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Carheads!: Second Car Purchase Suggestions
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Made a post here in 2023 about my first car purchase on a different account. It garnered a lot of feedback and was super helpful. I eventually got a used Honda Civic for about £1400. I have put a little over 10,000 miles on it in one year with another £450 in servicing, maintenance and minor repairs. I think this was a fair bargain. Currently renewing the MOT, and tbh, I think it is nearing the end of it's lifespan, particularly as it is having some corrosion problems. Spending another £250 between MOT test and welding the corroding part. I reckon I might be able to add about another 5000 - 7000 miles without issues.
This post has gotten long, I guess I am a bit excited. LOL. Anyway, I am looking for another car after I pawn my first off. I want something VERY RELIABLE, affordable to maintain, cheap to insure, possibly diesel engine, as I enjoy travelling and road trips, so I reckon I will get better MPG on diesel (I am open to counter points on this)
Since this is my second car, I also want something a bit "not plastic", i.e. looks better than I would use for Uber Deliveries 
I will be buying used, I am open to advice on budget. I also have a bias towards Asian Car brands, they've got reliability on lock, So 2015 Hyundai models have an appeal for me. but Ford Focus & Fiesta 2015 models look quite good too.
I am hoping this gets some decent replies. Thank you |
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I fairly recwntly bought a 13 plate A4 Avant. Always liked them and diesel engine is fairly bullet proof even on high millage.
Whilst i was looking though, there was quite a few Jaguar xf and xe models available which appealed to me. Lots of mitzibushi s too.
Hope you find the car that ticks your boxes and actually makes you smile each time you start it up |
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lmaoo, Second EcoBoost comment. and a cheeky acronym. These are the comments I came here for!!! Definitely at the right place.
In the previous one they called FIAT, Fix It Again Tomorrow
WHYYYY? What's wrong with them Ecobooms? |
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Be careful of repair costs when looking at cars
Whilst most German cars are pretty bullet proof any spares or repairs or expensive.
I’d suggest finding a garage that specialises in the car you’re looking for with a service centre attached to it |
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"Mind if I ask why. I dont have any specific preferences when it comes to Ford, just curious whY"
Because they use a 'wet'cam belt which means the engine out just to replace...that's if you are lucky enough to get to replace before it snaps. |
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"The ecoboost is normally a 1L engine with a turbo
They were very unreliable even ford admitted it "
thank you.
PS: I know this is outside the topic, but you look hot as fuck. But yeah, back to cars |
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"I fairly recwntly bought a 13 plate A4 Avant. Always liked them and diesel engine is fairly bullet proof even on high millage.
Whilst i was looking though, there was quite a few Jaguar xf and xe models available which appealed to me. Lots of mitzibushi s too.
Hope you find the car that ticks your boxes and actually makes you smile each time you start it up "
Thank you, obviously this is presumptous but I think the earlier models you mentioned maybe out of my paygrade. But sure I will check them out, especially the Mitsubishi |
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Owned two Toyotas one from new and never had an issue with either of them. Reliable, great MPG and the one I have currently a Hybrid CHR so I regularly get above 55 mpg.
I’m more of a motorbike fan so a car is just a mode of transport, whereas a bike is a piece of art 
But good look as I was looking at a Civic prior to buying my Toyota. |
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Yes, generally, you can't go wrong with Japanese cars.
Just check for any service record and check the MOT history (free online).
If the car has a cambelt, check if it's been changed according to mileage...ask to see proof (receipt). |
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Stay well away from the ford ecoboom engines and anything that has a wet cambelt.
Hyundai/Kia are pretty decent motors generally very reliable, but have niggles here n there.
Honda generally solid although some civics now have wet belts which are shit.
Toyota/Lexus solid
Avoid the French crap anything peugeot citroen and now vauxhall as all part of same group pure jank.
BMW love timing chains
Mercedes love timing chains and ignition locks fail costing £1500 but there's a bypass unit you can buy if your lucky and it gets stuck in the off position.
VW Audi group so seat and skoda porsche too, wouldn't waste the time or money, 1.6tdi have major injector problems costing between £350-850 each since diesel gate updates they fail all the time..
I could go on just but get a Toyota or a hyundai |
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"Made a post here in 2023 about my first car purchase on a different account. It garnered a lot of feedback and was super helpful. I eventually got a used Honda Civic for about £1400. I have put a little over 10,000 miles on it in one year with another £450 in servicing, maintenance and minor repairs. I think this was a fair bargain. Currently renewing the MOT, and tbh, I think it is nearing the end of it's lifespan, particularly as it is having some corrosion problems. Spending another £250 between MOT test and welding the corroding part. I reckon I might be able to add about another 5000 - 7000 miles without issues.
This post has gotten long, I guess I am a bit excited. LOL. Anyway, I am looking for another car after I pawn my first off. I want something VERY RELIABLE, affordable to maintain, cheap to insure, possibly diesel engine, as I enjoy travelling and road trips, so I reckon I will get better MPG on diesel (I am open to counter points on this)
Since this is my second car, I also want something a bit "not plastic", i.e. looks better than I would use for Uber Deliveries
I will be buying used, I am open to advice on budget. I also have a bias towards Asian Car brands, they've got reliability on lock, So 2015 Hyundai models have an appeal for me. but Ford Focus & Fiesta 2015 models look quite good too.
I am hoping this gets some decent replies. Thank you "
Avoid any Ford eco boost with a wet belt |
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"Made a post here in 2023 about my first car purchase on a different account. It garnered a lot of feedback and was super helpful. I eventually got a used Honda Civic for about £1400. I have put a little over 10,000 miles on it in one year with another £450 in servicing, maintenance and minor repairs. I think this was a fair bargain. Currently renewing the MOT, and tbh, I think it is nearing the end of it's lifespan, particularly as it is having some corrosion problems. Spending another £250 between MOT test and welding the corroding part. I reckon I might be able to add about another 5000 - 7000 miles without issues.
This post has gotten long, I guess I am a bit excited. LOL. Anyway, I am looking for another car after I pawn my first off. I want something VERY RELIABLE, affordable to maintain, cheap to insure, possibly diesel engine, as I enjoy travelling and road trips, so I reckon I will get better MPG on diesel (I am open to counter points on this)
Since this is my second car, I also want something a bit "not plastic", i.e. looks better than I would use for Uber Deliveries
I will be buying used, I am open to advice on budget. I also have a bias towards Asian Car brands, they've got reliability on lock, So 2015 Hyundai models have an appeal for me. but Ford Focus & Fiesta 2015 models look quite good too.
I am hoping this gets some decent replies. Thank you
Avoid any Ford eco boost with a wet belt "
Thank you, so many people have said this, so I will |
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"Stay well away from the ford ecoboom engines and anything that has a wet cambelt.
Hyundai/Kia are pretty decent motors generally very reliable, but have niggles here n there.
Honda generally solid although some civics now have wet belts which are shit.
Toyota/Lexus solid
Avoid the French crap anything peugeot citroen and now vauxhall as all part of same group pure jank.
BMW love timing chains
Mercedes love timing chains and ignition locks fail costing £1500 but there's a bypass unit you can buy if your lucky and it gets stuck in the off position.
VW Audi group so seat and skoda porsche too, wouldn't waste the time or money, 1.6tdi have major injector problems costing between £350-850 each since diesel gate updates they fail all the time..
I could go on just but get a Toyota or a hyundai "
Thank you, Toyotas are incredibly reliable, family owned a few back in my home country. However, they sacrifice a lot of interior aesthetic inorder to achieve that reliability, particularly with the older models. So I'll probably stick to Hyundai, their interiors give a much better bang for buck in my opinion.  |
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If you don't want "plasticy" then I'd ignore Kia or Hyundai. I looked at both of those and thought they felt flimsy and cheap inside.
I eventually went for a Volvo due to the feedback on the reliability and refinement but my budget was £15k. I'm sure you could get a decent older Volvo for good money. |
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"If you don't want "plasticy" then I'd ignore Kia or Hyundai. I looked at both of those and thought they felt flimsy and cheap inside.
I eventually went for a Volvo due to the feedback on the reliability and refinement but my budget was £15k. I'm sure you could get a decent older Volvo for good money."
Yeah, very valid on your first paragraph to be fair. But 15k quid is WAAYYYY above what I can afford. LOL.. However I will look at older models like you said, and hopefully I can explore options within my reach  |
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I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned this already so apologies if I'm treading old ground:
I believe Leeds has a ULEZ zone, so if you're looking at a diesel it'll need to be a pretty new one to be compliant. Petrol cars can be as old as 2006 as a rule of thumb, so you may find a diesel actually costs you more. |
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I bought a 2009 Honda Accord Tourer - 2.4 litre petrol.
It’s absolutely faultless tbh - it munches miles like they’re going out of fashion, is fast enough for a bit of fun and reasonably economical on a run when you factor in how much more diesel costs per litre.
That said - I am a bit of a Honda fan boy - and this is the ‘beater car’ which does the leg work, whilst I have a TVR Tuscan for more ‘fun’ trips. |
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"I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned this already so apologies if I'm treading old ground:
I believe Leeds has a ULEZ zone, so if you're looking at a diesel it'll need to be a pretty new one to be compliant. Petrol cars can be as old as 2006 as a rule of thumb, so you may find a diesel actually costs you more."
Thank you, I am aware of the ULEZ compliance. Wouldn't even matter if Leeds has got a ULEZ zone, as I travel A WHOLE LOT, so I will sooner or later have to pay a toll (which I must avoid). My petrol car is a 2006 actually. That said, I don't intend to go anything older than a 2015 Diesel engine, if I settle for Diesel, most 2015 models are Euro 6 standard hence ULEZ complaint
Thank you once again, it's something I am in the lookout for, but the reminder is helpful  |
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"I bought a 2009 Honda Accord Tourer - 2.4 litre petrol.
It’s absolutely faultless tbh - it munches miles like they’re going out of fashion, is fast enough for a bit of fun and reasonably economical on a run when you factor in how much more diesel costs per litre.
That said - I am a bit of a Honda fan boy - and this is the ‘beater car’ which does the leg work, whilst I have a TVR Tuscan for more ‘fun’ trips. "
I love Hondas too! They make really sturdy cars. Do you have a recurring Near-Side ball bearing issue with yours? |
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"I bought a 2009 Honda Accord Tourer - 2.4 litre petrol.
It’s absolutely faultless tbh - it munches miles like they’re going out of fashion, is fast enough for a bit of fun and reasonably economical on a run when you factor in how much more diesel costs per litre.
That said - I am a bit of a Honda fan boy - and this is the ‘beater car’ which does the leg work, whilst I have a TVR Tuscan for more ‘fun’ trips.
I love Hondas too! They make really sturdy cars. Do you have a recurring Near-Side ball bearing issue with yours?"
No recurring bearing issues, but I’ve had a couple of issues with the brakes, but really my own fault for not exercising the calipers properly when I changed the brake pads (I knew they needed doing when I bought it)
It’s not super economical around town - but most of my time is spent sitting on motorways. And there it’ll sit at 40mpg - which is fine for me (the TVR does about 12 mpg )
Stuck a subwoofer in the boot, and an external CarPlay unit in it, and it’s perfect. |
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Nissan note or the juke fantastic cars ive an xtrail at the min but i upgraded from a note due to size. I also worked at a nissan dealership. The note,juke or pulsar.The new shape micra is also great. |
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"Pre 2020 Honda jazz.
Pre 2018 Fiat 500.
First one, just goes on and on ( till corrosion).
Second, and both are cheap and reliable. "
I've kept hold of my late mum's 59 plate Honda Jazz because of the reliability, it hasn't missed a beat even though it's not done very high mileage up to now. |
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By *ary69321Man 3 days ago
Newcastle upon tyne |
You have a Honda civic, why don't you just get a newer model, I was going to suggest Toyota Yaris, but diesel models are very rare, stay away from ford and jaguar models, a friend of mine has a jaguar, he has nothing but trouble with it, it's very expensive to repair, stick to Japanese cars, I've had three Toyota Yaris and I live them. |
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I brought a second Toyota Carina diesel years ago for £450 was the most reliable car I've ever owned. Did 250000 miles in and only needed servicing tyres and an exhaust.
Toyata are renowned for being bullet proof, I believe the same of lexus. |
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OP have you thought about a Nissan Qashqai 1.5 DCI engine , reliable and economical. Good ride height. Equipment spec good and even a panoramic roof. Can be had for a couple of grand for a 2010 - 2011. Not sure what your budget is but a great budget car. |
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"Honda civic is a very good shout, Audis are good but bloody nightmare to work on, avoid anything french, ford (see above) or Vauxhall which nowadays have the most shocking electrics going"
Yeah Hondas are dope! |
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"I brought a second Toyota Carina diesel years ago for £450 was the most reliable car I've ever owned. Did 250000 miles in and only needed servicing tyres and an exhaust.
Toyata are renowned for being bullet proof, I believe the same of lexus."
yep, But Toyota deisels arent very common |
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"OP have you thought about a Nissan Qashqai 1.5 DCI engine , reliable and economical. Good ride height. Equipment spec good and even a panoramic roof. Can be had for a couple of grand for a 2010 - 2011. Not sure what your budget is but a great budget car. "
thank you, I will check this out. Nissan is japanese, so it's high up my list |
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"Nissan note or the juke fantastic cars ive an xtrail at the min but i upgraded from a note due to size. I also worked at a nissan dealership. The note,juke or pulsar.The new shape micra is also great."
I'll check out the Juke, it gets some shittalk cos of the shape, but I actually do like it |
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"One thing I will say is never ever ever ever buy a used BMW. This is my 5th one. Love them to bits. Every single one has been a nightmare. Constant need for repairs. I hate this car but I love it"
LOL, I'd never consider a BMW or a Mercedes, this mechanic dude on Tiktok wont stop shitting on them, and I don't want to become my mechanics biggest financier |
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"Nissan note or the juke fantastic cars ive an xtrail at the min but i upgraded from a note due to size. I also worked at a nissan dealership. The note,juke or pulsar.The new shape micra is also great.
I'll check out the Juke, it gets some shittalk cos of the shape, but I actually do like it"
My mum has one. Only thing that let her down for past 5 years was the cvt gearbox |
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"One thing I will say is never ever ever ever buy a used BMW. This is my 5th one. Love them to bits. Every single one has been a nightmare. Constant need for repairs. I hate this car but I love it
LOL, I'd never consider a BMW or a Mercedes, this mechanic dude on Tiktok wont stop shitting on them, and I don't want to become my mechanics biggest financier "
Don't even test drive one. You will be hooked. I love mine. Has been in garage almost every week since I bought it. But the way it feels and drives is so much better than any others |
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"You have a Honda civic, why don't you just get a newer model, I was going to suggest Toyota Yaris, but diesel models are very rare, stay away from ford and jaguar models, a friend of mine has a jaguar, he has nothing but trouble with it, it's very expensive to repair, stick to Japanese cars, I've had three Toyota Yaris and I live them."
I am still considering a Honda Civic, I am using a 2006 model, and apart from the Sport and Type R variants, they all look pretty much the same look up till like 2010, and the update from 2011 wasnt that different.
Secondly, I feel for a couple more quid I could get better mileage. My Honda now is Perfect! but I intend to do a lot more road trips by mid year onwards, hence my preference for perhaps diesel engines.
PS: I got my Honda from a Private seller in Newcastle, mentioning cos I saw your location on your profile |
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"One thing I will say is never ever ever ever buy a used BMW. This is my 5th one. Love them to bits. Every single one has been a nightmare. Constant need for repairs. I hate this car but I love it
LOL, I'd never consider a BMW or a Mercedes, this mechanic dude on Tiktok wont stop shitting on them, and I don't want to become my mechanics biggest financier
Don't even test drive one. You will be hooked. I love mine. Has been in garage almost every week since I bought it. But the way it feels and drives is so much better than any others"
LMAOOOO. No test drives then! |
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Never go BMW they say if when you do your own work if your not familiar with its engine bay you will be very soon.
Got a hyundai i10 atm it's been a brilliant wee car its age and millage is now catching up with it though needed a few things done parts has been fairly cheap so far dreading a clutch change.
Looking at a santa fe or Tuscon or i40 this year not sure what to go for yet |
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"Never go BMW they say if when you do your own work if your not familiar with its engine bay you will be very soon.
Got a hyundai i10 atm it's been a brilliant wee car its age and millage is now catching up with it though needed a few things done parts has been fairly cheap so far dreading a clutch change.
Looking at a santa fe or Tuscon or i40 this year not sure what to go for yet "
on our second kia traded up from a rio to a sportage both been ultra reliable pretty much the same cars as the equivalent hyundias ( same company different badges ) cannot recommend either enough any company that gives a seven year warranty must be doing something right |
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"Never go BMW they say if when you do your own work if your not familiar with its engine bay you will be very soon.
Got a hyundai i10 atm it's been a brilliant wee car its age and millage is now catching up with it though needed a few things done parts has been fairly cheap so far dreading a clutch change.
Looking at a santa fe or Tuscon or i40 this year not sure what to go for yet "
It's interesting that you would mention the clutch. I spoke with a garage today, asking if he would recommend Hyundai, he said they are good, however, some of them tend to come in often with suspension issues and occasionally a problematic clutch. What has your experience been so far regarding both aspects? |
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By *ty31Man 2 days ago
NW London |
"One thing I will say is never ever ever ever buy a used BMW. This is my 5th one. Love them to bits. Every single one has been a nightmare. Constant need for repairs. I hate this car but I love it"
Personally, I think BMWs are pretty solid and reliable
BUT
Only if you keep up the servicing- they can be a bit diva-ish at high mileage (over 100k). And get the gearbox oil checked.
They're great to drive too. |
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"The ecoboost is normally a 1L engine with a turbo
They were very unreliable even ford admitted it "
..
2 litre transit custom is a,wet timming belt ,needs changing at
60kor 6 years which ever the sooner,,,don't ignore as it will cost,,, |
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I've spent thousands on vehicles over the years, maybe hundreds of thousands. I've had everything from Jags to Volkswagen campervans, and now I've got the best car ever...
A Citroën C1 mk2. 😂
It's actually bulletproof, fully loaded with ac, android auto and all the toys - and way more solid than the earlier mk1.
Importantly it's cheap to insure, doesn't burn through fuel, has zero road tax, is nippy in town and as reliable af - not even an MOT advisory in 2 years.
Avoid the 1.2 though, it's a shitty 'wet belt' engine, whereas my 1.0 is a chain driven Toyota engine and as tough as they get. |
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By *ddie1966Man 2 days ago
Paper Town Central, Essex. |
Everyone will have good and bad experiences. Go for the model that no one really talks about.
Personally, I love both my cars for different reasons.. Mitsubishi outlander for towing. 2 litre turbo diesel. 17 years old now and never misses a beat.
Citroen xsara picasso..20 years old, like tardis as all the seats can be moves or removed and I get nearly 60mpg with it. 2 litre diesel.
I'll get the Grand Picasso next as I could do tentless festivals in that too |
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oh one thing I will add from experience of delivering parts to upto 30 garages a day and speaking with mechanics on a regular basis avoid anything with a wet belt timing belt absalout nightmare ford's latest abomination isn't know as the "ecoboom" across the trade without a reason lots of manufacturers using them great for us motorfactors as we sell lots of timing belt kits and oil pumps when they go bang avoid avoid avoid |
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Maybe you should consider something 40 years old or more, no road tax or mot required, things like moggys still have excellent parts availability, can even get new body shells for mini's I think and also the same for MGB's |
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By *ltrMan 2 days ago
sheffield |
"OP have you thought about a Nissan Qashqai 1.5 DCI engine , reliable and economical. Good ride height. Equipment spec good and even a panoramic roof. Can be had for a couple of grand for a 2010 - 2011. Not sure what your budget is but a great budget car. "
Same engine in renault kajar In this cold weather a bugger to start my next door neighbour has one aways coving it up to help it out and he's got a standing account with dealer for servicing |
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S somebody who has had a LOT of carsnover the years (circa 30). I feel likeI can give an unboased opinion. A lot have been company cars too that have just been beaten on.
I've had 3 Hyundais and they have all been exceptional. Had more issues with Fords and VWs.
Toyota and Honda have been brilliant aswell.
I'd stear clear of Citroën, and Vauxhall. Had nothing but issues with both marks. BMW proved troublesome at times too. |
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"Had a Hyundai for years, nae bother.
Have had a Citroen for two years and it’s getting right on my tits.
It’s even more Expensive to service/fix than I am, and that’s saying something 😭"
That does surprise me |
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"I'd stear clear of Citroën"
And yet I had seven Citroens over the years, and the only one that gave me trouble was the C3 Pluriel with a semi-auto gearbox.
The worst car I ever had was a 16v Renault 19 - now that was truly awful, but it had over quarter of a million miles on it!  |
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"S somebody who has had a LOT of carsnover the years (circa 30). I feel likeI can give an unboased opinion. A lot have been company cars too that have just been beaten on.
I've had 3 Hyundais and they have all been exceptional. Had more issues with Fords and VWs.
Toyota and Honda have been brilliant aswell.
I'd stear clear of Citroën, and Vauxhall. Had nothing but issues with both marks. BMW proved troublesome at times too."
thank you, from what I can tell, seems it's just best to stick to japanese |
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"Keep the honda just try keep it goin it probably go on for absolutely years at least u know reliable bit o welding every 12 .months be worth it "
Maybe I will. But, I think this is a personality thing, I do like a bit of change once in a while. So I keep, I'll basically start messing about with it creatively, like changing the paint to camoflouge, or anime or some shit like that, LOL
Lastly, I am a little concerned about how the suspension will stay up for the next few years. It's giving little signs over gallops and bumps. |
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By *a LunaWoman 2 days ago
South Wales |
"Had a Hyundai for years, nae bother.
Have had a Citroen for two years and it’s getting right on my tits.
It’s even more Expensive to service/fix than I am, and that’s saying something 😭
That does surprise me "
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