Non stop cAr problems

skittles_m

Most of the replies I've received from this thread hasn't particularly useful so far.


I don't know whether the Auris automatic will have poorer economy than my old Astra manual, which was absolutely appalling, surely the Toyota can't be that bad? MPG figures for the Auris automatic look a little better.


I'm also looking at the Civic. My old Astra lacked a bit of go, so I'm leaning towards the 1.8 VTEC rather than the1.4. Any useful advice on this? Is one engine more reliable than the other, should I avoid the 1.8?


I've ruled out the Alpha Brera after looking at some reliability issues stated online.

harveybobbles

skittles_m wrote: »

Call me superficial but I don't want to be seen driving an old banger

But you'd rather be seen driving a shiney 5 year old car thats at the side of the road with its bonnet up in a cloud of steam?

A friend of mine has just replaced his 2004 Focus 1.6 with a 1997 Volvo V70 2.5 20v.. Its better on fuel, more fun to drive, easy to work on and generally better put together than most new stuff.

skittles_m

Well I've looked at the Volvo V70 and it's a beast of a car and I don't want a car of that size.


Look, it's my decision if I want to be in an old banger or a newer car. All, I need is advice on is what I've asked already on the Auris and Civic earlier today.

Moto2

skittles_m wrote: »

Most of the replies I've received from this thread hasn't particularly useful so far.

skittles_m wrote: »

Look, it's my decision if I want to be in an old banger or a newer car. All, I need is advice on is what I've asked already on the Auris and Civic earlier today.

You've already been told that the Civic and Auris are OK generally, now go away and do some research on the specific years and models you're looking at.
I've already pointed you at Honest John, try the Toyota owners club forum and the Honda one too for specific info.

One big tip - don't buy anything Italian or French

skittles_m

What about German cars like Skoda? Are they generally good?

Strider590

Moto2 wrote: »

One big tip - don't buy anything Italian or French

Unless the car is sooooooo good to drive, that it makes up for the expensive repairs and the 3 months of the year where it's out of service.

So basically either a great Italian sports car OR a French hot hatchback from before 1999. Anything else, give it a very wide berth.

AdrianC

skittles_m wrote: »

What about German cars like Skoda? Are they generally good?

Skoda's Czech.

OK, they're part of VAG - but if you're looking at corporate parentage, then Nissan and Renault are both French-Japanese, and both Ford and Vauxhall/Opel are American.

Horizon81

DM strikes again.

When test driving the Auris, be sure to check for rear brakes.

Ozzuk

I've had a civic type r, I think it was an 07 plate. I'm a RWD purist and change my cars a lot but I did love the CTR. It had almost as much room in the back as the freelander I had at the same time.

In standard form it should still be a very good car - great interior (felt like a shuttle from Star Trek!). I've owned many hondas and never had an issue - fantastic bullet proof engines.

Vtec yo!

skittles_m

I don't need a car like the Civic Type R, an ordinary, nice one will do thanks.


Thoughts on the A1? Considering to buy as hire purchase or PCP. whats best?