Occasions: 3 “German” bestsellers for a maximum of 10,000 euros

They are no longer the best-selling new cars, but these three German compact models are traditionally real bestsellers. They are still very popular as used cars and are therefore relatively expensive. Yes, but you have a maximum of ten grand available, which should it be?

The range of used cars is huge. You can find used cars everywhere at a dealer, via gaspedal.nl, a specialized website and even on Facebook. Which “German” bestseller do you buy for 10,000 euros? Autovisie selects the best used cars every week.

Three “German” used cars for a maximum of 10,000 euros

• Ford Fiesta (2017 – 2022)
• Opel Corsa (2014 – 2019)
• Volkswagen Polo (2014 – 2017)

1. Ford Fiesta (2017 – 2022)

The Fiesta is a winner in several areas. This model is slightly more spacious than its predecessor and the two competitors. There is space for four adults, and the luggage compartment is just the largest at 303 liters.

Various functions can be operated via a “touchscreen”, and the function of automatically stopping the car for pedestrians even in the dark is also very good. The 74 kW three-cylinder is powerful and smooth enough and achieves a consumption of around 1:17. In addition, the Fiesta also steers and shifts in an exemplary manner, as befits a Ford.

A dark gray 1.0 (2018, 151,000 km) is listed at a car company in Joure for €9,999.

What should you pay attention to on this occasion?

A “black” dashboard and engine that won’t start can be caused by a loose connector under the hood. But which one? Another plug near the fuse box behind the glove box causes the car to not respond to the remote, fail to start, and appear to be completely without power.

Smart: A dead battery in the key can be charged in a storage compartment in the dashboard. If the steering lock gets stuck after a dead battery and a jump start, a “reset” is required, so that’s a small matter too.

2. Opel Corsa (2014 – 2019)

Opel’s in-house developed 1.0-liter engine debuted in this model and it’s the best three-cylinder we’ve ever seen. This is due, among other things, to the use of a balancer shaft, which ensures that the engine runs particularly smoothly. At 66 kW it is also powerful enough. It’s a shame that production stopped after a few years.

The six-speed gearbox is simply part of the engine, a great combination, good for a fuel consumption of 1:17.5. Four adults are enough in the Corsa, the luggage compartment measures 285 liters. The front seats are a bit flat, which only bothers you on long journeys, so the comfort is just enough. A car company in Wolvega has a blue 1.4 “Edition” (2016, 49,000 km) for €9,999.

What should you pay attention to on this occasion?

A Corsa that won’t engage reverse gear is due to a defective lock on the lever. Brake lights that stay on are caused by a switch that is not working properly. A loose connector on the fuel pressure regulator will result in a poorly running 1.0-liter three-cylinder.

These are actually just small things and not expensive repairs. The dashboard causes unnecessary panic with messages about tire pressure – just pump it up – or whether it’s high time for an oil change. Regular maintenance prevents this.

3. Volkswagen Polo (2014 – 2017)

The Polo is so popular that for the same money we can get a model that is slightly older than its two competitors. For a car of this size, it drives comfortably and the 1.0 is pleasantly quiet even on the highway.

The interior is simple, but just big enough for four adults, who can also take 280 liters of luggage with them. A 1.2 runs about 1 in 15, a 1.0 is a little more economical. Precisely because the demand for well-kept polo shirts is so great, many are imported. This also applies to the white “Comfortline” (2015, 101,000 km), which is offered by a car company in Lexmond for 9,999 euros, although there are no additional costs.

What should you pay attention to on this occasion?

The 1.0-liter three-cylinder sometimes suffers from a broken throttle body, causing the engine to become unresponsive to the accelerator pedal. The 1.2 and 1.4 liter engines have an electrically driven water pump. This can cause the drive belt to break. It is hoped that the driver will recognize in time that the engine is overheating.

The slow start is due to a leaking injector. It also happens that the ignition key is stuck deep enough in the ignition switch and therefore the engine does not start. The central locking system not working is due to damage to the wiring harness.

What occasion will it be?

Difficult, the three hardly differ from each other. The Polo is usually relatively expensive, the Corsa offers more for its money, but only runs slightly less than a Polo. The Ford is the nicest car, but the chosen Fiesta has already done quite a lot of mileage. Hmm… finally the polo!