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200k too high. The 1.5 more economical but not by much. Familia my choice based on lower mileage.
Both these cars are high risk due to the kms. I'll be more inclined to look for something under 150kms which you can find for $4k. Most of the manual 2L Primeras have been thrashed at this point so I'd avoid it unless you find an example owned by an elderly accountant.
Don't be too concerned about resale value as it can vary from car to car in the same model depending on condition, colour, kms driven, what service items have been done etc. Anyhow you tend to pay more for cars that have high resale value but you end up being able to sell them for a bit more anyway so don't let resale be your main concern
You'll find the search button on this site very helpful as many other users have asked the same question on the specific cars you've mentioned so will save you the hassle of reposting
Thank you PBateman & ABayliss for your thoughtful comments and feedback.
Futher 2.0L Primer seller had posted these repairs that have been done on the vehicle.Replaced rear discs and rotors, CV boots, and new rear shocks. Also new clutch and flywheel. The gear-box was also damaged and repaired at a cost of $1k,
Going by above contents, as you suggested it must have been badly driven or treated. Should I invest in such a vehicle? if its the case how much?
Tks.
JP
No- look for something below 150kms
Hi,
just wanted to get a general impression, reliability, dependability, economical fuel efficiency of 98/99 Audi A4, 1.8cc, manual 5spd,not sure the mileage yet,,,but will find out? also approx cost (ball park) for this type of model. I have a feel the mileage should be over 100k but less than 150k (0<100>150).
Is this particular model all wheel or 2 wheel drive? its not quatro.
Tks,
With a budget of around $5,000 you should look for vehicles that are affordable to maintain and repair. The Audi or any other luxury European car had a premium price when it was new and even though the resale value has dropped you can be assured that the spare parts will be expensive. A major mechanical failure will likely cost you more than the vehicle is worth.
Look for a good used Japanese car. A Mazda Familia/323, Nissan Pulsar, Mazda Demio, etc will be better options.
Here are some options worth looking at.
Looking at the vehicles reliability alone is not going to help you. No matter how good the vehicles reputation for reliability is there will come a time that it will need a major repair or service and European cars do have a reputation for being more expensive in this regard.
In this price range your purchase will always be a high risk but you can do yourself a favour by looking for a good used, low mileage, Japanese vehicle that has a good reputation.
you will do well by going for a japananese car like toyota or mazda and everyone can fix them.
cheers & tks mate for your insightful feed back and comments:)
Also wanted to find out when it comes to main-stream Jap imports ie:toyota, mazda..etc which is more cost effective in terms of cost of repairs , spare parts? is it manual or automatic transmission?
Is it a fact that manual transmission's are easier to repair and fix and more cost effective to run/fix/fuel efficient?