RIP my car, I need new wheels!

[JohnGalway 1,043]

Well folks,

 

Mechanic reckons my car is not worth fixing, mostly down to it's age, condition, recent engine issues which are making it unreliable I pretty much agree.

 

So, I'm on the look out for a new second hand car

 

I drive about 15k miles / 24k km a year. That's 99.5% R (regional - shoddy) and N (national - crap) road driving. Motorway hasn't yet reached Connemara and I rarely travel beyond Galway city.

 

Current car is a 99 Mazda 323 1.4 something I believe.

 

I've been advised to go for a Toyota Avensis 1.6 petrol from 03-09, purely on reliability and low cost of maintenance.

 

My budget isn't great in or around €4k, there's a very slight outside chance of a little wiggle room, but not more than +1k. Ideally I don't want to pass €4k though.

 

Reliability and fuel efficiency are the most important factors to me.

 

Cost of normal maintenance repair also important.

 

I'm looking for informed opinions based on the above of what make/models I should be actively looking at. I know SFA about cars.

 

How would Skoda compare to an Avensis?

 

I have seen an Avensis I like the look of, but if there's a better option for me I'm all ears.

 

Been advised by the mechanic not to delay too long :pac:

[patterdalejoel 669]

i was told by a mechanic that a suzuki is a very practical and easy car, his words were "ugly as f**k but run forever", and parts are cheap and easy to source. an ignis would fit your budget and has a nice square backend to fit stuff it.

[the_stig 6,614]

yours sounds like the sort of car i buy ...

[Chid 6,844]

Any thing jap or german

 

[JohnGalway 1,043]

yours sounds like the sort of car i buy ...

 

I'm open to offers