which car to 2nd hand car to buy for reliability, nissan Almera or Vauxhall vectra?

mrelephant_2

I'm looking to buy a used car @ 10 yrs old and can't decide which would be best for reliability between almera or Vectra, iv'e searched various websites and almera comes out on top slightly, just thought i'd ask on here for peoples personal experiences.

jd82

Neither, the MK1 and MK1.5 vectras had a poor reputation for reliability although the engines are solid, the Almera at that age rusts like mad.

What is your budget?

mrelephant_2

budget is 1k max, although i may get @ £2-300 part ex on my old banger.

Kilty_2

Just buy on condition at that age IMO, neither are particularly bad, neither are particularly good (but nothing that's ~£1000 will be)

Drone31

If you have a grand to spend, go for a Toyota Avensis pre VVTI; anything before 2000 should be good, even with high miles. They are ultra reliable, easily clocking up 250,000 plus miles. Also consider an Audi if you can live with the insurance.

The best deal of all, if you can track one down, would be a new shape (or rather shape previous to the current one) Ford Mondeo. Very cheap to fix, good engines, very good cars all round. A real turning point for Ford, and if you keep them serviced they'll run without a hitch.

Shop around and you'll get sub 80000 for just under a grand; maybe cheaper if you don't mind a few dings and dents.