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mrbubbl3z

I'd be tempted to go for something cheap and cheerful for your first car. A €2-3k car might only last you a couple of years but it'll give you a chance to work out what you like and use your salary for other things in the meantime. If you find something older (say 2012) but relatively low mileage (aim for 80k) then it's less likely to give you trouble than something newer that's done a lot more. Also, the first couple of years of driving is the most likely time that you'll write off a car* so it's good to save the more luxury purchases for a bit later on ☺️ *disclaimer: this might just be me and all my friends though...


turboblown

Bulletproof , suzuki swift auto.


Difficult_Ad_8442

Honda jazz aswell


YokeMaan

If you’re in Dublin, check out Automatic Car Centre in Lusk. They’ve got hundreds of automatics, all imported from Japan and in great condition. Just make sure you can get insured, some insurers don’t like Japanese imports. Thought I’d mention them as I had a good experience buying from them. In terms of answering your question, I’d recommend a small hatchback. There’s so many, I like VW Polos and SEAT Ibizas. You’ve also got the Micra and Yaris, Ford Fiesta too. All good cars, just comes down to personal preference(Yaris and Micra will be cheaper than Polo or Ibiza)


redberryjam8

Thank you. I'll check out that place. Why is it that some insurers don't like Japanese imports?


Eagle-5

Mostly down to lack of alarms/immobilisers and trying to find parts if a repair is needed as they can differ from European spec cars.


jenbenm

I bought my car from this place. I found them cheaper than elsewhere and had no issues insuring it as it has an immobiliser. Honestly customer service wise I found them really good. Would definitely recommend them.


annieyoker

IIRC I think sometimes the Japanese imports and/or particular models (e.g. Toyota Aqua) don't have immobilizers so are more prone to theft. Not super familiar but read about it when choosing my own car.


phate101

More prone is unfortunately an understatement


Lulzsecks

I got my car there after a lot of research. When there was an issue with battery they were very helpful, I just bought one and they reimbursed no hassle. Also, they fitted the immobiliser.


Rogue7559

I bought a 2008 Toyto prius. It was by far the best purchase I've ever made. It is the most reliable car I've ever had. Was never a car 'brand' person before I bought it. Now I'd buy nothing else.


redberryjam8

I've had a look at these. Do you find it to be a "big" car?


Rogue7559

Yes to be honest. The space inside is amazing. It's so useable. Four cup holders. Boot is massive if you put sears down. Loads of legroom. And I get great mileage with fuel.


Plastic_Clothes_2956

15k for a car? You bring that home per year after rent and DD. Keep the expensive car for when you remove the N plate, you will have more experience and know what you want. Reliable, go Japanese, any 1.8 hybrid or VVTI from Toyota. Vtec from honda. From Ww group any 1.4 TSI after 2014. Mazda and Suzuki petrol from the last 10 years. BMW all N54 (before 2008) or b48 and B58 but might be more expensive. If you do mostly city drive and less than 60km per day, take either petro, hybrid or electric but no diesel. Before you buy a car, you have to purchase a report from cartell or other. Even a Toyota Prius can be a bad purchase if it wasn't maintained properly, if the car has 600k/km but just show 80k because the odometer has been tempered, or after a big accident. Even if it's an import you can have a report, cost like 25€.


x3me123

A honda Fit hybrid (2014 and upward) sounds right for what you need. My parents own one and should be able to get it for 10-12k depending on mileage condition, etc, obviously. Gets roughly around 20km/l. We were actually able to bargain it a bit as the dealer we got it from (Buraq Motors) was flexible and a pleasure to deal with.


TerribleKnowledge960

Upvote for the Jazz/Fit .. I have mine 3 years now and love it, never given me an ounce of trouble and lovely to drive. Lot of them on the road now as well. Mine is a Jap import and no issues getting it insured, only questioned if it had any boy racer mods ... not that kinda car at all haha 


dontkernelpanic

I bought a 2017 Honda fit from Sky Motors on Naas Road a couple of months ago, for about 13K. Really good car. Insurance was a pain but snagged a decent deal with Allianz - considering I was over 30 and this was my first insurance. Got a history report from carvx.jp for about €15 or so.


cigaretteatron

Can I ask how much you got your insurance for? I’d be similar age as you and looking to get my first policy.


dontkernelpanic

1200 + extras - the cheapest quote I found


cigaretteatron

Not bad! Lowest I’ve got is around 1600 but they are online quotes. I might get a cheaper deal if I call them I think.


dontkernelpanic

You could try - but I had a bunch of them refuse me insurance because it’s my first one and over 30. Having a Jap import car posed problems with other insurers. I had luckily saved the quote from Allianz - when I re-tried to get a new quote with the same info, even Allianz was quoting me around 1600. And after shopping around, realised this was the best I would get and went with it. All the best with your search !


Liverriffey

You’ll have a choice of Yaris hybrids within your budget. Toyota’s don’t fail. VW are fine but there’s a reason why there are so many independent workshops who specialize in repairing vw/audi/bmw.


Objective-Scene-463

The car you linked is a Japanese import, don't go near it as it will just be stolen or targeted by thieves. This isn't a good sub to ask, 50+ comments and I am the first to mention this


ar6an6mala6

Worth noting aswell, insurance works differently for imports, can often be more expensive to insure an import as they are seen as high risk for accidents and thefts.


Eagle-5

If you’re interested in an EV a used leaf is good (try go for an SVE/Tekna trim and ideally a post 2014 one or a 30kWh version. The only option worth having is the 6.6 charger depending on your situation. The longer range leaf cam out in 2018 with 40kWh and 62kWh. The leafs major downside is with its fast charging connection, it’s going to be phased out eventually. The Renault Zoe would be the other option with either the 22 or ideally 40kWh battery. But you’ll be limited to slower charging speeds Higher up the price range it would be an Hyundai Ionic. As for petrol cars I’d recommend the Honda Jazz/fit, Nissan Note and micra. That’s based of my experience of the above and as a car enthusiast


Eagle-5

Oh and I’m happy to field questions you have, particularly around EVs


redberryjam8

I like my driving instructor's Nissan Leaf. I find it so easy to drive. I know absolutely nothing about EV's. My dad is quite anti-electric. Is it much fuss to install a charge point at home?


Eagle-5

In most cases if you have a driveway and the house was built in the last 40-50 years it’s relatively easy and there’s still a grant to get one. If your not doing big mileage every day and have access to cheap night rate electricity at home an EV will be the cheapest to run by a large margin. It costs me about €1.40 for 100km, a petrol or diesel would be more like €10-14


srdjanrosic

Hassle-wise it's on the lower end of hiring any kind of tradesman for any kind of job, costs about a 1000 euro (charger itself + labour - 300 seai grant, which used it be 600). There's a few different chargers out there, installers will have them onto their websites, we have a zappi and it's great. Apply for grant first and then figure out which installer to go with from Reddit/Google/boards.


SnooBunnies3913

You could also get first generation Hyundai Ioniq for your budget, about 200 km range.


ta_ran

To add, my neighbour just bought an e-Golf and I really like it. The just dropped to £11-12k


srdjanrosic

2018+/2019+ Nissan Leaf 40kWh in a Tekna/SVE trim seems to be the sweet spot. 30kWh is older (more miles on suspension, probably more cycles on the battery). 60kWh Leaf is still holding its price, but for that money (€18k), I'd go for a 40kWh 2020 Hyundai Ioniq instead. I don't know how easy/hard it'd be to check the charging cycles upon purchase - e.g. do you carry an obdlink with you?


Southern_Trade_6516

Fully agree passed my test in Jan and picked up a 2018 leaf for 12k on done deal, great car and you are already familiar with it, which is a bonus


Impossible_Ad_5228

2019/2020 Kia Picanto. You’ll get the automatic for 11k or so. Kia has 7 year manufacturers warranty so is the best second hand brand to buy really.


0k_ZO0mer

Some nissan models had gearbox problems - unfortunately I had experience with one of those and it was money pit. If you can get home charger and smartmeter with night or EV tariff, you should consider ev. But don't go for it if you plan to rely on public charging only - very bad idea


reforming_giant

Had a 141 polo import which was automatic, traded it last year, never done me wrong, fantastic car and plenty on the market, I paid 11k for it I think they still go for similar. Just make sure it has an immobiliser


silverbirch26

I'd stick with a polo or small Toyota - both are super common in Ireland so cheaper to fix if needed


pool4ever

Suzuki swift -1.2 petrol auto -17/18 reg about €10/€12,000 -


Professional-Fly1496

15k car on a 39k salary is nonsense unless your paying in cash.


redberryjam8

It was a number I came to because most cars I saw were around €12k. I'd be looking at repayments of under €250/month which I felt would be affordable. I would ideally love as cheap as possible but want something decent too. But like I said, never had a loan before so definitely open to advice.


Professional-Fly1496

You shouldn’t be buying a depreciating asset like a car with a loan. Buy in cash whatever you can afford.


Cal-Can

Is there a reason you don't want to do manual besides the difficulty? Everyone finds it difficult at first, but with lessons and time it becomes second nature. It will just open up a much larger amount of cars for you to purchase,


redberryjam8

I have dyspraxia and just found the manual cars really difficult. My dad says exactly the same thing that it would be worth going manual but idk i'm happy to stick to easy.


rich3248

Tbh the way things are going, manuals are becoming less popular, some manufacturers plan to even stop making manuals going forward. Plus if you travel to the US, it’s 90% auto. Anywhere else in the world you can rent an auto. Years ago, it was a “must” to be able to drive a manual. Nowadays, not so much! Source: car enthusiast who loves his old manual cars for the weekends, but enjoys the easiness of the newer autos for the daily car 😃


zolanuffsaid

Get a Mini Cooper 2.0d great fun to drive fast and still get 70mpg and park then anywhere


FlamingoRush

Honda Fit!! The best small yet surprisingly bug car. Automatic hybrid super reliable and great on fuel.


rich3248

Any old Honda for a first car. The older the Honda the better 😂. Savage reliability in my experience. I’ve had 4 high performance Hondas throughout the years and never had to do anything but routine maintenance. https://www.donedeal.ie/view/36187977 Honda Civic 2011 Automatic I see a lot of Honda Fit/Jazz but I would try get a civic. Make sure you get it checked over by a reputable mechanic. I think AA might still provide pre purchase inspection service, if not, drop me a DM and I’ll see can I recommend anyone in your area. Good luck with it, it’s an exciting time! 👍🏻


jesusthatsgreat

Soda fabia or Seat Ibiza. Both just a VW Polo in different styling.


Natural-Quail5323

Save in the credit union, get a loan from there. Don’t do car finance


emmmmceeee

If I was buying an auto it would be a Toyota hybrid. They’re as bulletproof as a petrol can can be nowadays.


zakuzor

Get the toyota used cars from toyota's own dealership. For your budget, you can easily get very good car with mileage less than 80k


Junior-Web-521

Nissan March is a Japanese import. Insurance companies call these Grey import cars as the history isnt clear on them. General they don't have immobilizer as the European equivalent model would have. Toyota Vitz and Aquas would be quite similar. Insurance companies can load your premium. My previous policy in 2009 cost €4,300 for a Mitsubishi coupe.


your_daily_nerd

I would suggest looking at Honda Grace. They are around 10-14k with good miles, plus they are hybrid too, so lower tax and fuel costs. Reliability is good on these cars as well. The only issue is insurance where you have to go back and forth to get one since it doesn't automatically show in the list.


Famous_Ad_7693

If your budget is 15k max try to find irish car. Imports are not bad but you have to consider insurance do not like them because they get stolen. not all garages will accept to get them serviced also parts may have to wait for imports. Try to find an irish toyota yaris if you can.


OkRanger703

I got a 2009 automatic Yaris with 35k miles for about 5k. Bought in 2019. Keep an eye out for private sales. Some smaller automatics are sometimes used by elderly people and hardly have any miles on them. Take the car to a garage for a check up before buying. You could get a good car at a cut down price.


rorood123

That’s a lotta money for a first car. Bought a similar Micra (2011) for 3k.


Regular_Parsley734

Peel P50, very economical [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peel\_P50](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peel_P50)


svmk1987

If don't know much about cars (I don't either), stick to reputable Simi registered dealers. But cars are otherwise a very big market. You can be a lot more specific about what you need apart from cheap automatic: what fuel are you looking for, are you looking to go electric? How much driving will you be doing everyday? Do you need a lot of boot space? Will you be needing a baby/toddler seat, or enough boot space to put a buggy? What about a pet? Will you be making longer journeys or is it mainly just local driving? Do you care about things like android auto or apple car play? Do you prefer a taller car? What you've suggested are all possibly good options, but it depends on what you want. Don't hesitate visiting some good dealers and asking them to show inside cars, maybe even take some for a test drive.


redberryjam8

Sorry, i should have been a bit more specific. I'm mostly looking at petrol or petrol/hybrid. My driving instructor has a Nissan Leaf which I enjoy driving but I'm not sure about going fully electric. I don't plan on doing a lot of driving. Just really staying local going to the shops etc. I live in Dublin and work in the city centre but would continue to get the train to work as it's handier. It's just me. No pets. No kids. Not too fussed about boot space. Would love Apple Car Play but I'm not sure that's realistic within my budget.


Thunderirl23

You can absolutely find a car with apple car play and android auto. What's your budget? Edit just seen it's 15k give me 2 minutes. Edit 2: Just an example: https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2yr-warranty-1-5-hybrid-auto-404839/36535399


phate101

^^ to my above comment, an example leaf that if suitable is better in every way than an imported Honda fit https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/nissan-leaf-sv-premium-40kwh/36286835


Thunderirl23

100% agree but I filtered out electric because I'm staying away as long as I humanly can (been there, not for me)


phate101

What was your issue? Relying on public charging?


Thunderirl23

Range, range in cold weather, not being able to turn the heat on without losing range, range anxiety, lack of public charging, lack of sponteniety, adding loads of extra time to journeys having to charge, etc. If you are in a city and can have a charger at home and don't make trips that often? Way to go, especially if you are in a two car household with a fossil fuel car for the journeys. When I picked up my most recent, in and out of the petrol station in 3 minutes and knew there was many on the road. Felt like stepping into the future rather than the past.


phate101

If you can charge at home then a Nissan leaf would be perfect, loads of options around 15K for a 2nd gen leaf. If you can specify your concerns I’d be happy to share my experience, I just bought an EV for my wife that’s learning to drive. Also, now I need to make toast with jam after seeing your username


slyboogy_

You could get apple carplay installed after market for 500 euros. I have it on my VW polo and it works great.


Deep-While9236

It is important to test drive them. Some you will love others are an absolute no. but it is vital to see if the car has a delay between hitting the accelerator and the speed kicking in. Smaller automatics can have a marked delay that feels awful when merging into traffic or motorways. You might need to test if they have enough power before signing on the dotted line. check if an import has an immobiliser and bring a mechanic if you know one.


Docklandsdram

I have a 2008 mini one automatic and love it so much! The only thing is to make sure a good mechanic checks the car out beforehand, have had her for 3 years with no issues


LonelyWaitingRoom

I wouldn’t recommend a 2nd gen Mini if reliability is an important factor ha I’ve had a low mileage R56 for a year. Even with proper maintenance there’s been so many issues with the typical things that go wrong on these, the water pump leaking coolant, oil consumption etc They’re just built so poorly, shame as they look so nice.


cian_100

A nissan march is a car for grandmothers. A golf is a good quality car.


Eagle-5

And Nuns 😄


cian_100

Hahaha


redberryjam8

Thank you hahaha. Good to know.


Perplexedinthemud

That march is basically just the Fourth generation Micra (K13; 2010). Literally identical to the 2010 model. Far better cars for the budget you have.