First car advice; budget 6~7k

Amila

Amila

Startmotor
Hi, newbie to NL here.
have been driving a civic back in the previous country and. recently moved to the Netherlands and planning to buy an older used car. idea is to use this car for about 4 years and then move to a new one. usage would be 10km daily weekdays and about 100km on weekends. occasional road trips would appear here and there so would be good if the car can handle some distance.

below are some requirements
1) gasoline (or is it worthy ~tax, maintainance~ to get a Diesel for the above-mentioned usage)
2) manual
3) > 2005 (newer the better)
4) sedan or station preferred. hatches are ok if with good internal and trunk space
5) some good space in the trunk (no pets but to carry the kid's items )

I'm interested in BMW 320i ~2007 but worried that the maintenance cost would be extremely high considering the age. almost all the cars are >250k now.
VW golf station wagon was also kind of took my interest. but is the 1.2TSI engine is good enough to pull that car?

any suggestions are welcome.

Thanks in advance.
 
the golf with a 1.2tdi dit not exist

The saved way is to go for a Japanese car. Like a lexus is or Mitsubishi lancer

Euro 95 is saver way because diesel is nog realy 2019 anymore

https://www.autotrader.nl/auto/voertuig/-/a7f37f60-ee40-4890-8a62-11324449309e/?utm_source=gaspedaal.nl&utm_medium=coop&utm_campaign=listings-thirdparty
 
Amila zei:
have been driving a civic back in the previous country.
Klik om te vergroten...

Diesel is a no go, far to little km's....
Your concerns about the BMW are probably justified...

But: How simple can life be... Civics are also for sale in NL!!! :cool:

Examples:
1.4 : https://www.autotrader.nl/auto/voertuig/-/a364938f-f35a-473d-996f-633d457d12ec/?utm_source=gaspedaal.nl&utm_medium=coop&utm_campaign=listings-thirdparty

1.8 : https://www.autotrader.nl/auto/voertuig/-/e458e1da-c7a1-4256-8a32-4e79d2aa90c7/?utm_source=gaspedaal.nl&utm_medium=coop&utm_campaign=listings-thirdparty

1280x960.jpg


Requirement 5) :
1280x960.jpg
 
Auto encyclopedie zei:
the golf with a 1.2tdi dit not exist

The saved way is to go for a Japanese car. Like a lexus is or Mitsubishi lancer

Euro 95 is saver way because diesel is nog realy 2018 anymore

https://www.autotrader.nl/auto/voertuig/-/a7f37f60-ee40-4890-8a62-11324449309e/?utm_source=gaspedaal.nl&utm_medium=coop&utm_campaign=listings-thirdparty
Klik om te vergroten...

My bad. I meant 1.2TSI.. typing mistake. something like https://www.autoscout24.nl/aanbod/volkswagen-golf-variant-1-2-tsi-bmt-highline-benzine-grijs-b29a1864-ff22-494c-ae21-913a2e1621f7?cldtidx=14
will update the main post as well.

Thank you for the tip about Lexus. thought of them as luxery segment and didn't even think of adding to the list. will look up them as well.
 
Jazzik zei:
Amila zei:
have been driving a civic back in the previous country.
Klik om te vergroten...

Diesel is a no go, far to little km's....
Your concerns about the BMW are probably justified...

But: How simple can life be... Civics are also for sale in NL!!! :cool:

Examples:
1.4 : https://www.autotrader.nl/auto/voertuig/-/a364938f-f35a-473d-996f-633d457d12ec/?utm_source=gaspedaal.nl&utm_medium=coop&utm_campaign=listings-thirdparty

1.8 : https://www.autotrader.nl/auto/voertuig/-/e458e1da-c7a1-4256-8a32-4e79d2aa90c7/?utm_source=gaspedaal.nl&utm_medium=coop&utm_campaign=listings-thirdparty

1280x960.jpg


Requirement 5) :
1280x960.jpg
Klik om te vergroten...

Thanks for the help. Coming from Asian country, spares and services are widely available for Japs but very rare for EU/US models. how is it for Japs here? that's the first reason for me to elect for a EU model instead of Jap. but since both of you are suggesting for Jap model, will look in to those segment.
About Civic, would be really great if it is Sedan (non-hybrid). but this is not bad as well.
 
The Civic sedan is here only available as a hybrid. The trunk space in the hatchback is 485 liter, in the sedan hybrid 350 liter.
From 2017 the new Civic is available as sedan, only.... €€€... :(
 
if you like a sedan a lancer is a goed car

lancer

foto.html


1280x960.jpg


https://prod.pictures.autoscout24.net/listing-images/c360587c-47db-4a97-bcc5-3cd24ea7d182_99d93a3d-e01d-498f-8797-389578d127c5.jpg/1280x960.jpg

1280x960.jpg
 
Auto encyclopedie zei:
if you like a sedan a lancer is a goed car

lancer

foto.html


1280x960.jpg


https://prod.pictures.autoscout24.net/listing-images/c360587c-47db-4a97-bcc5-3cd24ea7d182_99d93a3d-e01d-498f-8797-389578d127c5.jpg/1280x960.jpg

1280x960.jpg
Klik om te vergroten...

not necessiraly a sedan. that was specifically for the civic cos was using a civic sedan and loved it. Lancers, I do not like the feeling of the interior much. feel more brittle plastic
 
seat exeo (audi a4)

seat exeo

seat-exeo-3r-1-8-turbo-sport-nette-auto.jpg


This is the one with the good engine the 1.8 20v turbo (150 ps) the 1.8 with 120 ps en 160 ps is not a good engine.

this is the story about de seat Exeo

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SEAT_Exeo
 
basic gist I got from the discussion is unless I'm going for a new car, better stick with a Japanese model. is that right?

for now i have few options
Lexus IS
Civic hatch
prius (from another thread) for soemone else

seems bimmer has to wait another 4 years.
 
Auto encyclopedie zei:
seat exeo (audi a4)

seat exeo

seat-exeo-3r-1-8-turbo-sport-nette-auto.jpg


This is the one with the good engine the 1.8 20v turbo (150 ps) the 1.8 with 120 ps en 160 ps is not a good engine.

this is the story about de seat Exeo

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SEAT_Exeo
Klik om te vergroten...

Thanks. didn't know about this model. will look for this one as well.
 
but if jou prefer the audi a4


https://www.autowereld.nl/audi/a4/1-8-turbo-pro-line-business-28490210/foto.html

audi-a4-1-8-turbo-pro-line-business-1-8-turbo-pro-line-business.jpg


And a test , so jou can practice your dutch , becaus de subtitels are gone


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1iWlurEol4
 
@amila: just take a look at a regular VW Golf or Ford Focus. Nice and spacy cars.
 
funf zei:
@amila: just take a look at a regular VW Golf or Ford Focus. Nice and spacy cars.
Klik om te vergroten...

Thanks, what do you mean by regular Vw? Did you mean the hatch version instead of station wagon?
 
Auto encyclopedie zei:
but if jou prefer the audi a4


https://www.autowereld.nl/audi/a4/1-8-turbo-pro-line-business-28490210/foto.html

audi-a4-1-8-turbo-pro-line-business-1-8-turbo-pro-line-business.jpg


And a test , so jou can practice your dutch , becaus de subtitels are gone


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1iWlurEol4
Klik om te vergroten...

I like that as well. Thought audi is a glorified VW and VW would be better. Any thoughts on that?
 
Hello,

Japanese and Korean cars are very common around here, so don't worry, there's no shortage of parts, dealerships and general knowledge. Local garages can maintain them just fine, too. People on Autoweek tend to recommend them because they're usually a safe bet if you want a car that 'just works'. They've never really stopped being overall quality products, whereas European marques (for all their good looks, tech and nice interiors) have often stumbled a bit over the last 15 years.

Which doesn't mean you can't get a trouble-free BMW, it's just going to take a bit more luck and knowledge on what to look out for, more so when you're on a budget. And this has proven to be especially true for anything VW-related.

The Civic hatchback in question here is a decent choice, since it offers loads of versatile luggage space, surprisingly good fuel economy on the 1.8 and typical Honda reliability (though build quality when it comes to rattles etc. seems to lag a bit behind the Civics that were actually built in Japan: this here is a UK-built model).

However, do note that visibility out the car is pretty poor (especially the rear) and that unlike the sedan, it was made with the intention of being sporty, and Honda may just have gone a bit too far as the ride is often described as being bone-shakingly harsh. Some people like it, families with kids typically don't. So there's that to consider.

Once in a blue moon an imported sedan without the CVT and hybrid package comes on offer, but I wouldn't sit by idly until one does. Luckily, there are plenty of other good cars that tick every box on your wish list. Like for example, Renault's third generation Laguna:

VQD7ohq.png


A mid-size car that in terms of reliability was a giant step up from its 2000-2007 predecessor (which was lambasted for its initial inability to not have electrical malfunctions every ten seconds).

This one's a completely different story and has turned out to be very dependable. Renault clearly did whatever they could to engineer it to a higher standard than the second Laguna.

It's also roomy (especially the wagon but the hatchback is pretty good as well, and looks like a sedan at first glance) which is one thing the BMW 3-series isn't, and the Laguna is nice to drive if perhaps not very spectacular. But it's quite comfy! And well-equipped in Dynamique trim or up, with the likes of cruise control, climate control, a 6-speed box and parking sensors coming as standard. And a satnav that's useless now. :D Just a solid people mover that won't cost an arm and leg to keep running.

Of course, should you not really need this kind of space (it's 'D-segment' and near 1350 kg), you could make do with something that's a bit lighter and easier on fuel. This is more Honda Accord than Civic.

Buuut with the Laguna brand's damaged reputation, people weren't going to be easily convinced that this one was, in fact, any good. So in spite of all good intentions it didn't sell all that well (the reason why Renault now has the Talisman instead of a fourth Laguna) and used prices have dropped like a brick. Which means you're now able to get a supposedly well-serviced one with few previous owners and 100-150k KM for about €6000. That's a lot of car for the money.

https://www.autowereld.nl/renault/laguna/2-0-16v-dynamique-climate-control-cruisecontrol-navigatie-pdc-achter-dealer-onde-31259776/details.html
https://www.autotrack.nl/tweedehands/renault/laguna/44179821

Most of these will have the 2.0 16v engine that was co-developed with Nissan. It's decently torque-y for a non-turbo 2L petrol and sturdy as heck. Chain-driven too. Should do just fine. Though I have to say, driving for only 5 KM on a cold engine isn't truly advisable with any car, at least in the long run.

It's not my place to question your reasons, but since this is the Netherlands and all, have you actually considered biking on these midweek days if the weather is good? :)
 
Amila zei:
I like that as well. Thought audi is a glorified VW and VW would be better. Any thoughts on that?
Klik om te vergroten...

You have to watch out with vw, audi, seat en skoda with de tsi engines. that are often problem engines. De seat exeo en the audi a4 who I show you are old school 1.8 20 v turbo engines, and now whorries about those engines.

the big company of VW, Audi , Skoda en Seat called vag. Audi is to go the compatition to mercedes and BMW, volkswagen is the middel of road brand, Skoda is voor the (budget) customers who need al lot of space and seat is the sporty driver brand.
 
PannekoekHersteldienst zei:
Hello,

Japanese and Korean cars are very common around here, so don't worry, there's no shortage of parts, dealerships and general knowledge. Local garages can maintain them just fine, too. People on Autoweek tend to recommend them because they're usually a safe bet if you want a car that 'just works'. They've never really stopped being overall quality p
Klik om te vergroten...

Thank you very much for detailed explanation. coming from Sri Lanka where the market is dominated by Jap cars, the knowledge about EU models are virtually non-existent. I'll look for the 3rd gen laguna. seems a good deal for the money. basically, I'll drop the VW and Bmw from this search. I know a thing or two about hondas but almost blank about these models and chances are I will have no clear idea what to look for when looking for a one. will look into lexu, laguna or the or the old Seat (Wife seems to like the look of that)

PannekoekHersteldienst zei:
It's not my place to question your reasons, but since this is the Netherlands and all, have you actually considered biking on these midweek days if the weather is good? :)
Klik om te vergroten...

about this, we are living in Almere poort where there is only one bus service and for almost everything (except for AH) we need to go to the Almere Stad. that's a primary pain point we have at the moment. basically, the car is for my wife to drive my daughter to and from Language School in Stad over the weekdays and shopping and visting friends etc in weekends. about cycling I think I'm dutchified enough as I'm riding to almere poort station to take the train to Ams, and again riding the cycle from Ams Cetraal station to my office using two bikes for the two sections, and I absourltly love that so far. will need to see how it goes in the winter though.
 
Auto encyclopedie zei:
Amila zei:
I like that as well. Thought audi is a glorified VW and VW would be better. Any thoughts on that?
Klik om te vergroten...

You have to watch out with vw, audi, seat en skoda with de tsi engines. that are often problem engines. De seat exeo en the audi a4 who I show you are old school 1.8 20 v turbo engines, and now whorries about those engines.

the big company of VW, Audi , Skoda en Seat called vag. Audi is to go the compatition to mercedes and BMW, volkswagen is the middel of road brand, Skoda is voor the (budget) customers who need al lot of space and seat is the sporty driver brand.
Klik om te vergroten...

Thanks for the help. we discussed and came to decision to drop the VW and BMW. for this time we mostly will be looking for
seat exeo
renault laguna 3rd gen
lexus IS
 
PannekoekHersteldienst zei:
It's not my place to question your reasons, but since this is the Netherlands and all, have you actually considered biking on these midweek days if the weather is good? :)
Klik om te vergroten...

Amila zei:
about this, we are living in Almere poort where there is only one bus service and for almost everything (except for AH) we need to go to the Almere Stad. that's a primary pain point we have at the moment. basically, the car is for my wife to drive my daughter to and from Language School in Stad over the weekdays and shopping and visting friends etc in weekends. about cycling I think I'm dutchified enough as I'm riding to almere poort station to take the train to Ams, and again riding the cycle from Ams Cetraal station to my office using two bikes for the two sections, and I absourltly love that so far. will need to see how it goes in the winter though.
Klik om te vergroten...

Ah, fair play then. I kinda just assumed you were referring to your commute with that 10 km on weekdays. (y) My bad.

Good luck with your search! From what I was able to gather from these ads, both of these cars should make for a satisfying deal, coming from reputable places and all. They're not quite next door to Almere, so that's a slight bummer. But ehh, what can you do... Least they're not on the other side of the (still, pretty small) country.

Here's some other cars to perhaps consider, should the Laguna (or Exeo) turn out to be a bit too large for your needs. Which seems plausible with just one daughter and her stuff to move about. These are C-segment.

https://www.autowereld.nl/fiat/bravo/1-4-t-jet-16v-120pk-corporate-navi-climate-cruise-parkpilot-elek-30053616/details.html
https://www.autowereld.nl/hyundai/i30/1-6i-i-catcher-31088810/details.html
https://www.autotrack.nl/tweedehands/mazda/3/45089583 (bit over budget)
https://www.autowereld.nl/renault/megane/1-6-celsium-navigatie-clima-30314578/details.html
 
Amila zei:
manual is not hard requirement. most insights are 10yrs old and > 150k. wil the battery be still in running shape?
Klik om te vergroten...

Most likely it is. The batteries of the Insight are very reliable and tough. There were some problems with the Civic battery in 2009 and earlier, but those problems didn't apply to the Insight. It's a very reliable car.
 
Amila zei:
Knowledge1 zei:
Honda Insight! Spacious, cheap, good fuel economy (hybrid). It's not a manual, though.

See this car for example
Klik om te vergroten...

manual is not hard requirement. most insights are 10yrs old and > 150k. wil the battery be still in running shape?
Klik om te vergroten...

They can easily reach the 500k or more, just make sure to check for rust. The batteries will be fine. The fuel economy will be A LOT better than most the suggestions made. The link I've give you would be my favourite choice. It's just outside my own budget unless I get to sell my own car for just a better price.
 
so far we have narrowed the search down to following two. Honda insight was deprioritized as my wife didn't seem to like that (no logical reason behind, but just the shape of it)

Seat Exeo
Renaut laguna 16v 2L

while looking for Japs in the same price segment, I came across the following two models

Toyota Avensis Wagon 1.8 VVTi - https://www.autoscout24.nl/aanbod/toyota-avensis-wagon-1-8-vvti-luna-trekhaak-volledige-onderho-benzine-grijs-8d99d2ae-4d9e-4112-9c5f-bf43fbe0c6bb?cldtidx=10

Toyota Verso 1.8 VVT-i - https://www.autoscout24.nl/aanbod/toyota-verso-1-8-vvt-i-dynamic-benzine-grijs-737ac95e-2b35-479e-8fd9-0dd56a4b0ccc?cldtidx=17

any comments on these two vehicles?
conversion of my driving license is yet to come. so I have few days to finally commit to a model and make a purchase.
 
Amila zei:
while looking for Japs in the same price segment, I came across the following two models

Toyota Avensis Wagon 1.8 VVTi - [www.autoscout24.nl]

Toyota Verso 1.8 VVT-i - [www.autoscout24.nl]

any comments on these two vehicles?
Klik om te vergroten...

Very reliable options those Toyota's.

A bit off topic: Since you're new to the Netherlands I'll give you some advice about the warranty regulations. With the price range you're looking for it's best to buy a car with a BOVAG warranty. With this warranty the dealer is obliged to solve issues with your car if they occur within 6 months after the purchase.
 
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