A good buy for a largeish 2nd hand car

talksalot81

Hi guys,

It looks like I may well need a new motor. I dont really want to spend more than £2500 at most. I want something bigger than a small car and an estate is an attractive option. I was thinking about something in the 1999/2000 vintage (later is probably too costly). My first thought is a volvo V40 but they are remarkably hard to find in northern ireland. Beyond that there are a few Saab 9-5 about that are in the right region and a couple of slightly earlier BMWs. Do any of these sound good buys for a solid reliable car?

Thanks for your help

Adam

hartcjhart

volvo ok I personally would keep away from the BMW,

as an aside it has been mentioned on here that cars are a fair bit cheaper(and more of them) on the mainland,perhaps that would be an option for you

balsingh

hartcjhart wrote: »

I personally would keep away from the BMW,

Why?? Amazing cars as I am sure most people on here woudl agree.

hartcjhart

because of the age the OP is on about they are known for having trouble with the Nikasill engine liners degrading

mummytofour

Get yourself a nice ( but dull) ford mondao or a laguna. lots of car for your money.

lee131_3

anything with 1.9 diesel from a peugout or citroen maybe a 406 estate or a newer xantia my mum had one (xantia) and it was marvelous, your budget would get you a top spec 2002 model and should stil have change may the worst happen,

But yeah the BMW thing its the longest car ive owned and its solid as a rock on 130k 2.5 petrol

Doozergirl

lee131 wrote: »

But yeah the BMW thing its the longest car ive owned and its solid as a rock on 130k 2.5 petrol

I had a 2000 2.5 petrol and 130k was where it started going mental. Three fixes on different and expensive problems and I relieved when I sold him. I'm not even sure you could get one that old for as little as £2500

H has a 53 plate Vauxhall Astra estate, 1.7 diesel and it takes off better than my new BMW And we just moved house completely using it. Totally obscene!

RichTeaBiscuit

V40 for me, bought the wife a T4 a few years ago.. brilliant motor, ability to do silly speeds and be a superb dog/mountain bike carrier. All it ever needed was normal service stuff - brakes and tyres.. lot's of tyres. Have a look for a V40TD, unburstable car if you find one with some history and not too mega miles.
Sold the T4 not long ago with 155k miles on it and bought V70 D5 with 100k miles on the clock.