UKC

So I would like to buy a car, and would like get an estate. Budget is up to 5000 euros.

Looking for something which is reliable, cheap to run and fix, and good fuel economy. Would prefer low milage (eg less than 50k miles on the clock).

There isn't a lot available here in Dublin, and have been looking for past month or so... There are basically 3 cars which fit our budget and seem to be in good condition:

- a 1.6L 2004 Renault Megane estate. 60,000 miles. 3500 euros.
http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3896945

- a 1.8L 2004 Toyota Avensis estate. 60,000 miles. 4700 euros
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Toyota/Avensis/1.8-AURA/29613492705871620/adve...

- a 1.8L 2006 Vauxhall/Opel Vectra estate. 55000 miles. 5000 euros.
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Opel/Vectra/LIFE-1.8/22413415776614950/advert?...




As we have no clue about cars, would love to hear other peoples opinions on these cars... what seems like a good deal? the megane is a good bit cheaper, but maybe not in the long run if it is prone to things breaking on it etc...

Cheers!

In reply to jussy:

Avensis. Much more likely to be reliable than the other two.

In reply to jussy:

Avensis, followed by Vectra and lastly borrow a barge pole to poke the Megane with.

In reply to jussy: errr surely if you want good economy a 1.8 petrol isnt the way to go?? are there no decent diesels about?

In reply to jussy:

Avensis. Don't even consider the others.

In reply to sihills:

Factor in the higher cost of diesel for an average yearly milage and driving cycle and there is little or no difference these days.

Also engine size needs to be suited to size of car, the 2.2ltr Vectras give better fuel economy on the mootorway than the 1.6ltr as the engine is not having to work as hard.

In reply to jussy: None of the above. Have a look at Saab 9-5, good engines and the diesels have good economy figures. Also, as Saab have gone out of business (although dealer service is still plentiful), you can get very good value for money now.

As you've probably guessed, yes, I drive a Saab. Cracking car, huge boot, well spec'd out, comfortable on long journeys and plenty of power (although I drive a petrol engined one.)

I await to be UKC-lambasted now...

In reply to jussy: I'm amazed after 12+hrs of this thread, that the UKC Skoda clan have not jumped in. Octavias get lots of support!!

I've got an Avensis however and I'd rank that highly

In reply to handjammer:

Basically just a Vectra with an ABBA body isn't it!

In reply to The New NickB: Haha, I like that. Very good!

In reply to jussy: if you can find a good nick avensis, go for it - but have a look for a Mondeo. it'll be cheaper, and the 2.O TDCI's are exellent (51mpg with a full load at about 80mph on the motorway, and 50 around town emptyish..)

and thats a 2005 with 120k on the clock...

vectras have a poor reputation for build quality.

In reply to ballsac:

No problems with mine touch wood (2008 1.8 petrol SRi estate). Very pleased with it, and cheaper than an equivalent Mondy.

Build quality seems fine.

Neil

In reply to butteredfrog:

On that tangent I note that my Y- reg Vectra 1.8 LS gives at least as good fuel economy as my 51-plate Astra 1.4! 38-41 mpg. Got 46mpg out of the Vectra on a long run with the back box cleft in twain but it was noisy and possibly illegal on emissions so I got it patched up. Baah.

In reply to jussy: I have a 2001 Avensis 1.8 and it isn't bad. First MOT fail was this year after never spending a penny (91k miles) and it only needed new brake pads.

Economical on long run, shit around town. Back big enough to sleep flay and stretched (I'm 189 cm tall). 2 bikes fit in the back with ease.

The car feels bombproof and is nice to drive.

In reply to jussy:

Skoda Octavia 1.9tdi, you wont go wrong with that.

In reply to rusty_nails:

Agreed. I had an A4 1.9 TDi with the 130 bhp engine and it pulled like a steam train on the motorway and still did way over 50mpg. An equivalent Octavia Estate would be great value and very reliable. I'm tempted myself- they can also come with 4x4 too...