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Hi Jack,
I'm looking to buy a car and always thought I'd go for a Japanese model as that's what I've done before. I've usually had Nissans and found them reliable and easy to fix when things do go wrong. Pretty economical too.
However, I've now found a friend whose husband has a car yard (usually better to go through someone you know, I think) and he has suggested a little Audi. Took it for a test drive yesterday and is NICE! It's 1998 Audi A3 1.8 3/Dr Auto. 51,000km. New WOF, rego,May 2012, local service history. It would have a 3 month/5000km dealer warranty. Offered to me at $7500 - ticket price $8900.
What would your thoughts be? Would concerns over getting parts being expensive be valid? Are they economical? Only going to be driving around town, or driving Tga to Ak from time to time.
Any advice much appreciated. Thanks!
Be very careful is my best advice.
These cars can cost plenty to own in comparison to your Nissan. If it has a Constant Variable Transmission (CVT) I would stop right there and walk away. Even the more conventional automatics can be high risk but it is fair to say this is the case for many used cars of this age.
Electrical/electronic problems are not uncommon with any European car. This car is over ten years old so the risks of having to spend money at some stage are relatively high. Having a local service history is a big plus however.
Doing the sums, this vehicle has only travelled on average approx 4,000km per year which is extremely low. The NZ average is around 14,000km’s.
The Nissan or mainstream Japanese cars may be boring in comparison to the Audi but it may mean you retain a friendship and spend less on unplanned repairs.
Any car purchased from a Licensed Motor Vehicle Trader (Dealer) is covered under the Consumers Guarantees Act which means any vehicle sold must be fit for purpose. It has no official end date so I’m not sure what the 3month/5000km warranty covers.
Once again be careful and ensure you get the vehicle checked out thoroughly by an independent provider(such as the AA) before you make a commitment to purchase.
Hi Jack,
Thanks for your advice re Audi. Possibly for the best, it sold to someone who walked in off the street and offered the price on the ticket.
So, moving on ... now the same dealer has a 2002 Ford Focus ... 5 door hatch, auto, has done 110,000km (cambelt done at 90,000km) and has a local service history. Has had 'one lady owner' in NZ, who apparently took quite good care of it and had it regularly serviced etc.
Being offered to me for $7000.
Any thoughts?
Thanks so much, Kate.
Sorry about the delay in getting back to you. You say one lady owner in NZ. Does that mean its a used import?
It would put me off a little if it was however, the good service history can't be ignored. If it came through a pre purchase inspection OK then it sounds a reasnable buy.