Recommend me a car...again.

[Saint Marcus]

I'm really trying not to crash another car this time.

Anyhoo, I got 2000-5000 euros to spend on a used car. No older than 1995, less than 200k kms on it (maybe a little more if it's a diesel), a petrol or turbo diesel, at least 100hp, big enough for me (6'3-ish, 195cm) to fit in it, power steering and central door locking.

My shortlist so far:

Chrysler Stratus (1995/96)
Mazda 626 (1995)
Ford Mondeo (1996/97)
Honda Accord (1995/96)
Opel Vectra (1995/96)

Outsiders:

Ford Probe (1995/96)
Chevrolet Beretta (1995/97)
Opel Calibra (1995)
BMW 316 (1995)
Peugeot 406 (1995, diesel)
BMW 325 (1995, diesel)
Ford Scorpio (1995/97, diesel)
Ford Scorpio (1995/97)
Opel Omega (1995/96)
Opel Omega (1995/96, diesel)
Honda Accord (1995/96, diesel)

Does anyone have any experience with any of those models? Especially the Stratus (sold in the US under the Dodge brand)? Is it any good? Or does anyone know of any cars I may not have looked at (and no funky American models that aren't on sale here :P)?

[Dinner]

I own a Probe and it's a good car but the electric lighting system is rather dodgy. It burns out head lights and interior lights faster then any car I've ever owned. 3-4 per year each. Also the Probe is basted upon the 1993-199? Mazda 626 so I'd take the 626 off of your shortlist as it will likely have the same problem.

Personally, I'd go for the Accord especially if you could find a low milage one.

[Dinner]

BTW the first generation Stratus had quality problems so I'd avoid that model as well.

[Az]

Two things that are important: reliability, and Kilometers per euro spent on fuel.

[Asher]

Chrysler Stratus (1995/96) NO
Mazda 626 (1995) GOOD
Ford Mondeo (1996/97) NO
Honda Accord (1995/96) GREAT
Opel Vectra (1995/96) NO

[Az]

Asher's ratings.

[Saint Marcus]

Thanks Oerdin!

Azazel: Indeed. I can calculate the milage per gallon (or liters per km anyways) but I have no idea how reliable any of those cars are, having never owned one for more than 6 months before totalling them.

Asher, what do you base your ratings on? And you're Canadian! Do they even sell Opel's there? (maybe they do, what do I know?)

[Arrian]

I can vouche for Honda's quality. I own an Accord myself.

Does Honda not sell the Civic over there? It's somewhat smaller, but you can get a newer one w/less mileage, 'cause it's cheaper than the Accord, and still a solid car.

-Arrian

[Az]

SM: how do you calculate? do you consider where do you mostly drive? that 13kms/liter( a reasonable number, really) could turn into 5-6 real fast in the city, keep it in mind.
As to reliability, it's always tricky, and with second-hand cars, it's really a wild card. Just check out maintenance costs in advance, that's the best idea. I trust japanese cars in that section.

[Az]

Civic

[Asher]

Originally posted by Saint Marcus
Asher, what do you base your ratings on? And you're Canadian! Do they even sell Opel's there? (maybe they do, what do I know?)

I base upon reliability.

Honda is very, very reliable, and Mazda is very reliable.

I'm well aware of Opel/Vauxhalls, and also know their reliability is well below Mazda & Honda.

[Apocalypse]

Before I went off to college a year and a half ago I had a '91 Accord which had pretty much no major problems and was able to make long roadtrips no problem. I drove from Virginia back to Houston in a day. Now my father uses it with still no problems and it's nearly 15 years old. I'm definitely getting a Civic or Accord when I get a car.

[Az]

Apoc, how much does it cost in repairs, per annum?

[Arrian]

Oh, you asked about the Stratus:

In general, Chrysler/Dodge sucks ass. IIRC, I got the Stratus as a rental care when I went out to Colorado to ski earlier this year. It was ok, but it was also pretty much brand new. I'd check the reliability ratings in something like Consumer Reports. Unless there has been some miraculous turnaround, Dodge will not place highly.

-Arrian

[Apocalypse]

Originally posted by Azazel
Apoc, how much does it cost in repairs, per annum?

It cost less than $200 in 2003, IIRC. That was pretty much all in preventive maintence too.