Show us your snotter..............
Discussion
Limpet said:
Picked mine up Sunday. 2 owner, 2002 Focus 2.0 Zetec with climate pack (bring on the frosts), 114k, near complete service history and 10 months MOT for the princely sum of £550. Drives faultlessly and everything works.
Bought it to use until my M140i turns up, but already like it enough that I'm thinking about hanging on to it if it's reliable.
Great cars, I picked up a 1.6 ghia on an 02 plate last year, hardly spent a penny on it, apart from 2 new tailgate struts and an oil change, starts first time, heated screen is great and the aircon blows cold in summer. It goes to the tip, shopping at asda, dog goes in it. Gets washed once a month by the Romanians. Bought it to use until my M140i turns up, but already like it enough that I'm thinking about hanging on to it if it's reliable.
Bought this 306 D Turbo two-and-a-bit years ago as a stop-gap. The previous owner was an old lady who bought it from the supplying dealer in 1996 when it was just a few months old. Got it at 101k, but now on 147k and still going strong thanks to nothing but routine servicing.
Feels surprisingly poky for just 92bhp although it kicks out a lot of smoke when you give it some. And believe it or not it handles like an absolute dream! And despite being 21 years old and French, all the electrics on it work, from the sunroof to the remote locking!
Also very cheap motoring, as I can insure it as a classic and it averages 57mpg! Never let me down either (famous last words...).
Feels surprisingly poky for just 92bhp although it kicks out a lot of smoke when you give it some. And believe it or not it handles like an absolute dream! And despite being 21 years old and French, all the electrics on it work, from the sunroof to the remote locking!
Also very cheap motoring, as I can insure it as a classic and it averages 57mpg! Never let me down either (famous last words...).
angels95 said:
Bought this 306 D Turbo two-and-a-bit years ago as a stop-gap. The previous owner was an old lady who bought it from the supplying dealer in 1996 when it was just a few months old. Got it at 101k, but now on 147k and still going strong thanks to nothing but routine servicing.
Feels surprisingly poky for just 92bhp although it kicks out a lot of smoke when you give it some. And believe it or not it handles like an absolute dream! And despite being 21 years old and French, all the electrics on it work, from the sunroof to the remote locking!
Also very cheap motoring, as I can insure it as a classic and it averages 57mpg! Never let me down either (famous last words...).
Great cars. XUD engine and pre-canbus. Will probably go on forever. We had a Phase 2 version for a while and it never gave a moment's trouble. Good to drive as well.Feels surprisingly poky for just 92bhp although it kicks out a lot of smoke when you give it some. And believe it or not it handles like an absolute dream! And despite being 21 years old and French, all the electrics on it work, from the sunroof to the remote locking!
Also very cheap motoring, as I can insure it as a classic and it averages 57mpg! Never let me down either (famous last words...).
Limpet said:
Great cars. XUD engine and pre-canbus. Will probably go on forever. We had a Phase 2 version for a while and it never gave a moment's trouble. Good to drive as well.
Same here.... had a phase 2 diesel for a fair while, other than an AC condenser not one issue in that time.Got this on the weekend -26k miles (Honda d series engine) 2 owners and a wedge of stamps in the service book. Low on MOT but no real structural rust despite the body work looking ropey- needs some paint. Brakes could do with a refresh and the interior needs a deep clean. But for £500 will make an excellent inner city commute car and keep some miles/car park dings off the XFR
If all goes well this afternoon then this is to become my brothers snotter:-
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Some great cars on here. Where's the best place to get a good one?
I bought my trusty old Saab 9-5 for £1700 from an independent dealer. Top money but low mileage and full service history. Unfortunately I learned that doesn't mean fault free and the first service cost me £1200 to put loads of faults right including a new turbo as the old one had been fitted upside down! Now in tip top condition but I guess I'm missing the point of buying a cheap car?!
I bought my trusty old Saab 9-5 for £1700 from an independent dealer. Top money but low mileage and full service history. Unfortunately I learned that doesn't mean fault free and the first service cost me £1200 to put loads of faults right including a new turbo as the old one had been fitted upside down! Now in tip top condition but I guess I'm missing the point of buying a cheap car?!
My Picasso.
A definite snotter, got it for free.
Engines was cutting out, Power steering pump and Alternator needed replacing and the gear linkages were seized. All jobs done for the grand total of about £200 quid. 2x Part worns on the back cost me £40 quid. its at 153k and on original clutch, going to get that and cambelt done after Christmas. Ticketed until August. Bonus.
Cheap to run, around 30-34mpg round town. Havent had it on a long run yet. Doesnt cost a lot to tax and insure either.
Other problem is that is more annoying than anything really is that the drivers door lock is seized and I dont have the keyfob only the manual key. Has to be locked and unlocked from passengers side. Grrrr.
But aside from that - top snottering.
Will add photos later.
A definite snotter, got it for free.
Engines was cutting out, Power steering pump and Alternator needed replacing and the gear linkages were seized. All jobs done for the grand total of about £200 quid. 2x Part worns on the back cost me £40 quid. its at 153k and on original clutch, going to get that and cambelt done after Christmas. Ticketed until August. Bonus.
Cheap to run, around 30-34mpg round town. Havent had it on a long run yet. Doesnt cost a lot to tax and insure either.
Other problem is that is more annoying than anything really is that the drivers door lock is seized and I dont have the keyfob only the manual key. Has to be locked and unlocked from passengers side. Grrrr.
But aside from that - top snottering.
Will add photos later.
Edited by cpjitservices on Wednesday 14th December 12:50
My latest one (most of my 25ish cars have been under £1,000, many under £500.
I've had this 2002 Megane 1.4 16v Expression for a couple of months now...
MOT till May...75k miles...nothing really wrong with it...£200.
The engine is wheezy and waay behind a japanese 16v in the way it sounds or goes but it's quiet enough around the doors. 40ish mpg average, sometimes more, sometimes less. There's even (honestly) a glimmer of a good/playful chassis underneath if i try hard enough.
A rear wheel bearing is now starting to let me know it needs replacing.
It's got a bit of character, although it doesn't look it!
I've had this 2002 Megane 1.4 16v Expression for a couple of months now...
MOT till May...75k miles...nothing really wrong with it...£200.
The engine is wheezy and waay behind a japanese 16v in the way it sounds or goes but it's quiet enough around the doors. 40ish mpg average, sometimes more, sometimes less. There's even (honestly) a glimmer of a good/playful chassis underneath if i try hard enough.
A rear wheel bearing is now starting to let me know it needs replacing.
It's got a bit of character, although it doesn't look it!
angels95 said:
Bought this 306 D Turbo two-and-a-bit years ago as a stop-gap. The previous owner was an old lady who bought it from the supplying dealer in 1996 when it was just a few months old. Got it at 101k, but now on 147k and still going strong thanks to nothing but routine servicing.
Feels surprisingly poky for just 92bhp although it kicks out a lot of smoke when you give it some. And believe it or not it handles like an absolute dream! And despite being 21 years old and French, all the electrics on it work, from the sunroof to the remote locking!
Also very cheap motoring, as I can insure it as a classic and it averages 57mpg! Never let me down either (famous last words...).
I had one of these in Diablo Red (and also 2 ZX TD Auras which were just as good, but didn't look as nice) Great cars...i echo your sentiments...but i could never get anywhere near 57mpg in any of them, even when trying! Great cars though and they really did drive well.Feels surprisingly poky for just 92bhp although it kicks out a lot of smoke when you give it some. And believe it or not it handles like an absolute dream! And despite being 21 years old and French, all the electrics on it work, from the sunroof to the remote locking!
Also very cheap motoring, as I can insure it as a classic and it averages 57mpg! Never let me down either (famous last words...).
Limpet said:
Great cars. XUD engine and pre-canbus. Will probably go on forever. We had a Phase 2 version for a while and it never gave a moment's trouble. Good to drive as well.
Simplicity is definitely key when running an old banger. The less to go wrong, the better! M1C said:
I had one of these in Diablo Red (and also 2 ZX TD Auras which were just as good, but didn't look as nice) Great cars...i echo your sentiments...but i could never get anywhere near 57mpg in any of them, even when trying! Great cars though and they really did drive well.
It only does 57mpg as it spends an awful lot of time clattering along at 50-ish in fifth gear!Been very tempted whenever I see a three-door ZX Volcane TD for sale online, but they are very hard to come by now and good ones seem to swap hands for a grand or thereabouts.
M1C said:
My latest one (most of my 25ish cars have been under £1,000, many under £500.
I've had this 2002 Megane 1.4 16v Expression for a couple of months now...
MOT till May...75k miles...nothing really wrong with it...£200.
The engine is wheezy and waay behind a japanese 16v in the way it sounds or goes but it's quiet enough around the doors. 40ish mpg average, sometimes more, sometimes less. There's even (honestly) a glimmer of a good/playful chassis underneath if i try hard enough.
A rear wheel bearing is now starting to let me know it needs replacing.
It's got a bit of character, although it doesn't look it!
Long story short...I've had this 2002 Megane 1.4 16v Expression for a couple of months now...
MOT till May...75k miles...nothing really wrong with it...£200.
The engine is wheezy and waay behind a japanese 16v in the way it sounds or goes but it's quiet enough around the doors. 40ish mpg average, sometimes more, sometimes less. There's even (honestly) a glimmer of a good/playful chassis underneath if i try hard enough.
A rear wheel bearing is now starting to let me know it needs replacing.
It's got a bit of character, although it doesn't look it!
...I 'exchanged' and ended up with one of these things for a while.
It was a turbo diesel and a saloon and it had dents and stank, but...
...Other than needing a new battery through lack of use, it was resolutely reliable and actually didn't go too badly either
But I sold it for £200 with a short MOT on it.
I don't miss it but it wasn't a bad buggy.
Wouldn't buy another though.
Here's mine:
Great car! It's a manual 2.0TS - far more interesting than a Focus and it is completely reliable and rattle free. Nice engine, quick steering, agile and reasonably practical.
Bought with 52k miles, FSH including belts and so far been extremely happy.
First foray into Alfa ownership and much recommended.
Great car! It's a manual 2.0TS - far more interesting than a Focus and it is completely reliable and rattle free. Nice engine, quick steering, agile and reasonably practical.
Bought with 52k miles, FSH including belts and so far been extremely happy.
First foray into Alfa ownership and much recommended.
wormus said:
Some great cars on here. Where's the best place to get a good one?
Just the classifieds, but you need to look at lots, and be picky. You won't get perfect for £500 but the quality really varies. Most stuff at this end of the market is neglected, fault ridden crap that hasn't been serviced since the warranty ran out, and which has a list of problems that you will need to either learn to ignore, or sort out at a significant percentage of the purchase price. But then you will stumble across a gem that's been well cared for. I looked at half a dozen Focuses before finding mine. The one I looked at before this one was more money, had a drivers electric window that didn't work, a slight clutch slip, a misfire, and wipers that didn't self park, and the trader wouldn't budge on the price. I walked away. The one i bought is a better spec, has a great service history, runs sweetly and everything works. And it was cheaper.
Just be prepared to spend a day trawling through crap in order to find that gem.
Digby said:
Winter hack should things get bad.
500 nuggets.
Wheels were shocking rust wise so I rubbed them down and turned them black. Hardly any rust anywhere else, though and given this is an M reg on 147k miles, I was quite surprised!
I've got one too, a family friend was offered £300 p/ex for it for her new car, so I said I'd have it as a winter hack. I was pleasantly surprised to find out it had done 59k, and had been serviced religously, mostly by Toyota.500 nuggets.
Wheels were shocking rust wise so I rubbed them down and turned them black. Hardly any rust anywhere else, though and given this is an M reg on 147k miles, I was quite surprised!
I stuck a cheap set of Event Ml698 all terrain tyres on it, and it pretty much goes anywhere.
Fuel economy is shocking though, I reckon it does about 20 to the gallon.
angels95 said:
Bought this 306 D Turbo two-and-a-bit years ago as a stop-gap. The previous owner was an old lady who bought it from the supplying dealer in 1996 when it was just a few months old. Got it at 101k, but now on 147k and still going strong thanks to nothing but routine servicing.
Feels surprisingly poky for just 92bhp although it kicks out a lot of smoke when you give it some. And believe it or not it handles like an absolute dream! And despite being 21 years old and French, all the electrics on it work, from the sunroof to the remote locking!
Also very cheap motoring, as I can insure it as a classic and it averages 57mpg! Never let me down either (famous last words...).
There's some cheeky (cheap/easy) mods you can do engine wise that will up the power nicely should you so desire... Feels surprisingly poky for just 92bhp although it kicks out a lot of smoke when you give it some. And believe it or not it handles like an absolute dream! And despite being 21 years old and French, all the electrics on it work, from the sunroof to the remote locking!
Also very cheap motoring, as I can insure it as a classic and it averages 57mpg! Never let me down either (famous last words...).
Do a Google on it.
SidewaysSi said:
Here's mine:
Great car! It's a manual 2.0TS - far more interesting than a Focus and it is completely reliable and rattle free. Nice engine, quick steering, agile and reasonably practical.
Bought with 52k miles, FSH including belts and so far been extremely happy.
First foray into Alfa ownership and much recommended.
Looks good. Make sure you give it a good jetwash underneath. They still rot sadly.Great car! It's a manual 2.0TS - far more interesting than a Focus and it is completely reliable and rattle free. Nice engine, quick steering, agile and reasonably practical.
Bought with 52k miles, FSH including belts and so far been extremely happy.
First foray into Alfa ownership and much recommended.
DoubleTime said:
angels95 said:
Bought this 306 D Turbo two-and-a-bit years ago as a stop-gap. The previous owner was an old lady who bought it from the supplying dealer in 1996 when it was just a few months old. Got it at 101k, but now on 147k and still going strong thanks to nothing but routine servicing.
Feels surprisingly poky for just 92bhp although it kicks out a lot of smoke when you give it some. And believe it or not it handles like an absolute dream! And despite being 21 years old and French, all the electrics on it work, from the sunroof to the remote locking!
Also very cheap motoring, as I can insure it as a classic and it averages 57mpg! Never let me down either (famous last words...).
There's some cheeky (cheap/easy) mods you can do engine wise that will up the power nicely should you so desire... Feels surprisingly poky for just 92bhp although it kicks out a lot of smoke when you give it some. And believe it or not it handles like an absolute dream! And despite being 21 years old and French, all the electrics on it work, from the sunroof to the remote locking!
Also very cheap motoring, as I can insure it as a classic and it averages 57mpg! Never let me down either (famous last words...).
Do a Google on it.
Mine's got a Bosch pump which is apparently the best one to have, and also means it can run on veg oil!
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