PCFormat Forum Archive

Not going to get into the "this brand over that brand" ... or "this model over that model" tug-of-war.
I do have some sound advice though:

- If you have good money to spend, don't spend it on a brand new car.
- Spend it on the 2nd hand version of the car you could not afford brand new.
- Test drive everything, don't rush this. Test drive a 2nd time - especially if 2nd hand.
- Do not, I repeat do not buy 2nd hand from any tom, dickk or harry - use reputable places like Mastercars or Automark.
- Keep in mind that a car's value will drop like stone in water the second you drive it off the floor and make peace with it. Mitigate this by making a good effort to get a good 2nd hand.

We have bought 4 cars over the last 20 years - two have been mine. I once considered buying 2nd hand but have always bought new. I guess because I keep my car longer than the normal person these days and so it makes sense for me to get one with no mileage. I get too attached. I do a lot of driving and need a car that feels like part of me, an extension.

PC - no matter what car you like, someone is not going to like it. Like Sojourn says - test drive it more than once. Take it to the AA and have them look it over. They do have a car inspection option. I know it costs but then at least you know what state it is in when you get it. Then find someone who can service it for you. Talk to some of the other customers there and see if they are happy with the service and price they get. The service centre for a car has often put me off a model.

It sounds like a really nice little car. I have travelled a bit lately and had many cars to drive. Of all the makes I have had - the Honda Civic was a really nice car (but then it was brand new). I did find it a bit light on the highway. At high speeds it tends to bounce around and is very noisy inside (affects music listening). The power steering is incredibly sensitive. So do take it out on the highway and drive at the speed you normally would. See how it handles.

SykomantiS wrote:Whereabouts is "here"

Nelspruit.

Sojourn wrote:I do have some sound advice though:

- If you have good money to spend, don't spend it on a brand new car.
- Spend it on the 2nd hand version of the car you could not afford brand new.
- Test drive everything, don't rush this. Test drive a 2nd time - especially if 2nd hand.
- Do not, I repeat do not buy 2nd hand from any tom, dickk or harry - use reputable places like Mastercars or Automark.
- Keep in mind that a car's value will drop like stone in water the second you drive it off the floor and make peace with it. Mitigate this by making a good effort to get a good 2nd hand.

These are some wise words there, Sojourn. Thanks so much. I just checked Automark now and found a good Civic. Hadn't even considered that. Thanks again.

Tribble wrote:PC - no matter what car you like, someone is not going to like it. Like Sojourn says - test drive it more than once. Take it to the AA and have them look it over. They do have a car inspection option. I know it costs but then at least you know what state it is in when you get it. Then find someone who can service it for you. Talk to some of the other customers there and see if they are happy with the service and price they get.

Thanks Tribbs! Will do.

PaperCut wrote:

SykomantiS wrote:Whereabouts is "here"

Nelspruit.

OT

I didn't know you are in Nelspruit.

/OT

Hman wrote:

PaperCut wrote:

SykomantiS wrote:Whereabouts is "here"

Nelspruit.

I didn't know you are in Nelspruit.

Been here since Dec 2008.

Lol, I've been here since Oct 2008

Hman wrote:Lol, I've been here since Oct 2008

*high-five*

On topic, I hear the Chevy Cruz isn't a bad car. Go and check them out at Westvaal Delta.

That's a sedan though. I'm 26.

What's wrong with a sedan, and what has that got to do with your age

SykomantiS wrote:What's wrong with a sedan, and what has that got to do with your age

I can't be driving around in a car that looks like it's borrowed from my dad. Or it's inherited!
LOL

No offence to any 26 year olds driving around in sedans! But I want a hatch.

My first car was a sedan, Honda ballade 150 luxline. That car is the reason I'm a Honda fan (and it wasn't even a vtec model...)

Ok I get it. You are young and want a car to show off and look flash. Gotcha.

Form and function takes a backseat, so buy anything that has a GTI, MPS, ST, RSI or any other performace badge on it. In a hatch.

IcePick88 wrote:Ok I get it. You are young and want a car to show off and look flash. Gotcha.

Form and function takes a backseat, so buy anything that has a GTI, MPS, ST, RSI or any other performace badge on it. In a hatch.

Or you can buy a Figo and stick an ST badge onto it... comes down to the same thing.

If you want flash go get yourself that one thing everyone buys with the same idea in mind... ye I'm looking at all of those Electric Orange Focus ST's out there.

IcePick88 wrote:Ok I get it. You are young and want a car to show off and look flash. Gotcha.

Form and function takes a backseat ...

Please look at thess pictures and explain what you're talking about...




Where does form and function take the back seat?

It's got two doors.

IcePick88 wrote:It's got two doors.

Great comeback.

You'd be surprised how limiting a two door car can be.

IcePick88 wrote:It's got two doors.

And it is left hand drive

IcePick88 wrote:You'd be surprised how limiting a two door car can be.

I know actually. My boss drives a Volvo C30. It's a mission to get in and out of the back seats.

But this one has super long doors and it's easy to get in and out of. I tried it.

RuadRauFlessa wrote:

IcePick88 wrote:It's got two doors.

And it is left hand drive

Sir.

PaperCut wrote:Please look at thess pictures and explain what you're talking about...

PaperCut wrote:

RuadRauFlessa wrote:

IcePick88 wrote:It's got two doors.

And it is left hand drive

Sir.

I woke up this morning, and realised that even though this thread is on it's fourth page, the question I had about French cars didn't really get answered.

What is so wrong with French cars?

They're French

But on a more serious note. As far as I have it, the build quality is less than stellar, and also they depreciate like crazy.
That being said though, nowadays very few cars can be put into a specific box. E.g, the Citroen C1 is French, but it has a Toyota motor...

I guess in the end it's still better than most things Chinese...

Crappy build quality, crappy service in SA, crappy resale value. What's right with French cars?

Renault make some very nice sport models, but that's about it.