Used car buying advice...

[R111RWD]

Hi everyone, I currently have a 2016 VW Golf TDI which is on finance. I now want to buy a house, so I’ve got to be realistic and save money. I’m therefore looking to sell my car and go finance free.

I have a budget of £5000 to buy a car outright and I’ve been looking at a Honda Civic (2006-2011 style). Generally they’re 1.8 VTEC cars with around 40,000 - 60,000 miles. Is there anything I should be looking at specifically for these cars? I cover approximately 13,000 miles a year and live in rural Wales, so never use motorways and generally a and B roads, as long as fuel consumption is 35- 40 plus I’ll be happy.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[Roboticarm]

I had a brand new 2006 ex model as a company car, only thing that ever went wrong was the sat nav which was fixed under warranty.

However a colleague had the 2.2d which was a better car, the 1.8 had to be worked hard to perform well and I averaged just 33 mpg.
The 2.2 was just as quick, more relaxed to drive and waaay better on fuel.

Only other annoying item was the traction control which (with optional 18" wheels) refused to allow you to put the power down in wet conditions.

[kurt535]

It's Jap. Mechanical woes are vastly negated when compared to other European makes. Id expect you to get a very decent Civic for 5k. I recently purchased an 08 Accord Tourer with 24K on the clock for a shade under 6.8k. So, yeah, be prepared to travel and you will definitely score a decent home run

[ZX10R NIN]

The 1.8 is pretty much bulletproof but due to it's lack of torque, I'd say the 2.2d would be more suited to your needs with it's extra go.

2.2d

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

2012 ES

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Another couple of cars that'll be reliable are the Alfa Giulietta Veloce in both 170bhp diesel & petrol form.

2.0d

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

1.4T

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

I'd also say the Astra GTC is well worth a look:

SRI 180

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

SRI 140

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

2.0d SRI 165

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

All the above are reliable robust steers & worth a look.

[joropug]

I had a 56 plate 1.8 a couple of years ago.

Good:
-Comfy, had heated leather and comfy seats
-Was good on fuel - I averaged 40mpg, could push 50 on motorway
-No major mechanical woes
-Chain driven, a huge advantage all the Astra's and Foci in this price point are cambelt and due or overdue.

Cons:
-Dull AF to drive, no feel whatsoever
-The diesel eats clutches (research it)
-i had a few things go at once, the Speedo sensor, CV joint, door handles are made of cheese.
-Rear screen leaked like crazy by the spoiler