Car Advice Please!

TradePro

Iceweasel wrote: »

Good idea!

Have a look at a BMW e90 318d or 320d.

That has the very reliable and economic M47 engine - not the later N47 which has timing chain issues.

Lots of folks running them with 150K plus on the clock.

Joy to drive.

Go for it.

If you buy another VW or a Mondeo you will be sad at every BMW you see.

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/bmw/3-series-e90-2005/?section=bad

TradePro

jkpd wrote: »

If you ignore the jd power surveys which are complete rubbish due to the small sample of cars involved ie 19000 in the last what car survey, and look at the 2011 FN50 survey which involve 1.2 millon lease cars,
1 bmw
2 audi
3 honda
4 vw
5 toyota
6 nissan
7 merc
8 ford
9 lexus
10 skoda

There is just no way this survey is telling it how it is.

Forgetting the German vs Japanese argument, we all know that Skoda's give less trouble than VW's and Audi's (in my opinion this is partially due the technology being a bit more ironed out by the time it reaches the budget brand).

My theory is something like this;

It's all down to how smug the rep feels about his/her repmobile.

The one's who have been 'awarded' a 3 series or A3/A4 feel happier than the 'unlucky' ones who have to make do with a Mondeo - it's not their car and they don't overly care if it breaks, as long as they can 'show off' when it is running...

The less lucky rep's who have a Mondeo are a bit down because they wish they had an A4 - however this is only because they haven't had one yet, and still believe the hype that they're good.

In summary;

I'll put up and keep quiet with my troublesome Audi because it shows I've 'made it'

vs.

I'm going to keep complaining to my boss that the Mondeo is broken again, in the hope he gets me something 'better' next time

TradePro

oligopoly wrote: »

This replacement car is also partly a reward for stopping smoking 6 months ago, so I would like a car that's a bit of a treat as well.

Congrats on quitting by the way, good on ya!

oligopoly

Wow. Thanks for the responses, guys. Very helpful. To address the individual points:

I've had the Golf for 4 years and on the whole has been reliable - just a couple of issues. It was my first car so I don't know if these issues are normal... I was under the impression that whilst Japanese cars may be more reliable the parts can be less scarce/more expensive (than Volvo, VW, BMW).

The comment about me being sad if I don't go for a BMW may be true - they certainly look the part, but I'm aware a grand or two goes on the badge...

The Octavia is a good shout actually, thanks Funkycold.

WeirdNev - I appreciate the trouble you went to there - the Volvo in particular is nice. I think you're right about my expectations/priorities soon to be shifting. The 3 series estate/touring is a beaut!

There are so many minor things wrong with this Golf - missing glove box fascia, rear windscreen wiper failure etc. but I was told by the garage to get rid as a £700 odd bill is on the horizon. I cant sell this on with a clear conscience - well, not to Joe Bloggs visiting my house anyway...

gilbert_and_sullivan

I can only agree with Trade Pro's comments on this thread re the popular German cars mentioned which are white goods in Germany.

How come an 11 year old Golf is in such a poor state, it was made before the advent of DMFs and is a paragon of enduring quality if you were to believe the ads, its either a basically poor design that has reached end of life about 6 years before an equivalent good Japanese make or its been badly neglected.

TradePro

oligopoly wrote: »

I was under the impression that whilst Japanese cars may be more reliable the parts can be less scarce/more expensive (than Volvo, VW, BMW).

You are quite correct here, the parts are more expensive - because they are much better quality.

As a result of this, you won't be buying many, so don't let it worry you.

OddballJamie

Scrapping an 11 year old Golf because it has some trim missing, a knackered wiper motor and a big service due is madness. Just trade it in or put it up for auction, a small garage/trader would set it right on the cheap and have it on the forecourt in no time.

If you want a newer/better car, then treat yourself, just don't kid yourself it's to save money. All cars have ongoing costs.

Well done on the quitting.

Chimpofdoom

I was in a similar situation a few months ago, except I bought a 2006 Honda Civic EX.

Apart from one problem with a sensor (it was complaining about low brake fluid, but it turns out there was air in the brake lines, but Honda fixed that with no charge (covered under "approved used" warranty))

Otherwise, the car is fantastic, good MPG with the 1.8 petrol engine, ride is comfortable and it looks like a spaceship.. what more could you want

oligopoly

I think you guys are right about the Japanese cars - I've narrowed my list to the Honda Accord, Mazda or BMW 3 series - saloon or estate. You get more car for your money on the Japanese but I still think I'll be disappointed if I don't go for a BMW - they certainly have the looks.

I'll have a test drive and also see what 'pops up' locally over the next few days. Whilst it's advantageous not to be rushed by time I fear my Golf is going to conk out any minute, so hope to get something sorted on Saturday!

I'll report back with what I end up with. Thanks again. :beer:

TradePro

oligopoly wrote: »

I still think I'll be disappointed if I don't go for a BMW - they certainly have the looks.

Glad you are coming round mate, and at least considering the Japanese cars.

Let me please just point out one thing, and it's nothing personal, the majority of car buyers fall into a similar trap.

You mention the BMW 'has the looks'. I see where you are coming from, they are a decent looking car, BUT, in the price bracket you are looking in, nothing is going to 'impress' others (again, don't take offence).

What I mean to say is, consider going with the car that will cost you least to run and give you the least hassle, rather than the one with the perceived 'wow factor', because in reality none of them have this.

Hope that helps.