Damage limitation on a snotter
Discussion
Rangeroverover said:
up the budget a bit still easily sub £1k and get a saab 9-3, I have just bought a 1.9td and its brilliant, uses no fuel, aircon blows cold, comfy and thus far no probs with it
I've got a 1.8t, 55 plate. Picked it up for just under £700. I like it, but with that ride quality I could never 'love' it! I've had no issues, but I've heard of others having problems with electronic keys etc.lostkiwi said:
Small cars are often more likely to be trouble than large ones. Simple fact is the smaller cars need to be worked harder.
For example if a car needs 30hp to do 50 mph (for arguments sake) then a 60hp car is running at 50% of its design maximum. A 100hp car will only be using 1/3 of its design maximum so under less strain relative to its capability.
Also small cars tend to be used for round town running and thats hard on a car. Larger engined cars tend to be used more on motorways so will often get up to speed then just cruise.
For that reason I would tend to the largest engined car I can find for the money as they will have in general had an easier life.
Very simplistic I know and very generalised but my experience backs this up.
Yes, the age-old advice for frugal motoring is: "buy a big, old car and run it into the ground." The other factor, I think, is that despite all the points you make, people at the bargain end of the market tend to go for small cars, which makes them worse value for money than bigger cars of the same vintage.For example if a car needs 30hp to do 50 mph (for arguments sake) then a 60hp car is running at 50% of its design maximum. A 100hp car will only be using 1/3 of its design maximum so under less strain relative to its capability.
Also small cars tend to be used for round town running and thats hard on a car. Larger engined cars tend to be used more on motorways so will often get up to speed then just cruise.
For that reason I would tend to the largest engined car I can find for the money as they will have in general had an easier life.
Very simplistic I know and very generalised but my experience backs this up.
stedale said:
Kitchski said:
Bill said:
For some reason I can't fathom petrol Mazda6s are incredibly cheap, and apart from potential rust round the rear arches seem utterly dependable.
I was also going to suggest Mazda 6, or even a 3.What's the story ? Why are they so cheap ?
Bill said:
For some reason I can't fathom petrol Mazda6s are incredibly cheap, and apart from potential rust round the rear arches seem utterly dependable.
Did a fair few miles in a 2006 2.0 petrol one a few years back (it was a work pool car), and it was..okay. Not great but okay.Pros:
- Huge boot, it's like a freaking TARDIS in there!
- Decent ride.
- Impessively easy to drive around town for it's size.
- Sounded suprisingly fruity for a 2 litre four-pot
- Awful, awful seats - obviously different people may find them more comfortable depending on their size/shape but for me they were properly painful. After 2 hours driving in it I could barely stand.
- N/S Rear brake calipers seized multiple times - either the Mazda dealer who did the work was fleecing us or there was some sort of design flaw there.
- Front-end felt very floaty at any sort of speed (50+) and I just never had any confidence in it. Not a problem in a commuter though!
Edited by KaraK on Monday 23 May 14:12
If the chap genuinely wants cheap motoring and has any sense, he will steer well clear of a clapped out old Saab. I and a couple of colleagues have done the Saab thing, and yes, they're tremendous value for money, but the cost of running, maintaining and fixing when broken is a totally different league from a little yaris or micra. He's not asking for a PH solution, just a decent cheap run around.
The thing with bigger engines is, they're usually fitted to more complex cars, meaning more to go wrong. Yes, smaller engines are under more strain, but I'll take a 1.6 civic over a 3.5 (or whatever engine they have) legend any day of the week if I'm after a genuinely cheap runaround. Small engines are capable of very big mileage just like large ones and usually they're attached to cheap, basic little cars making the cost to buy, run and maintain very cheap, which is the point here.
The thing with bigger engines is, they're usually fitted to more complex cars, meaning more to go wrong. Yes, smaller engines are under more strain, but I'll take a 1.6 civic over a 3.5 (or whatever engine they have) legend any day of the week if I'm after a genuinely cheap runaround. Small engines are capable of very big mileage just like large ones and usually they're attached to cheap, basic little cars making the cost to buy, run and maintain very cheap, which is the point here.
I'd get one of these: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2001-PEUGEOT-406-GLX-HDI...
My dad had one from new to 285,000 miles. Only major breakdown was caused by him not replacing the radiator after it developed a small leak, which turned into the black hole of calcutta, causing it to overheat spectacularly and grenade itself.
Replaced the engine, and used it for another year after that.
My dad had one from new to 285,000 miles. Only major breakdown was caused by him not replacing the radiator after it developed a small leak, which turned into the black hole of calcutta, causing it to overheat spectacularly and grenade itself.
Replaced the engine, and used it for another year after that.
I bought a 2006 fiesta 1.4 ghia petrol from Newark motor auctions 450£ full ford history one owner from new. Everything works. It's a joy to drive. I think I got very lucky. But the auctions do hold some great bargains. Only thing I had to do was get a second key with immobiliser tx in it. £40. Job done
KaraK said:
Did a fair few miles in a 2006 2.0 petrol one a few years back (it was a work pool car), and it was..okay. Not great but okay.
Pros:
Interesting. The base seats are pretty awful, and the only thing that's gone wrong in 4 years is a seized rear caliper, but I'm impressed with the handling of ours.Pros:
- Huge boot, it's like a freaking TARDIS in there!
- Decent ride.
- Impessively easy to drive around town for it's size.
- Sounded suprisingly fruity for a 2 litre four-pot
- Awful, awful seats - obviously different people may find them more comfortable depending on their size/shape but for me they were properly painful. After 2 hours driving in it I could barely stand.
- N/S Rear brake calipers seized multiple times - either the Mazda dealer who did the work was fleecing us or there was some sort of design flaw there.
- Front-end felt very floaty at any sort of speed (50+) and I just never had any confidence in it. Not a problem in a commuter though!
Edited by KaraK on Monday 23 May 14:12
RedAndy said:
Primera. same qualities as the K111 micra, but in a car that's actually big enough to get in. Similar to Mondeo in handling/drive, but has a nicer ride I think.
I'm talking about the P11 or facelift 144. AVOID the cheese wedge later cars. too much Renault in them and the reliability average suffered.
Avoid diesel as they arent much more economical than petrols. 1.8 is the engine of choice. almost as economical as the 1.6, almost as powerful as the 2.0.
accept some rust on panels and pay no more than £400. Want a beautiful one? double the price.
Not a bad shout, popular taxis of the time.I'm talking about the P11 or facelift 144. AVOID the cheese wedge later cars. too much Renault in them and the reliability average suffered.
Avoid diesel as they arent much more economical than petrols. 1.8 is the engine of choice. almost as economical as the 1.6, almost as powerful as the 2.0.
accept some rust on panels and pay no more than £400. Want a beautiful one? double the price.
This one looks great for the money, could probably knock 50 quid off https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/172179306245
I spent years buying cars in this price range. I had 2 rules - service history with receipts and lowish mileage (<70,000). Age is not really an issue if you follow these two points. The receipts will show you whether it's just had oil changes and 'absolute necessity' fixes or whether its been properly cared for. There are a surprising number of cars out there with low mileage that have been cared for.
I broke my rule once and got a Fiesta with low mileage but no receipts - it turned out to be a real pig.
Japanese cars were the best - civic, accord & micra.
I broke my rule once and got a Fiesta with low mileage but no receipts - it turned out to be a real pig.
Japanese cars were the best - civic, accord & micra.
just sold th oh k11 micra 2002 new mot £325. i bought a picasso hdi 2002 180,000 miles. 4 years ago £300. moted, needed new battery. still going strong at 220,000. spend about £100 per year on repairs ( self ),47 mpg in winter. 55 mpg in summer. will keep it till it dies. peugoet seems to have more electrical probs from my experience.
Foul Bob said:
If the chap genuinely wants cheap motoring and has any sense, he will steer well clear of a clapped out old Saab. I and a couple of colleagues have done the Saab thing, and yes, they're tremendous value for money, but the cost of running, maintaining and fixing when broken is a totally different league from a little yaris or micra. He's not asking for a PH solution, just a decent cheap run around.
The thing with bigger engines is, they're usually fitted to more complex cars, meaning more to go wrong. Yes, smaller engines are under more strain, but I'll take a 1.6 civic over a 3.5 (or whatever engine they have) legend any day of the week if I'm after a genuinely cheap runaround. Small engines are capable of very big mileage just like large ones and usually they're attached to cheap, basic little cars making the cost to buy, run and maintain very cheap, which is the point here.
Nonsense. As an owner I can testify the 9-5 is a great used bargain with benefit that most of them have been cared for but good ones are getting hard to come by as they fall into the wrong hands and neglect. Nothing particularly complicated about it and plenty of specialists about to fix it if it goes wrong. I paid £25 plus fitting for a good, used driveshaft when it needed one. Apart from that, it's been great in the year I've owned it. The thing with bigger engines is, they're usually fitted to more complex cars, meaning more to go wrong. Yes, smaller engines are under more strain, but I'll take a 1.6 civic over a 3.5 (or whatever engine they have) legend any day of the week if I'm after a genuinely cheap runaround. Small engines are capable of very big mileage just like large ones and usually they're attached to cheap, basic little cars making the cost to buy, run and maintain very cheap, which is the point here.
With an £80 remap from noobtune, a 2.0t will make 230hp and still do 40mpg on a run. Bargain.
wormus said:
Nonsense. As an owner I can testify the 9-5 is a great used bargain with benefit that most of them have been cared for but good ones are getting hard to come by as they fall into the wrong hands and neglect. Nothing particularly complicated about it and plenty of specialists about to fix it if it goes wrong. I paid £25 plus fitting for a good, used driveshaft when it needed one. Apart from that, it's been great in the year I've owned it.
With an £80 remap from noobtune, a 2.0t will make 230hp and still do 40mpg on a run. Bargain.
To be fair, if he wants damage limitation then Saab is best avoided at this price, he's right. Petrol and jap is the way forward, coming from a Saab enthusiast/owner. With an £80 remap from noobtune, a 2.0t will make 230hp and still do 40mpg on a run. Bargain.
Bill said:
KaraK said:
Did a fair few miles in a 2006 2.0 petrol one a few years back (it was a work pool car), and it was..okay. Not great but okay.
Pros:
Interesting. The base seats are pretty awful, and the only thing that's gone wrong in 4 years is a seized rear caliper, but I'm impressed with the handling of ours.Pros:
- Huge boot, it's like a freaking TARDIS in there!
- Decent ride.
- Impessively easy to drive around town for it's size.
- Sounded suprisingly fruity for a 2 litre four-pot
- Awful, awful seats - obviously different people may find them more comfortable depending on their size/shape but for me they were properly painful. After 2 hours driving in it I could barely stand.
- N/S Rear brake calipers seized multiple times - either the Mazda dealer who did the work was fleecing us or there was some sort of design flaw there.
- Front-end felt very floaty at any sort of speed (50+) and I just never had any confidence in it. Not a problem in a commuter though!
Edited by KaraK on Monday 23 May 14:12
Handling is good and I can't say I've suffered from a light front end at speed??
I've done 70k (95k on odo) in mine over 7 years and it feels the same as the day I got it.
Edited by stedale on Tuesday 24th May 23:22
Just bought an automatic corrolla 1.6vvti petrol with 45k miles and fsh for 500quid.
It's very comfortable and handles surprisingly well. Good air-conditioning and stereo.
Suprised at how relaxing it is in traffic to work. 28mpg in town not ace but it's cheap petrol going in it.
40plus on a run, enough poke to not be holding people up anywhere too. Worry free daily motoring
It's very comfortable and handles surprisingly well. Good air-conditioning and stereo.
Suprised at how relaxing it is in traffic to work. 28mpg in town not ace but it's cheap petrol going in it.
40plus on a run, enough poke to not be holding people up anywhere too. Worry free daily motoring
Nissan Primera P11 2:0 petrol is my recommendation, they drive really well, the 2.0 petrol is a great engine in terms of reliability and power and its chain driven. I've had quite a few of these a sheds and they seem to be very well looked after a couple have even been only 1 or 2 owner examples with full service history - not bad for sub £500 motoring.
The P11 Primera are the 19997 to 2002 models not the newer model - avoid them ( unreliable).
The P11 Primera are the 19997 to 2002 models not the newer model - avoid them ( unreliable).
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