Advice on buying a new car.

motorguy

ballyblack wrote: »

That is a common misconception.

Proximity to the border means nothing to a rogue diesel retail outlet

If anything diesel purchased just over the border in the South of Ireland is probably more genuine than diesel purchased in say North Antrim

Well, its not based on my misconception, its based on my experience as a car dealer. BUT, you are right, there are rogue diesel traders all over the north. I remember reading somewhere that there are fuel pump refurbishers in england who deal pretty much exclusively in fuel pumps from northern ireland.

Also, i suspect that its not the fuel over the border thats the problem, its the green diesel brought over the boarder then treated with acid to remove the dye, that seems to be more prevalent in the border areas.

I think generally, older diesels are more likely to be run on cheap fuel anyway, which is bad news for the pump, injectors, etc.

ballyblack

Green diesel?

Probably more likely originally Red diesel as it got a lower rate of Vat.
(Also a diesel engine will run for a time on Kerosene & lubricant)

However leaving that aside the orginal poster needs transport at £1000, which for a diesel engined car is banger money and not worth the hassle.

shaz77_2

pgilc1 wrote: »

Thats an Avensis in the link, which is mondeo sized, not focus sized like the corolla. The Avensis will always be cheaper than a corolla as its relatively unloved because of its size.

Do you really need a diesel? You will pay a premium for a diesel car and there is a great risk in northern ireland that its been run on cheap fuel from somewhere - particularly if its anywhere near the border regions - a pump for a diesel car is anywhere between £500 & £1000, injectors go, heater plugs go. I had a corolla diesel as a runabout a while ago and spent significant money on it every month keeping it running.

Also that car is only mot'd to june, its now nearly february, so you'll have just four months of driving before you're having to worry about MOT. Aim for a car with at least 10 months MOT.

You WILL pay a premium for any toyota corolla, and i'm not sure its worth it.

Sorry I meant to say Avensis, regarding Diesel motors I though they would be more cost effective and cheaper to run in the long run.

IvanOpinion

before buying an 8 year old car make sure that the cost of spare parts is not excessive. An older car may need a little bit more TlC and new bits therefore you don't want something that is expensive to work on (better still if you can do it yoourself).

Ivan

ballyblack

regarding Diesel motors I though they would be more cost effective and cheaper to run in the long run.

Yes that is true for new or young diesel cars, but if you are buying a diesel car at £1000 and it has a major mechaical failure, repairs can be expensive.

As a previous poster PGILC1 said diesel fuel pumps etc are sensitive to misfueling and and cost an arm and leg to repair.

wifeforlife

pgilc1 wrote: »

You WILL pay a premium for any toyota corolla, and i'm not sure its worth it.

I'm driving a 10yr old toyota, just went through it's MOT on friday past with no problems, it's a great car and everyone wants to borrow it and drive it

I'd recommend it but why dont you check out the auctions, the likes of Wilsons and Carryduff, they might be worth a look in

Cate

motorguy

ballyblack wrote: »

Green diesel?

Probably more likely originally Red diesel as it got a lower rate of Vat.
(Also a diesel engine will run for a time on Kerosene & lubricant)

Sorry, not totally up on where your average fuel smuggler buys his fuel in the first place, i just know the impact of using the resulting crap in a car.

motorguy

ballyblack wrote: »

However leaving that aside the orginal poster needs transport at £1000, which for a diesel engined car is banger money and not worth the hassle.

Totally agree.

motorguy

cathy2702 wrote: »

I'm driving a 10yr old toyota, just went through it's MOT on friday past with no problems, it's a great car and everyone wants to borrow it and drive it

I'd recommend it but why dont you check out the auctions, the likes of Wilsons and Carryduff, they might be worth a look in

Cate

That doesnt mean a ford wouldnt have done the same thing, and for less?

I would avoid auctions like the plague for cars at this budget, as the cars there for £1000 are either

(a) unloved trade ins that the dealer cant shift
(b) cars that the owner is afraid to sell on to a member of the public

There are extremely few genuine honest cars at that price in an auction.

shaz77_2

I bought my last car second hand which was a diesel, and it only cost me £1000 and it was a very good car, however its now time for a new vehicle.

I'm trying to find something that looks reasonable but nothing fancy, it should be a solid and efficient car.