc, so something that can deal with that as well...

    All advice from someone a bit more car savvy appreciated!:D

    Get the Golf. More roomy and no less bullet proof than the Polo. Always wondered why VW where so power steering shy with not so old models i.e Polo's 96 > . Prob because they are cheap ba*****.


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    #3
    niceirishfella
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,538 ✭✭✭niceirishfella


    I think a Focus will fit the bill for you - Reliable, well enough made and cost to run and service is ok.
    I had one once and it was magic.
    Plenty out there to choose from so choose well and haggle hard.
    Good luck.


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    #4
    Thumpette
    Registered Users Posts: 1,185 ✭✭✭Thumpette


    listermint wrote: »
    Get the Golf. More roomy and no less bullet proof than the Polo. Always wondered why VW where so power steering shy with not so old models i.e Polo's 96 > . Prob because they are cheap ba*****.

    Yeah our 99 didnt have power steering- just did my driving test in it- felt like popeye the sailor girl trying to do the turnabout! Why is there such a difference in price between the Golf and the Polo tho?


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    #5
    Gurgle
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,064 ✭✭✭Gurgle


    Thumpette wrote: »
    We are looking for a car which is at least 2001 with a budget of €5k ish. Was thinking along the lines of Ford Focus, Seat Ibiza etc…..

    Golfs tend to be over-priced. Focuses are a very mixed bag - if you're lucky you'll get a gem, but you could end up with a money-pit. The japanese weren't doing great things at that time - the Corolla is tiny and the Almera has no power.

    But 5k should get you an 03-04 even these days, prices are in the gutter.


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    #6
    ninty9er
    Registered Users Posts: 9,366 ✭✭✭ninty9er


    Get a 1.4 Polo.

    A lot seem to be auto though, so that may not suit you, but try it.

    http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volkswagen/Polo/1.4-80bh/200842190517581/advert

    Manual

    http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volkswagen/Polo/1.4-16V-/200844190664176/advert.

    The Polo of that era feels a lot more refined than the Golf as it was released in 98 as opposed to 02 for the Polo.

    You could try a Seat Ibiza or Skoda Fabia. If you don't reckon you need the extra space and do a lot of parallel parking stick with something smaller.

    http://www.carzone.ie/search/Skoda/Fabia/COMFORT/200848191047558/advert

    Non VW options would be

    Corsa SXI
    http://www.carzone.ie/search/Opel/Corsa/1.4-XE-S/200840190263186/advert

    Peugeot 206
    http://www.carzone.ie/search/Peugeot/206/1.4-GLX/200840190231690/advert


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    #7
    Thumpette
    Registered Users Posts: 1,185 ✭✭✭Thumpette


    Thanks :) Beginning to edge towards the Ford Focus.... Looks like a decent car. If there are problems with it I guess the parts would be easy enough to come by? Any advice against the Focus?

    Also, spoke to the garage and looks like the Polo is definately a gonner. They have gone ahead and replaced the water pump (even though they said they would ring for agreement before doing anything :( ) and they reckon it needs the heads replaced and also the brake pads arent the best. I guess at this stage it will be sold more for parts than anything? I think it is driveable at the moment but wont last for long.

    Will a garage be willing to take it for a trade in when it isnt in sellable condition or is it best just to try to sell it privately as is (or scrap it failing that) and go for a cash deal?

    Also, in garages, what is a realistic margin where they can move on. If a car is advertised at 5750 for example, what is a realistic price to get it at- in current conditions?

    Thanks :)


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    #8
    Auslander
    Closed Accounts Posts: 92 ✭✭Auslander


    Bottom line is you're looking for something reliable, don't assume that your Polo is for the scrap quite yet. They are a very well designed bombproof car.

    Who told you the Polo is shot to bits? Your Garage? Get a second opnion before parting company. Parts for VW are available very cheap from the likes of GSF (German Swedish French) autoparts.

    Mechanics are 10 a penny & would be delighted for some work for an extra bit of cash coming up to Christmas.

    If you are set on changing the car, ask youself why you're changing.
    Is it because you would like a newer car,
    Or because someone told you the old one is shot?

    As for a straight sale or going for a trade-in, remember..

    Cash is King in the current Economic climate, so you're probably better off asking around & seeing if anyone you know is selling their car.
    This way you will be aware of it's History & will probably be able to negotiate a very good price, instead of paying a salesmans cut.

    As for the Garage replacing the pump without your consent....
    Hang them out to dry, I doubt very much that they would replace the pump if the engine is written off.

    Have a think, & hang on to your cash if you can, you'll be needing it to ride out next year!

    Regards

    Auslander


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