Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: PaulW on 27 September 2008, 23:37:05

Title: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: PaulW on 27 September 2008, 23:37:05
Needless to say, its NOT going to be fun...

He has NO idea on what or how cars work... he passed his test last week and wants help choosing a first car...

I asked him has he had any thought on what he wants from the car, what kind of car he likes... This is the text I just got...

Quote
Something with 4 doors? Did an insurance check about a month ago but they want specific details on a particular car, like I already owned it. Am I right in saying the lower the number on the back, the cheaper the car is to run? In which case, I'm after the lowest number you can get, or however it works.  Don't know what else there is to consider? Help!

Oh... My... God...  :-?

I'm so tempted to recommend something French, and let him learn the hard way...

Any suggestions??  ;D
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: Vamps on 27 September 2008, 23:45:26
How old is he?
How much does he want to spend?

Need that info before any suggestions :)
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: PaulW on 27 September 2008, 23:48:23
He's 29 (or 28), one or the other...
Money - Asked him, and his response was 'well i could spend a little more i guess' but not said exactly how much, as he just said 'dont know', so looks like finance is an option...

Seriously... this is going to be a mission...
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 27 September 2008, 23:49:38
hoping these will help

http://www.whatcar.co.uk/
http://www.tiscali.co.uk/motoring/buying/buyingguide/advice/3335.html
http://www.trustmymechanic.com/usedcarlist.html
http://www.moneystuff.net.au/Default.aspx?tabid=163
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: PaulW on 27 September 2008, 23:51:53
Quote
hoping these will help

http://www.whatcar.co.uk/
http://www.tiscali.co.uk/motoring/buying/buyingguide/advice/3335.html
http://www.trustmymechanic.com/usedcarlist.html
http://www.moneystuff.net.au/Default.aspx?tabid=163

tried those...  aswell as autotrader, still no bloomin idea!!
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: albitz on 27 September 2008, 23:54:27
Astra ? :-/
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: PaulW on 27 September 2008, 23:58:40
Astra is possible, but I'm trying to think of something which will be reliable enough to be run 'into the ground' as I know for a fact it will not be serviced or maintained as well as it should be.  He thought the howling of the SAI Pump on my Omega, aswell as the blowing manifold were 'normal' for cars...

Only thing I can think of in that way are older cars, but he wants something newer...
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: Martin_1962 on 27 September 2008, 23:59:27
Err 2.0 Omega of course
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: albitz on 28 September 2008, 00:00:11
Do his servicing for him.30% cheaper than a dealer.everyones happy. :y
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: SheWhoMustNotBeOUTBID on 28 September 2008, 00:02:19
I think u are going to have to start off by taking him to a few dealers and letting him test drive cars so he gets a feel for what sort of car he wants.  Its gonna be a painful process tho lol. Or just find a way of backing out of helping lolol. Most people learn the hard way i'm afraid, its far more meaningful rather than just being told :P
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 28 September 2008, 00:03:00
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Astra ? :-/

yep..logical..cheap to maintain :y
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: albitz on 28 September 2008, 00:05:21
Or if it is going to get neglected but still expected to run like clockwork,something japanese. :-/
My young sister in law just scrapped her diesel corsa and bought a petrol Fix It Again Tony  :o  she rang up 2 days later to say that it wasnt running properly,I told swinw to tell her I was out.  ;) ;D
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 28 September 2008, 00:08:32
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Or if it is going to get neglected but still expected to run like clockwork,something japanese. :-/

nope..high initial cost.. expensive parts..
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: albitz on 28 September 2008, 00:10:51
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Quote
Or if it is going to get neglected but still expected to run like clockwork,something japanese. :-/

nope..high initial cost.. expensive parts..
Plenty of scrapyards around Liverpool Cem. :y ;D
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 28 September 2008, 00:15:57
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Quote
Quote
Or if it is going to get neglected but still expected to run like clockwork,something japanese. :-/

nope..high initial cost.. expensive parts..
Plenty of scrapyards around Liverpool Cem. :y ;D

second hand parts for Toyota,Honda,Mazda prices 60-70% of original here :-/
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: albitz on 28 September 2008, 00:25:58
In scrapyards here - absolutely free...........but you run the risk of getting bit on the bum by a doberman at 3a.m. :y ;D ;D
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 28 September 2008, 00:29:04
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In scrapyards here - absolutely free...........but you run the risk of getting bit on the bum by a doberman at 3a.m. :y ;D ;D

 :o

heaven ::) ::)
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 28 September 2008, 00:29:54
buy some meat chops for doggies ;D
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: PaulW on 28 September 2008, 00:40:16
Update - FAR less than 4k  ;D

So most likely 1500 tops...

Old diesel astra here we come...

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/VAUXHALL+ASTRA/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-12-240-4294966635-4294966969/advert.action?R=200839319789760&distance=19&postcode=CW84BX&channel=CARS&make=VAUXHALL&model=ASTRA&min_pr=&max_pr=1000&max_mileage=
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: feeutfo on 28 September 2008, 02:55:24
was thinking astra when i saw title, people have suggested astra and having read through still think astra! Had exactly this with my brother, been through a couple of cars, mazda 626, maf £380 new and rocking horse pooh from brakers. Then hg went, scraped that and got an astra! Loads of em in the breakers. So no problem with cheap parts.
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: Danny on 28 September 2008, 09:19:48
ideal first car...? if he has no clue, get a ford fiesta about 10 years old

my parents swear by them, they both have one each that are 10 years old, spent less than £500 to buy them and not had to spend a penny on repairs
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: davlad22 on 29 September 2008, 13:29:52
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Update - FAR less than 4k  ;D

So most likely 1500 tops...

Old diesel astra here we come...

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/VAUXHALL+ASTRA/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-12-240-4294966635-4294966969/advert.action?R=200839319789760&distance=19&postcode=CW84BX&channel=CARS&make=VAUXHALL&model=ASTRA&min_pr=&max_pr=1000&max_mileage=
Insurance group 9!?!  :o WTF!?! I had an estate one of those and it wasn't ins group nine, i'd want something with less miles....tho the diesel astras will go on forever, not great to drive by modern standards though.

My current astra 'G'/Mk4 1.7DTi is ins group 4 and so are the 1.6's, much better value.

Something with 4 doors and the 'lowest number on the back' is a bit of a contradiction! It won't won't haul it's own arse around with 4 people! Or if he does want that combo(!) a 1.0 3cyl 4dr corsa.

If he knows sweet f/a about cars you want something as new and reliable as poss, he won't thank you for finding him a rusty nail!
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 29 September 2008, 13:34:22
1999-2000 1.6 16V Astra G....
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 29 September 2008, 13:36:49
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1999-2000 1.6 16V Astra G....

yep..much better and reliable..
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: davlad22 on 29 September 2008, 13:59:25
Quote
Quote
1999-2000 1.6 16V Astra G....

yep..much better and reliable..
;)
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: Ian_D on 29 September 2008, 19:09:17
Corsa or Astra 8 valve! Dont have anything fitted to go wrong!  :y
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 29 September 2008, 19:20:02
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Corsa or Astra 8 valve! Dont have anything fitted to go wrong!  :y

Other than head gaskets and water pumps........
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: Jay w on 29 September 2008, 19:24:01
i would suggest an old crapper for a first car, run it for a year and then trade up......

I bought James a clit...yes i know its french, BUT, it is reliable and pretty tidy for a mid 90's car, there is less rust on it than you would get on a comparable astra/fiesta.

Insurace for the 2 of us (he's still not passed his test) is £385 TPFT
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 29 September 2008, 19:37:59
Quote
i would suggest an old crapper for a first car, run it for a year and then trade up......

I bought James a clit...yes i know its french, BUT, it is reliable and pretty tidy for a mid 90's car, there is less rust on it than you would get on a comparable astra/fiesta.

Insurace for the 2 of us (he's still not passed his test) is £385 TPFT

Hence Astra G......get them for a grand or so now, reliable, well screwed togethe.....and 100% galvanised
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 29 September 2008, 19:39:06
e.g.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1998-VAUXHALL-ASTRA-LS-16V-SILVER_W0QQitemZ120309690410QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item120309690410&_trkparms=39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A7%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 29 September 2008, 19:40:24
or for a little more

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2002-VAUXHALL-ASTRA-SXI-1-6-16V-3-DR-BLUE-46000-MILES_W0QQitemZ130258987564QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item130258987564&_trkparms=39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A7%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: Jay w on 29 September 2008, 21:12:19
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or for a little more

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2002-VAUXHALL-ASTRA-SXI-1-6-16V-3-DR-BLUE-46000-MILES_W0QQitemZ130258987564QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item130258987564&_trkparms=39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A7%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Bloody hell you cant go wrong with that!!!!!!
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: Ken T on 29 September 2008, 21:34:31
If its been sitting around for over a year, not doing much, then the brake discs may be rusted. Cars don't like just sitting around, they need to be moving so the airflow past/through them keeps water and  condensation out.

Ken
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: Lazydocker on 29 September 2008, 22:01:43
Get him a Mig... Speak to JueV6... He's got a couple spare :-X :-X :D :D
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: SheWhoMustNotBeOUTBID on 29 September 2008, 22:07:12
Yes..., pullllleeeeeaaaaasssee speak to JueV6 lol, sure he'll do a deal about repairs lol  :P
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: Lazydocker on 29 September 2008, 22:15:02
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Yes..., pullllleeeeeaaaaasssee speak to JueV6 lol, sure he'll do a deal about repairs lol  :P

No good begging now.......... You've already hit the button :D :D
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: SheWhoMustNotBeOUTBID on 29 September 2008, 22:19:30
lol, I need something like a government rescue of my bank account :P Maybe it could be nationalised as well?
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: Ian_D on 29 September 2008, 23:15:18
 ;D

I DARE you to bid on another mig... Just one!  ::)
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: Lazydocker on 29 September 2008, 23:26:17
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;D

I DARE you to bid on another mig... Just one!  ::)

This one? clicky (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1998-VAUXHALL-OMEGA-ELITE-V6-AUTO-BLACK_W0QQitemZ180292482882QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item180292482882&_trkparms=39%3A1|66%3A2|65%3A1|240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14)

Or this (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1998-S-Vauxhall-Omega-Elite-Repair-or-Spares_W0QQitemZ170265416374QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item170265416374&_trkparms=39%3A1|66%3A2|65%3A1|240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14) one... I might be tempted myself actually... I like the interior!
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: SheWhoMustNotBeOUTBID on 29 September 2008, 23:37:02
Naw lol, don't wanna cause the collapse of another bank :P U know me, intend to bid on one and end up bidding on three (only problem is I win them and deprive the rest of the world of bargain miggies - doesn't do ya karma any good)

And lazydocker.., if they tempt u.., u are paying waaaaay too much for your miggies lol.  We got a 1998 3.0L Elite WITH LPG conversion for £400 lol.
Title: Re: Been asked to help someone choose a car...
Post by: davlad22 on 30 September 2008, 02:32:54
Quote
or for a little more

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2002-VAUXHALL-ASTRA-SXI-1-6-16V-3-DR-BLUE-46000-MILES_W0QQitemZ130258987564QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item130258987564&_trkparms=39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A7%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
Oi! No ebay links says forum rules!?!  :P