Used car suggestions for a poor man!!

MagicMarker

Hi Folks,

I've been reading up on the boards and I've done my searches, but I'd still like recommendations on a newish car. I've driven the same car (bar the odd company car) since I started driving (almost 6 years now), a '97 Punto SX (the sx really makes it teh sex:pac:).

Anyhoo, I've decided to treat myself to a newer, better, less embarrassing car. So basically, you can suggest anything, however there are some prerequisites. It has to be the polar opposite to a 97 Punto. So, it has to be big, powerful and comfortable, as well as aesthetically pleasing. Preferably something well built that won't fold in half in a crash. It would also be nice to have some added luxuries such as air con/ABS/dual air bags etc.

I've obviously thought of the usual Golf/3 series BMW, but it seems every fúcker drives either one of these, I've thought about an AR 147, but apparently can be expensive to keep on the road!

Anyway, all suggestions are welcome! I have absolutely no clue about cars by the way! Just so you know.

Budget? €3000
Age: I'll be 26 when I buy so insurance shouldn't be too much of a problem!

Cheers!

Tipsy Mac

If I was you I would go for something 2 litre or below and buy something which is ultra reliable yet not very mainstream, this should make the purchase price of the car cheaper as it will be less desirable. My choice for lots of luxuries at a cheap price with cheap running costs and not too heavy on the juice would be a Maxima...
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=200930194714148
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=200932194835381

colm_mcm

Mazda Xedos 6, silky smooth 2.0 V6. great looks, very reliable.



http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mazda/Xedos-6/2.0-v6/200931194748478/advert?channel=CARS

Audi Coupe

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Audi/Coupe/2.0-i/200919192712380/advert?channel=CARS

VW Corrado

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volkswagen/Corrado/VR6/200834189721580/advert?channel=CARS

Mitsubishi FTO


http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mitsubishi/FTO/2.0cc-GP/200905191647096/advert?channel=CARS

These aren't especially safe, but for 3k you won't be looking at 5 star NCAPs.

Biro

You'll get plenty for your money from odd-ball saloons. The Maxima as mentioned is one, or there's the Mazda Xedos 6, or MX6 for a coupe. You'd pick up a Celica for that kind of money.
Over 2 litre there are things like 525's, Honda Accord coupe, or Honda Legend, Jag X-type is in the 2 litre range...

TestTransmission

Something like this?

Well within budget..

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Alfa-Romeo/156/3-DAY-SA/200919192711964/advert?channel=CARS

bazz26

How about a Saab 9-3 turbo:

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=200926194442636
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=200911192149561

Or a Peugeot 406 Coupe:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=200932194815583

You won't get much of a Golf or 3 series for €3000, neither would I consider particularly powerful or comfy anyway. From the suggestions above I would go with the Accord or the Maxima, can't see an X type being bought for €3000 either, they would be dear to service anyway, sparkplugs are very labour intensive to change (well 2 of them are).

Fishtits

The fact that you lumped the Golf with the 3 Series confirms your admitted ignorance, they are light years apart, not even the most loyal VAG stalwart would argue let alone agree.

Take a look at the Skoda line up would be my advice, without a doubt the best value on offer.

colm_mcm

He wants something less embarrassing than a Punto, I can't think of a sub 3k Skoda that fits the bill.

weepee

Strange. I was beginning to think that everyone in the Republic was issued with a Beemer free.

Everyday around Belfast ya see BMWs with white number plates, and very few are 'old'
models.

MagicMarker

Awesome suggestions guys, some I never would have thought of, keep em coming!

EPM

Maxima



Omega...plenty of manual ones about too



9-5

MagicMarker

Maxima seems to be getting a few votes alright, lovely car it must be said! The Omega looks like a good option as well.

The Saab seems good but lacking a little in the looks department compared to the others!

alias no.9

Fishtits wrote: »

The fact that you lumped the Golf with the 3 Series confirms your admitted ignorance, they are light years apart, not even the most loyal VAG stalwart would argue let alone agree.

It depends on your perspective, in all of the tangible attributes you might use to describe a car, they are worlds apart. There is however one key thing that makes them the comparable, most Golfs / 3 Series', particularly 1.4 n/a Golfs and 4 cylinder 3 Series', are not bought because of any informed choice based on the tangible attributes of the car compared to their competitors, they're bought because they're the car the owners think they're supposed to own.

Biro

MagicMarker wrote: »

Maxima seems to be getting a few votes alright, lovely car it must be said! The Omega looks like a good option as well.

The Saab seems good but lacking a little in the looks department compared to the others!

If it's looks your after then the 406 coupe is the nicest of the lot so far!
What are you after? Cheap is done! What's next on the list of preferences? Coupe or saloon? Large saloon or slightly smaller one?

MagicMarker

Biro wrote: »

If it's looks your after then the 406 coupe is the nicest of the lot so far!
What are you after? Cheap is done! What's next on the list of preferences? Coupe or saloon? Large saloon or slightly smaller one?

It's hard to say really, I'm a big guy and I generally like all things big, so a large saloon would be nice, especially after owning a punto for so long, but I wouldn't say no to a coupe either, all depends on the car itself really.

The 406 is lovely btw! I definitely wouldn't mind that Coupe over the likes of the Maxima.

Neither a Golf or a 3 series is big

MagicMarker

RoverJames wrote: »

Neither a Golf or a 3 series is big

Compared to a Punto?

Were you ever in either of them ??

MagicMarker

RoverJames wrote: »

Were you ever in either of them ??

Yes, why? Are you saying they are not big compared to a punto?

YozzerHughes

jackncoke wrote: »

Something like this?

Well within budget..

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Alfa-Romeo/156/3-DAY-SA/200919192711964/advert?channel=CARS

I'd go for the 2L version. Leather, sunroof, new tyres and lots of fun.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Alfa-Romeo/156/2.0-TS-F/200931194782934/advert?channel=CARS

YozzerHughes

Or this, not my cup to tea but you never know.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Subaru/Impreza/2.0-RX/200840190252128/advert?channel=CARS

But VRT on top so not sure where you'd end up total price. Mileage on the low side... hmm

MagicMarker

YozzerHughes wrote: »

Or this, not my cup to tea but you never know.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Subaru/Impreza/2.0-RX/200840190252128/advert?channel=CARS

But VRT on top so not sure where you'd end up total price. Mileage on the low side... hmm

Yeah not my cup of tea either tbh! Cheers though:)

MagicMarker

MagicMarker wrote: »

Yes, why? Are you saying they are not big compared to a punto?

Well for €3000 you'll be getting an up to 99 3 series, e36 I think, they are quite small on the inside, certainly not much bigger than a Punto. Golf is only one segment up from the Punto too. I would consider neither big to be honest. The motor trade would agree with my sentiment

homer90

How about something like this .........
Bit of a haggle maybe..
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/929809



Very tasty..

MagicMarker

homer90 wrote: »

How about something like this .........
Bit of a haggle maybe..
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/929809



Very tasty..

Interesting choice, but not my style I'm afraid. I may have to keep the roof down to fit in it:D

peasant

diametrically opposite of an old Punto:


http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=200931194733645


http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=200931194784415

bijapos

BMW E28. Class looks, utterly reliable, plenty of room and bugger all of them around so they stand out a mile. Best of the lot is the 524td but very hard to find.

MagicMarker

peasant wrote: »

diametrically opposite of an old Punto:


http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=200931194733645


http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=200931194784415

Me likey a lot! Seems very cheap?

MagicMarker

bijapos wrote: »

BMW E28. Class looks, utterly reliable, plenty of room and bugger all of them around so they stand out a mile. Best of the lot is the 524td but very hard to find.

I like this, but yeah, might be looking for a while, and I'm very impatient:D

MagicMarker

What are people's thoughts on a Passat?

peasant

MagicMarker wrote: »

What are people's thoughts on a Passat?

Fiat Punto for accountants

MagicMarker

peasant wrote: »

Fiat Punto for accountants

Noted!

Tis a shame, always liked the look of the Passat.

So far my picks are the Maxima, 406 Coupe (don't really like the look of the saloon), Xedos, S80. Also maybe 156 Coupe? I'd even consider the 9-5 if I can get over the fact that it looks like only OAP's should drive one.

Definitely want a leather interior, just cos.