Yet another "I need some advice thread"

LegerdemainR

LegerdemainR

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Some car purchasing advice, a little overwhelmed

Hey all,

So after a particularly frustrating experience in Pretoria this weekend, I've decided to retire my Opel Corsa 1.3l IS (and when I mean retire I mean give it to my mom so she can drive around and do some shopping) and get another car, hopefully something with more of a punch.

Now, I've been looking around locally (Vaal Triangle) and on the net, but I am still overwhelmed by this whole situation as this is my first major car purchase. I know that my brand new/new slightly used car needs the following:

  • At least 1.6l or above (1.4l is far to close to 1.3l for my liking, unless we're talking about a 1.4l Turbo)
  • I'd like it to provide a comfortable ride, especially for long distance travelling
  • I have a preference for Hatch's, although I'm not opposed to a sedan
  • Preferably a 2007 model or above

I'm 26 and looking at financing around R150 000 after deposit. Because I'm giving my Corsa to my mom and cannot use it as a trade-in, I can manage to work up around R25 000 for a deposit (so we looking in the region of R175 000 - the lower the better).

I'm particularly partial to Honda's, as my brother has had an excellent experience with his 2000 Civic vTec, and as I understand it, for the most part they are ridiculously reliable and just keep on going and going and going ...

I'm not too keen on the Polo Vivo, and while I've been looking at the new Polo's, those starting prices (Car of the Year or not) are a bit on the ridiculous side (slightly off-topic - anybody also confused by the fact that you can get a bluetooth capable radio with handsfree in the Vivo, but not in the new Polo - WTF is up with that?). :wtf:

Also as I understand it, you should stay away from 2nd hand BMWs unless it comes with a maintenance plan, which is extremely rare on 2nd hand cars. I've been looking at 2005 - 2006 2nd hand Golf V TDI's and GTI's, but in my price range I only seem to find ones with very high mileage (120000km+) on the clock. To be honest though, I'm not all that keen on a Golf. :-/ Audi's (especially A3's) are also something I'd consider, but I'm not sure whether they're worth it or not as I have no experience with Audis.

Locally, I've managed to find a clean 2007 Honda Accord 2.4l i-VTEC Type S (pre-facelift) with 48000km on the clock, test drove it and it drives beautifully. With my deposit, I will be looking at financing R132 000 for the Accord, which seems to be an amazing deal. I've also been looking at 2008 Civic Type R's. I can find a few in the R160 000 - R170 000 range with between 44 000km and 54 000km on the clock. My main concern is that I've read that because of the type of rear axle and suspension (or something like that) combined with the bucket seats that the ride can be extremely stiff, hard and uncomfortable. Anyone have any experience with the Type R (I'm trying to arrange a test drive but nothing is available locally)? I've had a look for regular Civics, but I'm having a hell of a difficult time finding many 2nd hand. Guess that not many people sell their Civics. :o

What do you guys think? Any suggestions on the ones I've mentioned? Any suggestions on cars I haven't considered and should look at? I'd appreciate any advice. :)
 
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Not going to give you advice on the type of car. Just a comment on the upgrade idea, remember to factor in higher insurance, and more costly services.

Personally, I can't stand the thought of having to get a new car. I was looking at 4x4s recently and I dislike the entire process. Building a car from scratch is more fun :p
 
Mercedes Benz is an alternative, check the auto trader. Mada seems to have upped their quality so Mazda 3, you could try a Ford Focus. Honda Accord is an awesome selection, downgrading that, the Jazz is a winner as well. I haven't checked the Auris from Toyota but that may be a selection as well.
 
Jeez, those Scoobies are CHEAPO for newish cars! But the colour, yuk. And I don't think one can call that a scooby now can we?
 
Thanks for the replies so far. I really am torn. The Type R appeals to me on all kinds of levels aesthetically, but the Accord just drives so beautifully. Hadn't factored in Mercedez at all, will have a good look to see if I can find some bargains. Lol, and Subaru, but I my brother would enjoy it more than me. :D

fastesthamster said:
Not going to give you advice on the type of car. Just a comment on the upgrade idea, remember to factor in higher insurance, and more costly services.
Click to expand...

I have factored the insurance in, and while a little high, it's not unmanagable. And I guess I'm lucky with regards to services, as both my brother and dad are qualified mechanics, so I essentially pay for parts. :)
 
Maelstrom said:
I have factored the insurance in, and while a little high, it's not unmanageable. And I guess I'm lucky with regards to services, as both my brother and dad are qualified mechanics, so I essentially pay for parts. :)
Click to expand...

That makes a *huge* difference :) Better stay in their good books.
 
Maelstrom said:
Thanks for the replies so far. I really am torn. The Type R appeals to me on all kinds of levels aesthetically, but the Accord just drives so beautifully.
Click to expand...

I would go for the Accord. The Civic you have to drive like a go-kart the whole time.
 
You have a wide variety of different types of cars in your post:

VW G5 GTI / TDI
Honda Civic Type R
Honda Accord 2.4 (pre-facelift)
Audi A3

From what you have now, these are all a huge step up. If you not the boy racer type, the best choices above would be Golf 5 TDI, Honda Accord or Audi A3. My choice would be the Honda Accord - they are just so awesome and have an incredible spec list. Also, great service with the reliability.

I can suggest the following to consider:

Ford Focus 1.6 / 2.0 (I have a Focus Sedan 2.0si - wasn't phased between hatch or sedan as the car is appealing to me. Great drive. I got it when it was 15 months old, 14 000km on the clock. Price R159k).
Mazda 3 1.6 / 2.0 Very nice finish outside and inside. However, you get 4 different spec options. The 2 at the top of the list, Dynamic and I think Sport offer the nicest cockpits.
New Polo 1.6
Fiat Grande Punto 1.4 T-Jet (turbo) - very nice car to drive
Hyundai i20 1.6 - also, very nice to drive

That's my 2c. Enjoy the hunt :)
 
Dont forget Fuel consumption depending on how far you drive . With the new toll fees it could cost quiet a bit.

But the Accord sounds like a great choice. I think the Accord comes with a Maintenance Plan as well !

But if u looking at a new car, Hyundai i30 1.6 at 189K comes loaded with everything except a sunroof

Good luck
 
Hyundai is boring especially if you can get something like a GTi 5. Why on earth would you buy a Hyundai i30?
 
Thanks all. I have to admit that the Accord is looking really attractive at the moment. I contacted our local Honda dealer as I was curious why the Accord didn't come with the remainder of a maintenance plan. Turns out it should still be covered with a 5-year/120 000km maintenance plan, so that's made it even more attractive.

I've actually had a look at the i30, and it definitely appeals to me, but it is at the high end of the price scale. The Focus is something else I've been having a look at as it seems to be quite a nice car.
 
I think the Honda (pre facelift) actually has a 5 year / 100 000km maintenance plan. Just check to be sure.

My Ford's service plan & warranty had to be transferred into my name - cost depends on the dealer. Make sure (If you buying a Ford) the sale includes this so you don't have to book in the car for a day to have it checked before they do this.

Also, just to be safe, find out if a maintenance plan / warranty transfer goes with the car or previous owner on any car you buying - differs from manufacturer to manufacturer.

I have looked at the i30 and was REALLY disappointed as it's not that much more impressive over the i20. I do not see how they can say it's comparable to a Golf V or VI.
 
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