Ultra reliable cars

[daveofedinburgh]

This shape of Civic (EG or EK IIRC, seems to be this more-doors shape rather than the hatchbacks):



I've noticed that people who have come to the UK relatively recently from 'less affluent' countries in eg. Eastern Europe and Africa seem to swear by them. I suspect that they naturally have a good instinct for cars that are cheap to buy/ maintain and won't let them down. Tend to be (often very) rough on the body, but rarely look/ sound like they are driving rough.

Tedious answer I know (along the same lines as old Accords/ Avensis etc), but stands out as a model that you still see regularly which was always fairly unloved/ unremarkable.

Bet there are still quite afew decent VTIs out there for pocket money too...

[vit4]

I have a 1999 Toyota Avensis 1.8 (not the VVTi). It's done 261k and is utterly unspectacular, but bar a bush which had gone when I bought the car and a cambelt service, it's wanted for nothing. Still on its original clutch, too. Uses no oil to speak of (a dribble every few thousand miles, ditto water). Very economical in its own right, let alone for the size of it. If it dies, it'll be replaced by another - I doubt that you can do shedding for less.


Special mention also goes to Fords of the late 90's-early noughties vintage. My gf has a V-reg Fiesta 1.25 and my mum an 02 Focus 1.4 (both the same Zetec SE engine). Both have taken a lot of punishment very well.

Edited by vit4 on Sunday 20th September 02:00

[ukaskew]

16 years of driving so far, never had a single breakdown or major issue come service time other than standard wear and tear, a few niggles but nothing expensive.

4 Renault Clios (two over 100k, two Renaultsport), Hyundai Coupe, Suzuki Ignis Sport, Ford Sportka. The only link...annual service and looked after.

Of those the Suzuki felt like the one that might actually last forever.