Should I buy it?

theatretony

I currently have a 1.8 Nissan Almera (X reg) and it has done me well, but is seems the suspension is going on it..

I have been offered a 1.6 Vauxhall Astra (51 plate) for £600.

The Nissan is only worth about £200 so do I get the suspension sorted or get the Astra? I would feel horrible letting the Nissan go as it has been a very good car to me (put nearly 25,000 miles on it since I got it!)

They are both petrol cars..

Lum

Seen plenty of older Almeras still driving around, hell I had a P reg one as a courtesy car a few years back.

Not seen as many older Astras around.

The golden rule is usually better the devil you know. Suspension is a wear item so if the rest of the car is still sound I'd probably get it fixed.

theatretony

Lum wrote: »

if the rest of the car is still sound I'd probably get it fixed.

Well it has a serious knocking sound from the left front wheel when on full lock, the tyres will need replacing soon and the bodywork is very dented (all done before I bought the car)...

I do not really want to spend an amount of money on the car is the work is more that the car is worth if you get what I mean.

Insurance wise, it is a smaller engine so cheaper to insure (did a quote online)

Lum

That's probably just a top mount that's gone. Tyres are a wear item, and if you're doing bangernomics who cares about the bodywork?

motorguy

theatretony wrote: »

I currently have a 1.8 Nissan Almera (X reg) and it has done me well, but is seems the suspension is going on it..

I have been offered a 1.6 Vauxhall Astra (51 plate) for £600.

The Nissan is only worth about £200 so do I get the suspension sorted or get the Astra? I would feel horrible letting the Nissan go as it has been a very good car to me (put nearly 25,000 miles on it since I got it!)

They are both petrol cars..

Astras of that era can burn oil badly. Watch for blue smoke under acceleration or if you rev it hard repeatedly. It is ultimately terminal for the engine.

Personaly, better the devil you know. Sounds like a driveshaft or CV joint away in your car, probably less than £100 to fix. Four tyres - well if you're short on cash, used ones can be got for £20 each.

motorguy

Lum wrote: »

That's probably just a top mount that's gone. Tyres are a wear item, and if you're doing bangernomics who cares about the bodywork?

+1

Tyres are wear and tear, therefore should ideally be budgeted for as part of running the car.

And yes, who gives a monkeys what it looks like?

306chris

I'd fix the nissan if you know that the rest of the car is sound. For cars in that range there will usually be something that goes wrong or needs attention.

ShowMeTheDeal

306chris wrote: »

I'd fix the nissan if you know that the rest of the car is sound. For cars in that range there will usually be something that goes wrong or needs attention.

I agree with this!

theatretony

Thanks all for the advice.

The Nissan does not look good with the amount of damage to the exterior, but my job involves a lot of site visits so the car looks 'dodgy' when onsite!! I think I will price up the repairs on the Nissan as it is a reliable car.

[Deleted User]

Get the Nissan fixed and you'll still have loads of change from that £600.

You could end up buying the Astra for £600 and finding out that it needs another £600 of repairs in a few months time.

motorguy

theatretony wrote: »

Thanks all for the advice.

The Nissan does not look good with the amount of damage to the exterior, but my job involves a lot of site visits so the car looks 'dodgy' when onsite!! .

At least any prospective clients wont believe you're charging them too much!