Euro's aren't any more costly to service as long as you find a mechanic that does European cars. Just stay away from the dealers if you want value for money - however they do pamper you more if that's your thing.
Yes, parts can be be more expensive if something major goes wrong, or electronics fail. Your best bet is decent mechanical insurance that covers mechanical and electrical.
New Japanese cars are pretty pricey when things go wrong too.. Again, due to electronics and throw-away design. The main difference is there are more local supplies of parts for common models.
I'd say TCO is for Euros is about 5-10% more max if you're smart and don't buy a lemon. Once you find one you want get a vehicle inspection done by someone who a VAGCOM to connect to the ECU etc. That will show up all sorts of errors in the transmission, engine, electrics, etc if there is something up with it.
As for fuel, any higher performance engine (and almost all Euros) will expect 95.. Budget accordingly.
Oh, and if it was my money. I'd totally go the VW or Audi (we have a B6 Passat V6 and 8L A3 1.8T and love both to bits). The GTI and A3 2.0T are the same car engine wise so you can just pick on style :)
mattgreen: New Japanese cars are pretty pricey when things go wrong too.. Again, due to electronics and throw-away design. The main difference is there are more local supplies of parts for common models.
You are probably covered for at least 5 years by the CGA on new cars for things like electrics going wrong.
mattgreen: New Japanese cars are pretty pricey when things go wrong too.. Again, due to electronics and throw-away design. The main difference is there are more local supplies of parts for common models.
You are probably covered for at least 5 years by the CGA on new cars for things like electrics going wrong.
Very valid point that applies to all new cars. In this case by "new" I meant "newer" as in 2002+ as opposed to "purchasing new".
mattgreen: New Japanese cars are pretty pricey when things go wrong too.. Again, due to electronics and throw-away design. The main difference is there are more local supplies of parts for common models.
You are probably covered for at least 5 years by the CGA on new cars for things like electrics going wrong.
Does anyone know if successful claims have been made by quoting cga for warranty past the 3yr new car warranty for cars?
nickb800: IMO if you want a manual, then don't compromise, tiptronics are a poor excuse, and if you do enjoy a manual then going auto will kill your driving experience.
Good call. Buy what YOU want to get. If you want a manual, get a manual.
In our house we have both, and even with all my city driving I prefer the manual hands down. Fun and in keeps you awake!
I have had a look at a few reviews on the dog and lemon guide online and after talking to a few people have ruled out a few options which is good. I think I'll still test drive them anyway, but probably not go out of my way to. The Audi A3 and Subaru S-GTi have been ruled out.
At this point I think I'll test all the Mazda 3 hatch models. Not just the MPS as it costs more than the normal 2.3L but it needs to be tested to see if it deserves the extra price.
I'll also test a VW Golf, probably more interested in the GTi model than the entry level one but it seems to be the closest competitor to the Mazda 3 in our country. The Focus STi is too expensive and the Renault Clio Renaultsport 182 is too.
Both my partner and I prefer manual gearboxes so will target them first unless a mint example comes up and is auto only.
It appears that we're leaning towards hot hatches, unintentionally, but not surprisingly I suppose. I didn't realise so many ran on 95/96 it's definitely something we need to consider.
In regards to age, I think our budget limits us to about 2007 or earlier which is like the starship enterprise compared to the starlet.
Also, a lot of reviews mention that hatches are noisy... nothing is as noisy as the starlet. We couldn't even have a conversation or listen to music when on the open road... I'm having to read/listen to all reviews pretty dispassionately and whilst understanding that many reviewers are comparing them to top range vehicles. Anything is better than a car with no stereo, AC, power anything, working weather seals heh.
I have had a look at a few reviews on the dog and lemon guide online and after talking to a few people have ruled out a few options which is good. I think I'll still test drive them anyway, but probably not go out of my way to. The Audi A3 and Subaru S-GTi have been ruled out.
At this point I think I'll test all the Mazda 3 hatch models. Not just the MPS as it costs more than the normal 2.3L but it needs to be tested to see if it deserves the extra price.
I'll also test a VW Golf, probably more interested in the GTi model than the entry level one but it seems to be the closest competitor to the Mazda 3 in our country. The Focus STi is too expensive and the Renault Clio Renaultsport 182 is too.
Both my partner and I prefer manual gearboxes so will target them first unless a mint example comes up and is auto only.
It appears that we're leaning towards hot hatches, unintentionally, but not surprisingly I suppose. I didn't realise so many ran on 95/96 it's definitely something we need to consider.
In regards to age, I think our budget limits us to about 2007 or earlier which is like the starship enterprise compared to the starlet.
Also, a lot of reviews mention that hatches are noisy... nothing is as noisy as the starlet. We couldn't even have a conversation or listen to music when on the open road... I'm having to read/listen to all reviews pretty dispassionately and whilst understanding that many reviewers are comparing them to top range vehicles. Anything is better than a car with no stereo, AC, power anything, working weather seals heh.
Two very good choices.
My 2 cents:
Don't get a golf if it isn't at least the GTI. The lower models just don't have enough power to be any fun.
The DSG gearbox is really very nice, so at least try one. It may be a great compromise if you use it as a daily commuter in traffic.
$20k is a fair chunk of coin and for that sort of money you could probably afford to buy a new car along the lines of a Suzuki Swift/Mazda 2/Mitsi Colt and so on...
New car = 3 to 5 year warranty (so no repairs during that time) and in the case of Mazda I believe you get all of the servicing free too... It has to be considered in my mind.
Yeah, the swifts are nice enough but not roomy enough or grunty enough for our lifestyle. A few friends have them and they're great for them but yeah, we'd like something a little bit bigger. We're off to try and find one or two Mazda's and VW's to test drive tomorrow so that will be fun.
I wouldn't put too much stock in The D&L Guide, it doesn't have an especially good reputation with the people who actually know their stuff, ie, the mechanics.
I wouldn't normally recommend anybody venture into the TradeMe community message board, but in this case the Motoring board there is actually populated by a number of knowledgeable people in the trade, I suggest you go post what you're looking for there.
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