Next month, God willing, I'm buying my first car; I have a 600,000 TL budget but no car model in mind. I'd appreciate sensible suggestions for a car that isn't too old
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14 repliesYou could consider an Astra J 1.3 CDTI, you can find clean examples in that price range. Its fuel economy is good, and so is its road holding. Parts are easy to find and the engine is trouble-free. It might throw a few small issues, but it's not a car with problems that can't be solved.
Translated from TurkishI have that in mind too, but the mileage is high — what mileage should you buy at?
Translated from TurkishYou could get a Honda Civic VTEC 2, an earlier model if that suits you.
Translated from Turkish@engincanyilmaz Up to the 250-300k range it won't give you problems other than routine maintenance. After that, you may run into the usual diesel issues. On the 1.3cdti, the most costly repair is the pressure plate/clutch. It has a dual-mass flywheel and machining it isn't suitable. Because of that you need to replace the complete pressure plate, flywheel and bearings. Nowadays the cost of this job just in parts is around 20-25k on average. Also, depending on the city, they charge around 8k on average for dropping and reinstalling the gearbox. After that, whatever might occur on any diesel...
Translated from TurkishYou'll need to chase down that legendary trio of problems 1-Injector. Reconditioning 4 injectors runs about 25k on average 2-Turbo. Reconditioning runs about 25k on average. 3-EGR-DPF. If I remember correctly, the J-body doesn't have a DPF, but even if it did it wouldn't be a problem, the exhaust shop usually empties it out for free because of the material inside it. They also block off the EGR, and then you disable both systems via the tune. After that, you can keep using it for many trouble-free years without any mechanical headaches.
Translated from TurkishAnd lastly, please don't get me wrong, the friend who wrote the answer above, but giving 600 thousand lira for a 2007 model car with no extra features whatsoever (insulation, brakes, handling...) that's only famous for being trouble-free — and for that money you'll most likely find one around 260,000 km with 3-5 repainted panels and 1 replaced part — giving that money "in my opinion" makes no sense at all.
Translated from TurkishI'd recommend the Mazda 3. Its platform is the same as the Ford Focus 2, in fact the same as the Focus/C-Max. The engine is a 1.6 Ford engine. If performance isn't your concern, it's ideal. There's also a diesel version. Instead of getting a 2006 VTEC, I bought a 2010 Mazda 3. In the Touring package it has features like automatic headlights, automatic wipers, an illuminated vanity mirror, a glasses holder, automatic dual-zone AC. The trim above it has heated seats, a sunroof and cruise control. Since the headlights are projector-lens, you can get better visibility by fitting LED bulbs.
Translated from TurkishJazz or FN2 Civic
Translated from TurkishI'd recommend the MK2 Leon 1.4 TSI, it satisfies a lot in terms of suspension quality and driving feel. The mileage is a bit high, but it's a trouble-free car. Even if you don't find the 125hp FR trim, you can comfortably get one of its other trims - you can find one in that price range with a good search
Translated from TurkishGet a Citroën C5, it's clean and economical
Translated from TurkishYou could look at a Toyota Auris 1.6 Elegant. Toyota's reliability, and compared to its rivals it's well-equipped - keyless entry and so on. It also has independent suspension, good road holding, it's a car you could consider.
Translated from Turkishfiat bravo
MiTo QV or Megane 2 RS
Translated from TurkishSame here, I'm also looking at cars in this budget range, but there aren't many options available. If you're looking for a solid, premium car, you could consider a (clean) E39 5 Series, but you absolutely, definitely need to be ready to spend money on electrical issues.
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