I don't know much about cars (don't have a drivers licence, nor do I feel the need to get one at this point in time), but one thing that I've noticed that a lot of people forget is ground clearance. Many smaller cars have issues during the winter, in particular if you're forced to park outside by the road overnight at some point. A lot of people here seem to think that the Volvo 940 is an excellent car for snowy climates, but the fuel economy is not great in that one, and it's not exactly pretty ;).
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I have noooooooo knowledge about cars, the only thing I know from friends buying cars is that you can get a pretty decent ride for 4500!
Bump!
And I also haven't driven a car since I got my license although right after I got it my bosses and colleagues would let me drive their cars. I got the license just for the job so it was only fair. :D
My favorite was the Land Rover LR4 of a colleague but he paid 80k for it or something like that so that's not an option.
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Rover != Land Rover
Avoid Rover like shit, if you ever come across to a second hand one
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The last cars produced by Rover were based on outdated specifications and solutions. In those days the company was already performing badly sales wise and could not invest in research. Eventually it went out of business. I think it made some agreement with other firms for supporting warranties and maintenance. Really those cars are not what you're looking for.
Range Rover and Land Rover are different and unrelated.
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I think he/she didn't mean that Land Rover is bad. It is just that Rover (without Land or Range or anything) was a car manufacturer too, you see? =)
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As a general advice when buying a used car, it is good to go check it wit someone who actually have at least a generic knowledge about cars and car mechanics (a friend of a friend maybe). If no one is available it is good to get the car checked in a service before you buying it. The thing with used cars is you can get very lucky or very unlucky with them as reliability and you have to make sure they don't have any not so obvious defect and they had no major accident in the past.
This as a quick suggestion, about car suggestion I'm thinking and maybe come back later.
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This is actually the best advice you can get.I'm from Croatia too and I think the best car you can get is Renault Clio II 2001 version or as said above Volkswagen Golf because those cars are very reliable.Don't take my advice to serious because I only have basic knowledge about cars but it's just my opinion :D
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I wouldn't go for a French car to be honest (no offence to the French) How about a nice Volkswagen Golf, they are very good and not that expensive in maintenance.
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Can't understand why you care about the length of the back window but whatever. As I can't understand why you want only a small one,if it's due to small being (in general) fuel efficient then okay. Other than that I can't find any other reason you would like a small one
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I drive an AUDI A4 what do you mean? :D
It's great in my opinion. I kinda hate the small ones with small weight and small amount of HP. It gives you the feeling of a toy or something like that (at least that's the feeling that I've got when I drove a Peugeot 206)
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Well it's been widely observed (in Croatia at least) that the turn lights are a total waste of money on Audi as none of the drivers actually use them. xD
And as for the "Lords of the Rings part"- one car to rule them all, and the road too, so you better get out of his way type of attitude xD
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Ohh now I understand :)
Putting all stereotypes aside I believe it's a great manufacturer. The build quality is really good (as it is on every German car). The only problem is that the parts are a bit more expensive compared to the French or Japanese ones.
Anyway, I hope we managed to give you any useful ideas and I wish you to manage and get a decent car which will last :)
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What do you think about this one?
Renault Megane cabrio
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I don't really care for French cars since their seats always give me back pains. Had a gf who had that one in black.
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Well she was a woman so she liked it because it looked so sweet. O.o She got rid of it when the car began to had electrical problems, maintenance was pretty expensive on it too.
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After that 206 she bought a VW Golf and if I'm not mistaken she is still driving it.
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a relative had one of them without issues, and then sold in the second hand market to get a more familiar one
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Feel sad for you, as I live in Poland and have family in Ireland, you can get car for that price. Buying new ones is also not good decision, when you can get minimal used ones for way cheaper. Of course I don't talk about ferrari, but some used Citroens. My aunt got a c4 for like 2000 Pounds.
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I'm French and... I don't recommand most of French car, especially mid-recent Renault (Megane 2/Clio 3/Laguna 2).
Some Citroën are good cars, like the C4 (I had one during 6 years, no problems (2007 - 1.6L 16V)).
(Mine was dark blue :))
For the 206cc, most of the problems has been resolved after 2004 (it was built until 2007).
Diesel, gas-oil motors are a bit noisy.
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Don't know the first Megane, I heard the 2.0 IDE isn't reliable. 1.6 16V RXT 110hp seems to be a good car.
For Megane 2 CC, avoid the 1.9 dci 120hp (2002-2005), too many problems. After 2005, the 1.9dci win 10hp (130hp) and is a better engine. Some 1.5dci 80hp (2002-2005) have some problems with "injectors" (not sure of the right english word).
No real problems with unleaded engines (1.4 16V, 1.6 16V, 2.0 16V and 2.0T) or 2.0dci.
Some problems on all can happen :
An alarm is useful with this car, the key is a card and can be easily cloned by thieves.
1.5 dci 105hp (2006-2008) with 6 speed gearbox is a good engine, not noisy, very efficient.
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Whoa, now that's an amazing answer! Thank you so much.
Would you mind checking the ones that are currently for sale out for me?
I know I'm asking a lot but you seem to know so much!
Pretty please? :D
This is the site with used cars- Njuškalo
I've set it to show all Megane cabrio's, from cheapest to most expensive.
The ones with a soft roof are out of the question.
The prices are in Euro.
Some of the words I think you'll need to understand:
Godina proizvodnje: year it was built
Godina modela: year of the model
Prva registracija: year of the first registration
Registriran do: registered until
Prijeđeni kilometri: kilometers it has
Motor: type of the engine
Snaga motora: strength of the engine
Radni obujam: working something 8the thing with xxxcm3)
Mjenjač: gear shift
Broj stupnjeva: number of gears
Starost vozila: is the vehicle new or old
Očuvanost vozila: how well has the car been preserved (bad- loše, good- dobro, excellent-izvrsno)
Vlasnik: number of owners so far (first- prvi, second- drugi)
Garažiran: has it been garaged (yes- da, no- ne)
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np :)
I had some problem with mine, I can tell u which isn't a good choice :D
After 2005, Megane 2 are restyled, many problems has been corrected.
To recognize it, look around the Renault logo : Phase 1 (2002-2005) Phase 2 (2005-2008)
Or on the airbag of the steering wheel (a silvered circle on Phase 2) : Phase 1 (2002-2005) Phase 2 (2005-2008)
So, on your link, some 1.6 16V looks nice, and this engine is a good one :
Black Phase 2
These rims (named "Steppes" in France) are only available in a good level of options in France.
Brown Phase 1
In Phase 1, rims ("Nervasport") indicate that this car is in a good level of options too (little lower than the first one).
Grey Phase 1
"Nervasport" too, same level. Don't know the "Prijeđeni kilometri" :|
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i don´t know the parameters you searched for nor your local market,take a look on this
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I wouldn't buy it from a professional seller, I'd buy it from a private seller here.
I would never dare to buy a car from outside my country. I wouldn't even know where to start searching for one, how to have it checked as I don't speak German and have no way to communicate with the people in the car shop where I'd have to have it taken for a check-up and so on and so forth.
Also, I'd have to pay taxes when importing it, which would make the whole story really expensive.
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within the eu you buy a used car in country x incl. VAT and then you don´t have any import-tax, if they want to charge you that call the EU-court :-) ....but anyway language might be still a problem.( I imported once a car from a spanglish speaking US ...not easy)
So you should stick to any brand that is very popular in your country, to get a more reasonable price...more offers-> better price
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I think it's actually that they take out the VAT of the country you bought it from and then charge Croatian VAT, which is 25% so the price goes up drastically.
But I might be mistaken, I know that that applies for the other stuff, not sure about cars.
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Honda Fit, Nissan March, Honda Sivic, Mercedes A classe......................... and many more
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VW Golf, VW Polo, Citroen DS3/4, Xsara, Hyundai i20, the oldie Peugeot 207, an oldie Seat leon.
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Sorry to have ot responded to your message for so long but I was googling those cars.
I drove a Xsara once, hated it because the back window is tiny
VW way too overpriced in Croatia, Peugeot 207 is on top of my "possible" list but I've heard a lot of bad things about French cars (including Citroen) and their durability and reliability
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Very good car indeed but not the prettiest looking though :)
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where are you living ??? if this car isn't small wtf is small for you, if you ever go in America don't be afraid of the car that got 33 inch wheels over a cranked 429 or 572 engine O.O
the only car that i know that is smaller than of a corolla is a smart
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Dacia Sandero, no gimmicks but gets you from A to B.
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This is also a good suggestion and I'm sure you can get one 4k used, a new one is 8-9k.
I myself have a Dacia Logan and didn't had any problems with it so far (7 years, I brought it new), but it's not suitable for you since it's big and not so pretty :)
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I'm glad I could help with a suggestion.
The standard edition doesn't look so nice as this one but still looks decent.
You can check out here some images and details about the possible price, the site is in romanian, but you can translate it and even without translation you can get a general idea about it's condition/price. I'm not sure if the price is relevant for Croatia too but I think it shouldn't cost much more .
http://autovit.ro/anunt/dacia-sandero-ID4pcY9F.html#eff584b430
http://autovit.ro/anunt/dacia-sandero-ID4pcVbn.html#eff584b430
http://autovit.ro/anunt/dacia-sandero-ID4p8iey.html#64663f8eda
http://autovit.ro/anunt/dacia-sandero-ID4pcZBm.html#eff584b430
PS: The last one even has a butterfly on it :P
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There are 2 models from the Sandero 2008-2012 and 2012 -. The new model has a 0.9/1.2 Euro 5 engine/ Euro 6 after 2015 august.
The white one is the newer model which looks better, the others are the older one.
Both models have 4 price categories Acces, Ambiance, Laureate and Stepway (it looks like a mini SUV). In this order it's more good looking and has better accessories.
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The newer ones (used, naturally) are out of my price range no matter the category. Ehhh... I'll have to go and buy a lottery ticket xD
The same goes for the older ones in any acceptable kind of condition if they're from Croatia, I could afford the imported ones but I'm really scared of having it imported from Germany as I'd have no idea what the car's been through in the sense of roads, conditions and so on. Let alone the fear of saying "I'll buy it" without ever actually having seen it in person.
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I know the feeling ("I'll have to go and buy a lottery ticket xD"). Currently I'm searching for an apartment to buy and the nice ones I really like are always just a little bit out of my price range. Just as much I can't afford it even with negotiation.
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If you can find a Ford Escort Atlanta (97-98 if I'm not mistaken) 1800TD you'll have a compact sedan with a great, sturdy engine, and definitely in your price range.
Edit: Lookit this cute thing http://imganuncios.mitula.net/ford_escort_base_1800_td_4730123423793859661.jpg
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How can you say it's ugly? :O
I had one, loved it dearly. Just the right amount of electronics and very dependable, never let me down until I had to sell it away due to being unable to afford keeping it anymore... Soon as I get a job, I'll be looking for one again!
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Just go to your local supermarket, browse the kiddie section and look for "Lucky Packet" 99% chance you find a free Drivers License in there without having to do the real thing. That's how we do it here in South Africa. Could work for you too!
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Ja sam isto iz Hrvatske :D
Anyways OP I would suggest you either WV Polo or Fiat Grande Punto. Both of them you got petrol and disel versions.
EDIT: Polo is the most girly car you could own, also its very small. I drive around with Slayer, Metallica blasting around and I still look beta.
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I would say that all of those 3 cars I mentiond here are quite small inside I would say around the same size as Peugeot 207. (Megane looks big on outside but not so much for inside tho) For me these cars should be registerd to like 4 seats not 5 like they are.
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If you want small cars, pick an asian car. Honda (Fit) , Mazda (3) are good choices their spare parts are easy to find to if you ever need one. If you don't like asian brands, go with Ford (Focus) (Fiesta) , Volkswagen (Golf)
btw do consider getting a compact/mid-sze SUV instead of a small compact car, SUV are better for snow and mountain areas. Driving an SUV is just similar to driving a hatchback, the only difference is that you can see better because it's higher and it's better in climbing hills/mountain areas.
Subaru (XV) (Forester)
Mitsubishi (ASX)
Honda (CRV) (HRV)
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I like that car also, not a big fan of big cars either.
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Go with VW golf. They are very reliable, not the most interesting cars, but you will be happy if you don't need to visit service very often. I would generally stay away from French cars. They can be quite good looking but they are not built very good. I would recommend primarily German cars
Also before purchasing any car always take it for diagnostics. It is the most important part. If the seller has nothing to hide, he will agree to drive the car to diagnostics center. There you will find out the true condition of the car.
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As Zepa said:
Golfs here (Croatia OP countrys) got retarded prices seriously. If you look into 2007 Golf V you look around 7000 - 7500€ for 100000 - 120000 km on clock.
As for the other part, I will be sure to do that. My last penny will go into this car and there's no way I can afford it breaking down on me anytime soon
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You can also check Japanes brands, honda, mitsubishi, subaru, toyota. Stay away from mazda, because they have rust issues.
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Also mercedes c class is good, especially if you can find diesel.
If you have crazy prices in your country, do consider buying car from germany or austria. You can find a lot of deals there.
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There is one more very important thing. I don't know how things are in your country, but in my country it is somewhat common that car with 150 000km on the clock have often driven a lot more than that. Some people mess with the cars computer to hide the real mileage of the car.
In my country, however, I can check this in the government institution that issues licenses and car documents. But this can also be checked in the diagnostics center if they are good.
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Unfortunately, I can't be much help about shopping for cars in Europe. Even the same models available here aren't necessarily the same cars over there, due to mechanical and cosmetic changes, as well as factory variances. That said, I've always had tremendous luck with Honda over the years. Currently, I have a Ford Focus hatchback and I'm quite fond of it.
Once you narrow it down to a specific model and make, make sure to look at a range of years. Some years are bound to have a history of more mechanical issues than other years. And make sure to be patient when shopping for used cars. Don't buy something on an impulse, or pay more than you intended. You'll just end up regretting it down the road.
Also, when you are shopping for cars, take into account the cost of maintenance and repairs. Every car breaks down eventually, and you'll be happier if its something that's cheap to get repaired.
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Changing engine oil is key. It is recommended to change engine oil every 15 000 km, if you can manage to change it every 10 000 km, even better.
But yes, nothing lasts forever :)
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Hondas are generally the best manufacturer on the market (at least between the main manufacturers, Toyota, Hyundai, etc. for the U.S., dunno much about Europe.) They retain their value the longest, and if you take good care of them, they'll run for a VERY long time.
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It may be worth pointing out that the rear seats are pretty visible through that large window, so you would see more backwards (compared to the Swift) only after folding those seats (if that is possible). On the other hand if you pick a 3-door model you will unlikely use the back seats anyway.
I have a Swift, but I am biased as it comes from Hungary and I happen to be Hungarian :-)
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It's hard to recommend a car to women. Men are looking practically on things and women not! Almost all women are looking for french/italian cars because they think "are cute". Yes, they are cute but when you go in the service for repairs they are not so cute - believe me! The car must be reliable and not to leave you on the road. Look for a car from German/Japan brand and forget about the others, Dacia is also an option.
There are a lot of good smalls cars :
Vw Polo
Vw Golf III, IV
Opel Astra G
Suzuki Swift
Honda Civic
Toyota Yaris
The driving habits are coming with the practice! It's absurd to think that if you have been taught how to drive in a Pegeout car you can drive only them. It's like riding a bicycle - you can't forget it. If you use the car every day or 3-4 times a week, you will need probably 2 months to get used to it. Your leading point must be the comfort inside, not the outside line because when you drive the car you can't see it from outside. Get it?
Also what type of fuel do you prefer - Diesel or Petro/LPG ?
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I know I'd be able to get used to any car eventually but I'd just hate going through that process and trust me, I know myself, I'd just keep avoid getting into it at all.
Yeah, the most important part is the inside and my comfort with the controls, that's why I'm leaning towards Peugeot- it fits me perfectly
VW are really expensive here (overpriced even when used), I'll give the other ones you've named a really good look
As for the fuel- as far as I understand, in city-type driving it's basically the same, right?
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for city driving i would choose petrol, diesel is good for a lot of long hauls
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If you want a city car, buy a petrol one. Diesel is for long hauls and for moving heavier stuff. It used to be cheaper in the long run (10 years of daily use), but nowadays the differences between them in sustain price and economic footprint is negligible.
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Yes it's the same but I can recommend petrol because there is a chance to find unworn car because diesel is made for many kilometers of usage. Right now I'm driving Vectra B on petrol\LPG and never will buy a diesel car unless it's brand new! The other reason is that the petrol cars are a bit cheaper than the diesel equivalents.
Have in mind that the electronics in the Pegeuos is a mess and there are some mechanical decisions I thnik the French engineers are completely nuts!
Dunno if u have ever heard the saying that French are good in making parfumes and BJs, not cars. No offense.
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In order of recommendation: Kia Picanto, VW Polo, Toyota Yaris, Renault Twingo, Dacia Kayou (well, not really since it is not even out yet). Or, if you really want maneuverability with low fuel consumption and don't want to go large distances at high speed, then get a Smart.
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Smart is totally not an option as I need the car to be safe since some of the streets I'll be driving on have pretty psychotic people using them. I've been sitting outside and looking at this one street right in front of my exit and in 2 days (maybe 2 hrs per day) I've seen 3 almost-accidents at speeds that would pulverize a Smart.
Too bad though, as it would have been a top choice for me as it's tiny and pretty affordable
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Well, the time to start thinking about buying a car has finally come and I have no one (who really know about cars) to help me with this decision so I resort to you, my dearest people of SG.
Time and time again you've surprised me with your knowledge and I'm really hoping you'll be able to give me some advice with this. I wouldn't even be opening a topic like this here if I had any hope of getting help on a Croatian forum but, as far as I've read, people there can be so mean.
I'd deeply appreciate your opinions and knowledge <3
Here are the facts:
I'm from Croatia
I live close to the sea but there are also hills around
It can snow quite heavily (the heavily part often only for a week or so) during the winter
I haven't really driven a car for the past 5 years (since I got my license)
I learned to drive (and was pretty amazing at it) on Peugeot 107
The car would be used for short distances 99% of the time (going to work, shopping and stuff like that)
The car would be garaged
Here are my wishes:
I need a small car. I don't feel comfortable driving long cars and I know if I get one that doesn't fit me I'll just avoid driving it and be extremely nervous when I get in it.
It has to have a big back window so I can actually see through it (like Peugeot 107, unlike Citroen Xsara)
Air conditioning would be great but I can survive without it
I need a car that has a "quick start" and is very maneuverable but isn't too strong (I don't drive over 120 km/h, ever)
It must be pretty <3
And now for the worst part....xD
I could scrounge up, at the very most, 4500€ (maaaaybe 5000 if I stopped eating)
I was thinking about Peugeot 206cc but I've read a lot of bad things about it in the forums (the leaky roof, goes all "klinky-klanky" as time goes by and so on) .
Peugeot 206 and 207 are also options but, again, have read bad things about them.
The reason I'm leaning towards Peugeot is the fact that I've learned to drive in one and I'm just used to the feeling of that brand. It has all the controls in all the right places. I feel like I could just jump into one and get back on the road without a problem and, I'm sure you all understand that after 5 years of basically no driving, this is really important to me.
Naturally, I'm not married to Peugeot and other brands are also an option, it's just that I haven't thought about them much.
TL;DR: Need a small maneuverable car, can't be too strong, have at best 5k€, must be pretty :D
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