Car advice please!

Message

BikerGran · #1 Post by **BikerGran** » Fri Jan 02, 2009 2:27 pm

I have a 24 year old Austin Maestro and I love it lots but it keeps letting me down and I think it will have to go. So I'm looking for a cheap automatic, and there are a couple advertised at a local garage.

One is 99 (T) Vauxhall Astra 1.6 LS estate on 64000 miles for £2495.00

The other is a 99 (V) 2.0 Mondeo GLX (whatever that means!) on 46000 miles for £1695.00

Haven't even looked at them yet, on balance I'd prolly prefer an estate but the Mondeo is cheaper. It's also a larger engine but I know that doesn't always mean worse mpg, Mike has a 2 litre car, I know it's a diesel but it really is very economical.

So does anyone know any pros and cons for either of these? They both fall in the same car tax band as they're both pre 2001.

Syltiz · #2 Post by **Syltiz** » Fri Jan 02, 2009 2:56 pm

Personally I would go with the Mondeo. Not only does it have 2 years average less miles and its cheaper, but if its reliability you are looking for then from my experience Ford is a good option.

#3 Post by **mangocrazy** » Fri Jan 02, 2009 3:04 pm

Another vote for the Mondeo. I guess it's the newer shape hatchback? If so it will have stacks of room when you fold the rear seats down and Ford parts are cheap and widely available.

D-Rider · #4 Post by **D-Rider** » Fri Jan 02, 2009 6:20 pm

I had a couple of Mondeos a few years back. They were fine .... if a little boring .... but basically good cars. This time of year I so miss the Mondeo's heated front screen ... it's brilliant.

No great experience of Astras - although my Dad had one for a long time and really liked it.

I know what you mean about estates though ... my current car is an estate and although I don't fill it up with stuff all the time, it's so convenient having that capability.

Personally, I'd prefer a mondeo to an astra .... but then there's that estate element.

#5 Post by **Kwackerz** » Fri Jan 02, 2009 6:28 pm

Both are average cars, both look overpriced for Automatics!

BikerGran · #6 Post by **BikerGran** » Fri Jan 02, 2009 6:35 pm

Last time I bought a car from a dealer it was priced at £1300 and I paid £1000 - so I know that the ticket price is just a starting point! I would think that in the current climate I could almost name my price, specially going along with a wad of tenners in my hot little hand!

I drove a Mondeo for a while some years ago and I agree about boring - but I'm that few years older now and prolly won't care about that! Still going to have one last try to find someone who can fix my Maestro but I'm really thinking about having a look at the Mondeo.

Of course being a female - I'm not very keen on the colour of either, the Astra is silver and the Mondeo is dark blue - now those ARE boring! Might give the Mondeo a test ride and if I like it, look about for a red one.......

#7 Post by **Kwackerz** » Fri Jan 02, 2009 6:45 pm

You want a red mundane kinda automatic?

sorted. 2 owners, low low mileage, power steering

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2005-05-Ferrari-F ... 240%3A1318

I'd knock them right down though. It's clearly one of those cars that's been sat on the forecourt for years waiting for a buyer. Offer em 1400 quid and a part ex on your Maestro. Theyll snap your hand off in this current climate..

BikerGran · #8 Post by **BikerGran** » Fri Jan 02, 2009 8:13 pm

Oh yeah, I wouldn't mind that. Trouble is, I might get in but I'd never be able to get out without a crane!!!!!!

BikerGran · #9 Post by **BikerGran** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 3:18 pm

Going to look at the mondeo tomorrow.

Samray · #10 Post by **Samray** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 3:48 pm

G'luck.

Test the heated screen

fastasfcuk · #11 Post by **fastasfcuk** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 4:10 pm

the mondeo,s a good car,the only weak points being front lower arm bushes which is,nt a massive job, but make sure you get the front to rear bake pipes checked where they go over the petrol tank,they corrode really bad at this point and do burst.i,ve had a customers burst 2 days after a mot they are well hidden.

BikerGran · #12 Post by **BikerGran** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 5:50 pm

Not sure if a 99 car will have the heated screen but if it does it's a bonus. Have to expect a few little problems, this is a 10 year old car after all, but he told me it will have a new MOT and a service at a local garage that I know is a good one, which is reassuring. I'll ask him to get them to check the brake pipes when they're doing the service if I do decide to buy it, thanks for the info.

Shebee · #13 Post by **Shebee** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 6:39 pm

I have a 12 year old Nissan Almera SI that is just starting to rot underneath but it has 120k on the clock and II cannot fault it - it has had one clutch at 90k and everything still works...except the cigarette lighter skt.

If you see one of them in your price range I'd give it the once over as I have been so pleased with ours!

#14 Post by **Kwackerz** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 6:51 pm

Second for an Almera. I was going to mention it before, but didnt as i cocked the post up.

ours has 118k and no problems, bulletproof chaindriven cams (not a cambelt)
cheap as chips for an 1997 model, especially the 1.4 which rocks (we've got one.. a 2 door)

Most if not all of the Mk1 and Mk2 Almeras should be in your price range. the P reg 1.4's go regularly for 5-600 quid

#15 Post by **Kwackerz** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 6:53 pm

Yours had a new clutch? Shiiiit! Ours is on the original still

(and thats with me abusing it every time I drive it since new!!)