Car advice. (1 Viewer)

Nick

Administrator
I had a Kia, it was pretty decent and did the job. For the price it had much more than the equivalent ford (heated seats etc).

You can probably pick up a hi spec Rio
 

skybluetony176

Well-Known Member
Have you looked at any KIA motors? C'eed or RIO, they have the added bonus of the 7 year warranty, which can be transferred I believe?

Also, Hyundai, KIA's sister company?

I think the Hyundai only has a five year warranty but bigger mileage allowance.
 
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SBAndy

Well-Known Member
Still looking for a car but have looked at the finances and can stretch to £5.5k. She said she wants something focus sized, been scouring with 25 miles. Seen 2 potentials. A 2012 Leon (VW engine but needs the cambelt changing) or 2012 astra . Been looking at the Hondas and other Japanese cars but they seem to be a year or 2 older. The missus is also worried about diesel given all the environmental stuff in the news, but doing 20k per annum it seems a no brainer to me. Bloody minefield! Any other recommendations 25/30 miles from cov more than welcome!

Used Seat Leon Hatchback 1.6 Tdi Cr Ecomotive Cr S 5dr in Tamworth, Staffordshire | Kinsall Green Garage

Vauxhall Astra 1.7 CDTi 16v Active 5dr



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Does she go into many cities? Birmingham for example are due to introduce a “clean air zone” from the beginning of next year which means older diesels (pre-2016 I think it is) would incur a charge to enter. Other cities already planning to introduce similar. If it is the case, may be worth avoiding diesel.
 

stupot07

Well-Known Member
Does she go into many cities? Birmingham for example are due to introduce a “clean air zone” from the beginning of next year which means older diesels (pre-2016 I think it is) would incur a charge to enter. Other cities already planning to introduce similar. If it is the case, may be worth avoiding diesel.
That's a good point. She doesn't really, but you don't know how many others will follow suit.

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bezzer

Well-Known Member
Does she go into many cities? Birmingham for example are due to introduce a “clean air zone” from the beginning of next year which means older diesels (pre-2016 I think it is) would incur a charge to enter. Other cities already planning to introduce similar. If it is the case, may be worth avoiding diesel.

It's not as clear cut as the age of the vehicle. We travel into central London quite often in my wife's 2010 Pug 5008 HDi. Even with the new ULEZ, we still won't have to pay any charges.
 

Astute

Well-Known Member
I don't ever limit myself to close to home. You can save 1k or more doing a bigger search.

Just bought a car for the dogs to go in. Volvo V70 D5 new shape 2008. Valued £5,300 paid £2990. Excellent condition and low mileage compared to the vast majority of them. And nearly sky blue colour. Had to travel to Bolton for it. Standard 183bhp but will be getting remapped. Should end up about 235bhp. And about 700 miles to a tank of fuel.

So I have now officially bought an old man's car :)
 

vow

Well-Known Member
I don't ever limit myself to close to home. You can save 1k or more doing a bigger search.

Just bought a car for the dogs to go in. Volvo V70 D5 new shape 2008. Valued £5,300 paid £2990. Excellent condition and low mileage compared to the vast majority of them. And nearly sky blue colour. Had to travel to Bolton for it. Standard 183bhp but will be getting remapped. Should end up about 235bhp. And about 700 miles to a tank of fuel.

So I have now officially bought an old man's car :)
Just add driving gloves, flat cap, Daily Mail and box of tissues on the parcel-shelf. Job's a gooden!
 

Astute

Well-Known Member
Just add driving gloves, flat cap, Daily Mail and box of tissues on the parcel-shelf. Job's a gooden!
I'm actually enjoying driving it. Most seem to think they will burn me off at the lights. Not come second yet :D
 

ccfc92

Well-Known Member
The missus car just had a service and mot. It's a mk1 focus 2004, 1.6 petrol with 90k miles. Had to get the brakes sorted to get it through the MOT, but it really needs the timing belt doing, new battery, fuel filter, and some other stuff, circa £500 on top of the £420 I've just spent.

We're just trying to weigh up if its worth it or whether it's best to get rid and get a new used car circa £2-3k as the current car is only worth about £700. I'm a bit worried that after 4-5 years of being lucky with it, its now going to be one thing after another and be a right drain ££££.

Would welcome your advice. I'm a bit rubbish with cars.

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Thing is with cars, they're unpredictable and in no way logical. It purely is a gamble. I've had a brand new £40k Mercedes break down on me on the first drive.

The only killer would be the timing belt. If that goes, might as well scrap the car if its worth £700. All other stuff generally is wear and tear.

You could purchase a £2-3k newer car, then have even worse issues than a £500 repair bill.

Unfortunately, there's no guarantee either way mate. If you know the focus, ie had it several years, maybe stick to it. But don't expect a return on what you've paid to keep it on the road.
 

ccfc92

Well-Known Member
@stupot07 one brand I would recommend, Toyota. Can be pricey from new and boring, but bullet proof. Timing chain too, so no cambelt to worry about. Only wear and tear things like tyres, brakes etc.
 

Astute

Well-Known Member
@stupot07 one brand I would recommend, Toyota. Can be pricey from new and boring, but bullet proof. Timing chain too, so no cambelt to worry about. Only wear and tear things like tyres, brakes etc.
Other than the Toyota diesel that is. Be very careful. My Toyota is diesel. But the engine was replaced by Toyota out of warranty and at 86,000 because of the faults their diesels had. All they needed was 80% service history and less than 10 years old. Don't touch one without the replacement engine. If you want to take the gamble on one that hasn't had the replacement engine take off the cap to where the water coolant goes. Look at the lid and put your finger into the water (But not when hot :) ). You will most probably find oil.
 

ccfc92

Well-Known Member
Other than the Toyota diesel that is. Be very careful. My Toyota is diesel. But the engine was replaced by Toyota out of warranty and at 86,000 because of the faults their diesels had. All they needed was 80% service history and less than 10 years old. Don't touch one without the replacement engine. If you want to take the gamble on one that hasn't had the replacement engine take off the cap to where the water coolant goes. Look at the lid and put your finger into the water (But not when hot :) ). You will most probably find oil.

Agreed, but it was only a certain engine number. Normally in the Avensis around 2004-2008 if I remember correctly. To be honest, I saw 2 or 3 engine jobs in the 18 months I worked there, at Mercedes they was always an engine job going on for the 6 years I was there.

The new D4D Diesel engines are great, along with the engine in the Hilux and Land Cruiser. But Toyota are trying to keep away from Diesels anyway and develop cleaner petrols + obviously they're the leaders in hybrids.
 

scottccfc

Well-Known Member
same as the mazda 6 diesel engines, I wouldn't buy a diesel mazda if it was the last car on earth, the amount of issues with the engines at the minute (2010 onwards) is shocking.
 

Grendel

Well-Known Member
Toyota have just won the JD Power award with a top rating on reliability
 

Astute

Well-Known Member
Agreed, but it was only a certain engine number. Normally in the Avensis around 2004-2008 if I remember correctly. To be honest, I saw 2 or 3 engine jobs in the 18 months I worked there, at Mercedes they was always an engine job going on for the 6 years I was there.

The new D4D Diesel engines are great, along with the engine in the Hilux and Land Cruiser. But Toyota are trying to keep away from Diesels anyway and develop cleaner petrols + obviously they're the leaders in hybrids.
Toyota are great for reliability. But driveability is something different. Most of their cars are boring. But you know they will keep getting you where you want to go.

My favourite car is a Fiat. I love to see the faces when I fly past a Ferrari in a 2 ltr Fiat on a track. And even better when I lift the bonnet so they can see what went past them. It has the looks. But usually I go for older but better quality. Mercs are overrated. Good to drive but mainly crap with a few years and miles on the clock these days.

I buy at least 1 car a year. Last year I bought 3. Am on 1 already this year. Still on the lookout for a Phaeton W12 in good condition with low mileage. But been looking for a few years now. Just about to give up.
 

Gazolba

Well-Known Member
Toyota have just won the JD Power award with a top rating on reliability
That's funny, in the US Chevrolet won it.
Basically, the JD Power 'awards' are bought and paid for.
 

Grendel

Well-Known Member

Gazolba

Well-Known Member
People (notice they are very diverse!) amazed at Chevrolet JD Power 'awards':
 

Gazolba

Well-Known Member
The truth about JD Power 'awards':
 

Adge

Well-Known Member
Was in the same boat recently when the Mrs Mini packed up. If like somebody previously said you widen your search, you will come across the bargains.
In the past I have been prepared to go as far as Manchester and even Scotland for a motor even if it means staying in a travel lodge overnight for £80 if it means you are getting the right car and saving hundreds etc.
I have just purchased another Mini Cooper which had 1 owner from new (older car 53 plate) and 20,000 odd miles on the clock. It’s like it had just come out of the showroom and belonged to an older lady who had died and the family were clearing the house etc. There was a break in the mot (always have a look on the mot Gov site) as it had been parked in the garage for over a year. Took it for an mot and it went through with no advisories-all for £2700 which would have fit in with your budget and the passenger and back seats (which are leather) haven’t even been sat in. Keep looking and you will find the bargains and the right car.
One good tactic I have used a few times regarding the forecourt (not main) dealers is “l’ll be getting an AA/RAC inspection independently” and by there sheepish attitude/body language it’s always a giveaway!
Getting an inspection is a good safe bet particularly if you know nothing about cars for usually about £180.

Regarding repairs on your Focus that aswell could be worth fixing.
The head gasket and another minor issue is gone on another motor of mine (which is getting repaired at the minute) and is going to set me back about £500. So if I get another 12 months after it has been repaired that (minus usual running costs) is only on average £60 per month. So a bit similar to your Focus if you say it may cost you £1000 to repair it-if you get another year that’s still only (again taking out usual running costs) £80/£90 a month on average for a years motoring. Added that you have owned/know the motor and that may be the way to go. Like has been said before though keep an eye on the corrosion-that could just be a bit of surface rust and they are covering themselves.

Surprised nobody has mentioned a car auction, some great cars available but you really need to know what to look at or take someone who knows with you. Again I have had some great motors for not a lot of money this way.

Hope I haven’t rambled too long and might have give you some food for thought.
 

Houchens Head

Fairly well known member from Malvern
I'm letting my Skoda Yeti Outdoor go. Exactly 3 years old and milometer has just rolled over to 12,000.
 

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