Title: New car Post by: Samdy Gray on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, 10:30:39 As my car's now gone ( :cry: ) me and the missus have decided to trade in her Fiesta whilst it's still worth something and get a new car.
Looking to spend up to £4500 possibly £5000. What can I get for my money? I've seen a few Alfa 147 TS 1.6 with average mileage (45k) for around £4k. Ideally want something small(ish) size wise, but still want something quite fast 8) Title: New car Post by: mattboyslim on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, 10:40:16 I think 4K for an Alfa is a bit cheap. I bought my Seat Ibiza 53 plate with 11K 6 months ago for a cut price £5500, I seriously toyed with an Alfa til I looked at insurance - which varies hugely dependent on trim level from my research, it seems like £5-6K buys you an alright one, maybe on a 51-52 plate. Nice cars though, and I think where my money will be going once I'm over 25.
Title: New car Post by: Lumps on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, 12:27:54 Quote from: "mattboyslim" I think 4K for an Alfa is a bit cheap. I bought my Seat Ibiza 53 plate with 11K 6 months ago for a cut price £5500, I seriously toyed with an Alfa til I looked at insurance - which varies hugely dependent on trim level from my research, it seems like £5-6K buys you an alright one, maybe on a 51-52 plate. Nice cars though, and I think where my money will be going once I'm over 25. Great if you like spending time in the company of mechanics I suppose. Title: New car Post by: mattboyslim on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, 12:36:09 Very true lumps, very true - I think they ahev deinately improved and continue to do so, and for petrolheads on a budget they represent good value - I'm sure Paul D has an alfa - ask him how reliable they are?
Title: New car Post by: Samdy Gray on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, 13:37:10 Anyone else got any suggestions. I pretty open to ideas at the moment. I really want to be sure I'm getting the right car before I buy one so will be doing plenty of research beforehand.
Title: New car Post by: flammableBen on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, 13:39:10 http://www.byronbaymotorcycles.com/gallery/classic_motorcycles/images/scooter.jpg
Title: New car Post by: McLovin on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, 13:55:38 Buy mine off me...
Title: New car Post by: Sippo on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, 13:56:27 You can buy mine if you like. £5000 to you.
Title: New car Post by: Samdy Gray on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, 13:58:51 Dave Blackcurrant, Sippo, Thanks but no thanks guys.
Title: New car Post by: Samdy Gray on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, 14:18:50 Look at this one (http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www/CARS_popup.jsp?nU=0&make=ALFA%20ROMEO&model=147&min_pr=&max_pr=5000&postcode=SN2%202BX&miles=40&max_records=200&modelexact=1&photo=1&hassearched=Y&start=3&distance=38&adcategory=CARS&channel=CARS&id=200712275752287) for an absolute bargain!
Title: New car Post by: flammableBen on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, 14:21:33 quick, buy it now!
Title: New car Post by: pumbaa on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, 14:22:44 I test drove an Alfa 147 1.6 just after they came onto the market, with every intention of buying one. I was also lucky enough to drive a work colleagues 2.0 selespeed, to compare the two.
Now, don't take this the wrong way, but that beast was a very nice car to drive. The build quality of the cars I drove was excellent, but then they were both new and frankly you shouldn't expect anything less. One thing stopped me though - fears over reliability. I just didn't get enough reassurance from the Alfa dealer that the company had solved all their previous problems. Another work colleague had one which he sold just over a year ago (forced, as he was relocating to the USA) - he only had good things to say about his. IMHO, its a gamble. But if you are seriously considering a 147, get it thoroughly checked out by a qualified mechanic in advance, as you may be setting yourself up for some expensive maintenance if something goes wrong. Title: New car Post by: McLovin on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, 14:26:20 it's got a Bose system - nice.
Title: New car Post by: mattboyslim on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, 14:31:32 Approved used could be the call with Alfa - pay more but with more guarantees of maintenance and history.
Title: New car Post by: Samdy Gray on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, 14:39:48 Think I'll have to recondisder the Alfa 147. Just did and insurance quote = £2000. Ouch!
Title: New car Post by: pumbaa on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, 14:44:36 Quote from: "sam_stfc" Think I'll have to recondisder the Alfa 147. Just did and insurance quote = £2000. Ouch! Ooohhh, thats steep. Take a look at a Seat Leon, they might be at the top end of your price range though. VW mechanicals, which is pretty sound. Title: New car Post by: Samdy Gray on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, 14:50:23 I do like the Leon's, but if I got one I'd want the Cupra which is way out of my price range.
Title: New car Post by: mattboyslim on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, 14:52:44 Like I said, I have the Ibiza - a polo on the underneath and thus far been spot on. Seats until about 2004 had a 5year manufacturer warranty - provided they stay main dealer serviced - it includes breakdown cover etc - Leon insurance is pretty good - I think the TDI 110 is only a group 8 and meant to be quite speedy.
Title: New car Post by: Samdy Gray on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, 15:02:01 Cheers guys. Just had a little look at insurance for a 1.8 20v Leon Cupra (essentially a Golf GTI) and that's come out at £2,000 as well.
Might have to drop the big engine idea for now. :cry: Title: New car Post by: Samdy Gray on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, 15:58:05 Think I may look into getting a TDI. Seem cheaper to insure but can still get something decent like the Golf GT 1.9 TDI.
Title: New car Post by: Sippo on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, 16:01:11 Quote from: "Sippo" You can buy mine if you like. £5000 to you. HDI D-Turbo :mrgreen: Title: New car Post by: sonic youth on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, 16:19:23 How long you been driving Sam? I've got 3 years no claims and the insurance on a GT TDI is only £600.
I'd have gone for the Alfa but then I adore 'em. What about a Clio 172, Golf GTI/TDI, MG ZR, or an Astra SRi? Sippo's car is a good 'un, I'd snap his hand off if I could Title: New car Post by: Jamiesfuturewife on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, 16:24:09 Buy a peugeot 107 like mine!
£40 a year road tax, 72 miles to the gallon and £140 a year to insure full comp!! It looks like a glorifed golf buggy but hey! Title: New car Post by: pumbaa on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, 16:27:03 Quote from: "Jamiesfuturewife" Buy a peugeot 107 like mine! £40 a year road tax, 72 miles to the gallon and £140 a year to insure full comp!! It looks like a glorifed golf buggy but hey! Hairdresser's car :wink: On that note, get a Mazda MX5, loads about, jap reliability, can't go wrong. Comes with a pack of condoms. Title: New car Post by: McLovin on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, 16:29:51 The new Corsas (maybe the SRi) have 3 years insurance for £399
Title: New car Post by: Piemonte on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, 16:42:06 You can have my 206 GTi for £5k
Title: New car Post by: Samdy Gray on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, 16:46:14 Quote from: "sonic youth" How long you been driving Sam? 3 years. First two I was on my mum's insurance for a 1.2 Corsa. When I got the Megane I decided to get my own insurance and only had that 18 months so only 1 years NCB. Whatever we get will be insured in my missus name anyway with me as a named driver. She's got two years NCB. Who was the TDI quote from SY? Title: New car Post by: Samdy Gray on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, 16:48:44 Quote from: "coxernator" On that note, get a Mazda MX5, loads about, jap reliability, can't go wrong. Comes with a pack of condoms. My missus loves 'em, I can't stand 'em. Title: New car Post by: pumbaa on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, 16:50:27 Quote from: "sam_stfc" Quote from: "coxernator" On that note, get a Mazda MX5, loads about, jap reliability, can't go wrong. Comes with a pack of condoms. My missus loves 'em, I can't stand 'em. Ha! You'll be buying one soon then :wink: Title: New car Post by: Sippo on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, 20:06:52 Quote from: "sonic youth" Sippo's car is a good 'un, I'd snap his hand off if I could I quite like my hands thanks! :o Title: New car Post by: Bob's Orange on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, 20:52:15 Quote from: "sam_stfc" Cheers guys. Just had a little look at insurance for a 1.8 20v Leon Cupra (essentially a Golf GTI) and that's come out at £2,000 as well. Might have to drop the big engine idea for now. :cry: My 3.2 V6 Audi costs me 1400 Euro (about £900 a year) to insure, mind you I am probably about 10 years older than you and have 8 years no claims bonus! Title: New car Post by: sonic youth on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, 22:32:38 Quote from: "sam_stfc" Quote from: "sonic youth" How long you been driving Sam? 3 years. First two I was on my mum's insurance for a 1.2 Corsa. When I got the Megane I decided to get my own insurance and only had that 18 months so only 1 years NCB. Whatever we get will be insured in my missus name anyway with me as a named driver. She's got two years NCB. Who was the TDI quote from SY? Direct Line, my NCB came as named driver on the Clio - I get discount because my parent's car is insured with Direct Line as well. Title: New car Post by: Leggett on Wednesday, March 21, 2007, 09:14:05 dude, if you can live with a slightly smaller car, VW polo GTIs are ace little cars. Bulletproof reliability, they look good, and go well. if i do downsize when i move out, its a toss-up between one of these and a fiesta ST atm.
Title: New car Post by: McLovin on Wednesday, March 21, 2007, 09:27:23 Where are you moving to?
Title: New car Post by: Samdy Gray on Wednesday, March 21, 2007, 09:43:29 Quote from: "Leggett" dude, if you can live with a slightly smaller car, VW polo GTIs are ace little cars. Bulletproof reliability, they look good, and go well. if i do downsize when i move out, its a toss-up between one of these and a fiesta ST atm. Insurance for the Polo GTI is still £1500. I just don't understand insurance companies, my Megane was a 1.6 and cost me £800 a year. The Polo's a 1.6 as well, but stick a GTI badge on it and they charge you an extra £700. Ridiculous. Title: New car Post by: Leggett on Wednesday, March 21, 2007, 09:47:48 i dont rightly know, but its in the pipeline. wont be for a couple of months yet.
Title: New car Post by: Samdy Gray on Wednesday, March 21, 2007, 09:57:20 Just done a quote for a Pug 307 2.0 HDI = £600 8)
Might have to get one of those instead. Title: New car Post by: Sippo on Wednesday, March 21, 2007, 10:01:35 Quote from: "sam_stfc" Just done a quote for a Pug 307 2.0 HDI = £600 8) Might have to get one of those instead. I'm telling you. Mine is insurance group 6! Which will be even cheaper! :mrgreen: Title: New car Post by: Leggett on Wednesday, March 21, 2007, 10:11:06 insurers are silly, silly people.
i'm paying through the nose for the ST170 atm, i've just had a play with confused.com for a bit, looking at insurance prices... a '99 mondeo ST200 2.5 v6 would set me back £1100 fc. thats quicker than my car, that makes no sense. :-))( and a '00 Polo GTI would cost me £763 fc. MADNESS!!! an '03 Clio 172 would be £1300 fc whereas an '02 Civic Type R is £1500 fc i cant help but feel i'm being done up the pooper with the Focus :( Title: New car Post by: mattboyslim on Wednesday, March 21, 2007, 10:39:18 All about stats leggett, actuaries are paid a hell of a lot of money to tell insurance comapnies how much to fleece us by.
Title: New car Post by: Leggett on Wednesday, March 21, 2007, 11:20:22 all of those quotes, bar the CTR one, are cheaper than what i'm paying for the focus. as the renault is a cheaper car too, i'm considering p/x-ing the focus and getting the better drivers car! :D
Title: New car Post by: Samdy Gray on Wednesday, March 21, 2007, 11:35:56 Anyone know the best place to get a loan from for this car purchase? Preferably don't want to have to go through shit loads of employers checks etc.
Title: New car Post by: genf_stfc on Wednesday, March 21, 2007, 13:06:40 don't know if you can still do this as I haven't driven in UK for years, but last time I phoned up one insurance company for a quote (~400 quid) then phoned up another and said that they had quoted 250, they never bothered to check and their manager offered me 220 there and then.
Title: New car Post by: Bushey Boy on Wednesday, March 21, 2007, 13:17:30 Quote from: "Leggett" i dont rightly know, but its in the pipeline. wont be for a couple of months yet. Just taken on a 3 bed HMO (shared house ) in Joseph street near your sister, 4 rooms ranging from £300 - £375 all in each month. Title: New car Post by: pumbaa on Wednesday, March 21, 2007, 16:02:44 As I'm going to be forced into buying two cars when I return home in the not too distant future, does anyone have any links to websites that compare insurance groupings and VED rates for all cars? Please...
Title: New car Post by: Sippo on Wednesday, March 21, 2007, 16:03:55 moneysupermarket.com
Title: New car Post by: DMR on Wednesday, March 21, 2007, 22:40:26 Haven't read the thread so someone may have already passed comment but you said you were selling your old one to get on the property ladder, make your mind up!
Title: New car Post by: Samdy Gray on Wednesday, March 21, 2007, 22:47:20 Already bought the house Dave. Was selling to save a bit of money each month, we've now worked out we can get £4000 over 3 years, trade the missus car in and still be better off each month. Result. :D
Title: New car Post by: Samdy Gray on Monday, March 26, 2007, 12:58:26 *Bumpety bump*
Test drove a Pug 307 HDI Turbo on Saturday. Fucking well nice car, dealer had it priced up at £5495 which is a tad expensive though considering the mileage is 84,000 and it needs a service. The missus spoke to him today, told him we thought it was overpriced for what it is, he's dropped the price to £5100. :mrgreen: Add into that the 12 months MOT, pre-delivery valet and service - fucking deal! Title: New car Post by: Arriba on Monday, March 26, 2007, 13:01:15 thats alot of money for a car with that mileage imo
Title: New car Post by: janaage on Monday, March 26, 2007, 13:06:39 I'm on the look out for an Alfa 147, just found one up north, gonna get up there at the weekend and see what it's like.
ALFA ROMEO 147 JTD LUSSO 5 DOOR Finished in Stromboli Grey metallic with Red Leather. 1 owner from new with 14,000 miles and full Alfa Romeo service history. Specification including 17” alloy wheels, Colour Screen Navigation, integrated telephone, climate control, cruise control, BOSE sound, CD autochanger, electric sunroof, heated seats and remote alarm Nice £8,900, good price too. Title: New car Post by: Samdy Gray on Monday, March 26, 2007, 13:09:30 Parkers recommends £5,830 for a good condition 307 from a dealer.
http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/used-prices/Valuation.aspx?deriv=21181&plate=69&buysell=buy Taking into account the high mileage, I think £5100 is a good deal considering it's the very top model of the 307. Title: New car Post by: Bushey Boy on Monday, March 26, 2007, 13:24:45 I think sam is 40 not 20!
Title: New car Post by: Samdy Gray on Monday, March 26, 2007, 13:32:27 Haha, very funny Ash.
My missus just told me the dealer wants a £500 quid deposit, which is pretty steep and doesn't make sense. Most decent dealers will take £100. It was the dealer's wife's car as well. Something's telling me to step away from this one, and I think I will. Title: New car Post by: Sippo on Monday, March 26, 2007, 13:34:01 If it doesn't feel right don't buy it. You obviously got doubts, and you'd kick yourself if those doubts came true.
Title: New car Post by: Arriba on Monday, March 26, 2007, 13:35:31 wise move imo sam.you can get a decent motor with much lower mileage for that sort of dosh
Title: New car Post by: Bushey Boy on Monday, March 26, 2007, 13:39:44 step away sam, 307 are quite good, I think youd suit a ford K personally
Title: New car Post by: mattboyslim on Monday, March 26, 2007, 13:49:47 I personally have some doubts about pugs- my Dad's curent one isn't half the car his old one was - both have very good diesal engines mind. I know a guy who said his 307 estate was a reliability nightmare too! Certainly that price is steep for the mileage IMHO, depends what kind of package they offer you with it in terms of servicing etc.
Title: New car Post by: Samdy Gray on Monday, March 26, 2007, 13:52:50 Quote from: "arriba" wise move imo sam.you can get a decent motor with much lower mileage for that sort of dosh What do you reccomend then arriba? I'd prefer a diesel for the economy. And no Ash, I don't want a KA thanks. Title: New car Post by: Bushey Boy on Monday, March 26, 2007, 13:54:43 My sister has got a vauxall astra I think, and that seems trouble free, diesal and very good deals at the moment, if that helps.
Title: New car Post by: Samdy Gray on Monday, March 26, 2007, 14:01:07 Is that the new Astra? Or the model before that?
Title: New car Post by: Arriba on Monday, March 26, 2007, 14:30:27 Quote from: "sam_stfc" Quote from: "arriba" wise move imo sam.you can get a decent motor with much lower mileage for that sort of dosh What do you reccomend then arriba? I'd prefer a diesel for the economy. And no Ash, I don't want a KA thanks. i'd go for a focus,corolla,astra or something like that.but i'm older than you sam and you young uns like the sporty motors. Title: New car Post by: Samdy Gray on Monday, March 26, 2007, 15:37:41 Yeah that's the problem, I do want something sporty but not too expensive to run. That 307 would have been perfect, cheap insurance, tax aint too bad, economical. Shame is there aren't many 307 HDI Turbo's kicking about.
Oh well, might just have to pick up a 206 GTI for £4k and use the other £1k towards the insurance. Title: New car Post by: Bob's Orange on Monday, March 26, 2007, 16:26:28 I wouldn't buy anything French.
Title: New car Post by: Samdy Gray on Monday, March 26, 2007, 19:11:14 You might not, but I love french cars.
Title: New car Post by: Bob's Orange on Monday, March 26, 2007, 19:12:59 Quote from: "sam_stfc" You might not, but I love french cars. Is it the unreliability or badly made aspect of them you like? Title: New car Post by: Sippo on Monday, March 26, 2007, 19:13:10 My Pug's been absolutely superb. Big MOT last year, new breaks etc, service which is going to cost £300 bucks but all the norm really. Reliable as anything.
Title: New car Post by: Samdy Gray on Monday, March 26, 2007, 19:14:33 Quote from: "Bob's Orange" Is it the unreliability or badly made aspect of them you like? I don't know where people get this piss poor impression from. If you look after a french car then they just keep going and going. It's not like a german motor, you can't just run them into thr ground. You've got to treat it good. Title: New car Post by: Bob's Orange on Monday, March 26, 2007, 19:20:00 Quote from: "sam_stfc" Quote from: "Bob's Orange" Is it the unreliability or badly made aspect of them you like? I don't know where people get this piss poor impression from. If you look after a french car then they just keep going and going. It's not like a german motor, you can't just run them into thr ground. You've got to treat it good. :fishing: Title: New car Post by: Samdy Gray on Friday, April 6, 2007, 15:26:28 Well, finally bought one!
Pug 307 HDi 110bhp D Turbo 8) http://tinyurl.com/33qobh Title: New car Post by: Bob's Orange on Friday, April 6, 2007, 15:36:00 Quote from: "sam_stfc" Well, finally bought one! Pug 307 HDi 110bhp D Turbo 8) http://tinyurl.com/33qobh Did you buy that one in jobby brown? Title: New car Post by: Samdy Gray on Friday, April 6, 2007, 15:58:56 It's Metallic Bronze :wink:
Title: New car Post by: glos_robin on Friday, April 6, 2007, 16:19:39 Each to their own, will never buy a French car again, My Shitroen C2 is so poorly put together they didn't even spray the underside of the bonet or filler cap, talk about cutting costs.
The paints shocking too, a stone chip soon turns into peeling laquer. Title: New car Post by: Northern Red on Friday, April 6, 2007, 16:29:59 Quote from: "glos_robin" Each to their own, will never buy a French car again, My Shitroen C2 is so poorly put together they didn't even spray the underside of the bonet or filler cap, talk about cutting costs. Are you intending to drive around with your bonnet open? No-one's going to see the underside of your bonnet - so why does it matter? I'd rather they saved to extra £50/100 it'd add to the cost of the car.... Title: New car Post by: glos_robin on Friday, April 6, 2007, 16:34:56 Quote from: "Northern Red" Quote from: "glos_robin" Each to their own, will never buy a French car again, My Shitroen C2 is so poorly put together they didn't even spray the underside of the bonet or filler cap, talk about cutting costs. Are you intending to drive around with your bonnet open? No-one's going to see the underside of your bonnet - so why does it matter? I'd rather they saved to extra £50/100 it'd add to the cost of the car.... Point is that every other car seems to have it sprayed underneath, if thats an example of their cost cutting then it is likely to be a problem elsewhere. The engine bay in Japanese cars for example look tidy, clean and like it has been thought about, Citroens just look like the engine has been dumped in. I've got bits of tinfoil n all lurking around :| Title: New car Post by: Samdy Gray on Friday, April 6, 2007, 16:42:57 Jap cars are built to perfection though.
French cars are built as cheap as possible with bits hanging off and all sorts. It's all part and parcel of having a French motor :D Title: New car Post by: glos_robin on Friday, April 6, 2007, 16:51:38 Fair point, my dad swears by citroens and always has one.
I'm still planning on getting the new Civic type R in the summer, but am now also tempted by the type S 2.2 diesel due to fuel cost reasons. Title: New car Post by: Bob's Orange on Friday, April 6, 2007, 16:55:36 Quote from: "glos_robin" Fair point, my dad swears by citroens and always has one. I'm still planning on getting the new Civic type R in the summer, but am now also tempted by the type S 2.2 diesel due to fuel cost reasons. Move to Luxembourg, cheapest fuel in Europe, then you can drive about in a car with a big engine and not really give a fuck!! I have sat in the driver's seat of the new Civic Type R, it looks AMAZING!! Title: New car Post by: glos_robin on Friday, April 6, 2007, 16:57:35 Have test drove it for 2 days so am now hooked, which is why don't think the diesel would satisfy me now :D
Title: New car Post by: Bob's Orange on Friday, April 6, 2007, 17:01:27 Quote from: "glos_robin" Have test drove it for 2 days so am now hooked, which is why don't think the diesel would satisfy me now :D I know what you mean. My motor has 260 horses under the bonnet. One push of the accelerator and you are hooked!! Title: New car Post by: glos_robin on Friday, April 6, 2007, 17:05:41 Quote from: "Bob's Orange" Quote from: "glos_robin" Have test drove it for 2 days so am now hooked, which is why don't think the diesel would satisfy me now :D I know what you mean. My motor has 260 horses under the bonnet. One push of the accelerator and you are hooked!! Indeed, I know I'll end up with the type R.......just gotta justify it in me head :D Title: New car Post by: flammableBen on Friday, April 6, 2007, 17:07:56 My penis is adequately sized. I don't have to compensate for anything with big silly cars.
Title: New car Post by: sonic youth on Friday, April 6, 2007, 17:12:16 Quote from: "sam_stfc" Jap cars are built to perfection though. French cars are built as cheap as possible with bits hanging off and all sorts. It's all part and parcel of having a French motor :D My Clio is 13 years old and it still doesn't seem to want to die yet. The only problems are annoying ones rather than real problems, such as the roof leaking and the passenger door not opening from the outside (but my mate Josh broke that). In summary, Clio's are indestructible Title: New car Post by: TalkTalk on Friday, April 6, 2007, 21:08:17 Quote from: "flammableBen" My penis is adequately sized. I don't have to compensate for anything with big silly cars. Good point. My penis is a perfect fit for my good lady. As is my car for the boring home to work journey that I give it. Now motorbikes..that's different. My penis must be incredibly small when it comes to them... Title: New car Post by: Bob's Orange on Saturday, April 7, 2007, 07:56:54 Quote from: "flammableBen" My penis is adequately sized for a family of gnats. I don't have to compensate for anything with big silly cars, because I am too stupid to be able to drive. Quite. Title: New car Post by: Samdy Gray on Monday, May 14, 2007, 12:21:31 ** Bump **
Had a bit of fun in the rain with the new motor yesterday, found out how to turn the traction control off :mrgreen: All on private land of course :wink: Title: New car Post by: Bob's Orange on Monday, May 14, 2007, 12:37:12 My car is gathering dust in the garage until I can drive again! :evil:
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