Need car urgently

L

Lovely

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Joined
May 29, 2012
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Hi guys,

I hope you can help. I've been going through the threads and can't see what I'm looking for.

I've been saving to buy a car and so far I have managed to save R19 000. Problem is I started a new job in Sandton and I live in the West Rand. I've been struggling with transport and I have already paid R750 for three nights using meter taxis. :(

I want to buy the car cash as I have my bond and school fees to pay so I don't want an extra burden, accept for car insurance. I also don't want a loan.

Can you guys recommend a car that I can buy. I heard that Fiat is not very reliable. I've been checking Gumtree for cars but I'm not sure.

I just saw this advert?

http://www.gumtree.co.za/cp-cars-in-roodepoort/ford-laser-1-3l-522899649

http://www.gumtree.co.za/cp-cars-in-eastern-pretoria/nissan-sentra-1989-522895162

I don't mind the blue colour or anything. I just need a reliable car.

Oh and I'm a female. :)

Thanks
 
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Give this thread a bump tomorrow morning after everybody had some coffee.
 
Yea its a little late now, the xperts will be on in the morning.

Tho personally I wouldn't buy a car from anyone in Delmas. Thats a gross generalisation I know, but everyone I have ever dealt with there (I'm in the motor industry) is trying to pull a fast one in one way or another.
 
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Pondering if you are looking for a cell phone contract as well?
 
I know nothing about the Sentra, but as far as the Laser goes...

I'd prefer to call it a Mazda 323, but anyhow - It's not 1996. The Ford Laser GL(Mazda E3 engine) was developed along-side the Mazda 323 in the same factory until 1995.
I can vouch for the reliability of the Mazda 323 since it was my first car. Parts and maintenance is also cheap, it's not that heavy on fuel, and you could probably build a new 323 for under 30k if you really needed to.
 
Tip 1: Don't buy cars from scamtree. Rather try Autotrader for example.

Tip 2: Look for a Honda. Those things are built to last. For example, Auto Trader has a 1996 Ballade 1.6 for R23 000. You could also get a late 80's/early 90's Benz for that price which is also solid if you can find a good one.

Generally, old Fiats, Alfas or Volkswagens (apart from the Beetle) will be bad choices and constantly be breaking down.
 
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Had 2 of those sentra's .

First one was a 1.6 GL if i remember correctly, beautiful little car gave no issues and very cheap to maintain, light on fuel, and you can service it yourself. Poor little car was written off in an accident.

Second one was a 1.3 GL also, very light on fuel, no issues what so ever. Drove it everyday everywhere.

I would say go for it, just make sure that you service the car when you get it. Change everything, cambelts, fanbelts, oil, fuel filter, air filter, oil filter, plugs. Do this so that you have peace of mind because the person you buying from might not have done the proper service or they might just lie about doing it unless they have proof of service.
 
Sentra is a nightmare to work on. No space around the engine to do anything.
Look at Honda, very reliable. Had a old 1300 box shape. Not fast, but just kept on going till it was written off in a accident. :cry:

If all else fails, buy a Golf. but make sure you have someone to fix it. Their parts are cheap for a reason.
 
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