Who Else ENJOYS Bangernomics?
Discussion
I am warming to bangernomics not because I wan't to save money per se but more because I am so disillusioned with modern cars. Our family fleet has been as many as four cars. It peaked when there were five drivers in the household for while. At the time I tried to keep cars until manufacturers warranty ran out. My attitude changed when I bought a well cared for 10 year old Polo off a colleague for £2200. We ran it for two years with minimal expense and sold it on for £1900 to the first caller. I then bought myself a cosmetically tatty MY2000 BMW Z3 3.0. After some minor rectification I sold it for £1500 more 18 months later. I might buy new again largely due being eligible for staff discount through a "relative". Otherwise I will pursue the fun and excitement of bangernomics.
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Same as this for me 
Dropped an old sheddy Almera at my local mechanic with one of his young lads, gave the instruction "Can I get 4 new tyres on this, either Goodyear or Continental please"
Later that day the owner of the garage calls me:
"You sure you want 4 expensive tyres on this car? I ask because that's £300 and the car is worth about £200"
It was the reality check I needed and I've realised I often spend more than a car is worth on maintenance because I can't put up with bad brakes, worn suspension and I truly run a car regardless of cost. It would be ok if I wasn't too lazy/inept to do the work myself. I still badly want another shed though, just for the freedom it brings.
I feel I'm a sham bangernomicist, the current daily is far too expensive to be a banger (£2,500 old Volvo!) but I do have a 'banger' on the drive, a 2005 Clio 1.2, had it from new, 140,000 miles, refuses to die.
Last MOT was £100 to fix the advisory of a ball joint going.
Due to the mileage, it's worthless to people it seems, tried to sell it to numerous acquaintances. Admittedly I could just put it on eBay, clearly something is stopping me
Last MOT was £100 to fix the advisory of a ball joint going.
Due to the mileage, it's worthless to people it seems, tried to sell it to numerous acquaintances. Admittedly I could just put it on eBay, clearly something is stopping me
for the daily/work hack i budget £100 for every month of MoT and just roll the dice. I limit my purchases to Saab Aero's and Alfa's, mostly 156 or GTV.
not had a bad buy yet and, ignoring my own rules, the £1700 GTV V6 has turned into a real keeper (although it owes me a bit more now)
every journey is an adventure although it'd be easy to get complacent given my lack of catastrophic failures to date. TS belts at 36k? - i spit on your 36k, never had a failure and every TS i've ever had has been way overdue (and i do mean way overdue)
paul
not had a bad buy yet and, ignoring my own rules, the £1700 GTV V6 has turned into a real keeper (although it owes me a bit more now)
every journey is an adventure although it'd be easy to get complacent given my lack of catastrophic failures to date. TS belts at 36k? - i spit on your 36k, never had a failure and every TS i've ever had has been way overdue (and i do mean way overdue)
paul
RDB said:
I love running older cars, but I'm rubbish at proper bangernomics because I end up spending a load of money sorting out niggles and doing preventative maintenance.
Me too. My £82 106 diesel has now turned into a £350 106 diesel - four new tyres from a maker I had actually heard of, new heavy duty battery (because diesel), front brake pads, oil and filters, wiper blades, and £20 for a drivers seat. The frame on the old one was bent. I never met the previous lady owner but suspect she may have been a bit on the large side. Still needs wishbone bushes to get rid of the strange creaking noise at low speeds. But I love it.Can't agree enough lads, i love my bangers from my youth days as a student buying old car's for a few hundred split 2 or 3 ways just great
For the last 12 years ! ive had the same car bought when it fairly good / new and admired w203 c220 i've spend a few quid on it since buying her, but last 7 years she sails through the mot with every year and every 2nd year having a few hundred spent on parts, shes just ticked over to 260,000 and shows no signs of stopping, I keep promising myself a new shiny leased jobby but at this rate it won't happen. The fact i can park her anywhere is priceless not having to worry about folk scratching it or door denting in supermarket carparks.
Shes looking abit worse for wear these day's rusted and a poor attempt by me trying to sort the paintwork, i will get round to washing her one day and treating her to a abit of filler and spray
people most likely laff when they see me in the old rust bucket but doesn't bother me as its one less bill to pay each month
For the last 12 years ! ive had the same car bought when it fairly good / new and admired w203 c220 i've spend a few quid on it since buying her, but last 7 years she sails through the mot with every year and every 2nd year having a few hundred spent on parts, shes just ticked over to 260,000 and shows no signs of stopping, I keep promising myself a new shiny leased jobby but at this rate it won't happen. The fact i can park her anywhere is priceless not having to worry about folk scratching it or door denting in supermarket carparks.
Shes looking abit worse for wear these day's rusted and a poor attempt by me trying to sort the paintwork, i will get round to washing her one day and treating her to a abit of filler and spray
people most likely laff when they see me in the old rust bucket but doesn't bother me as its one less bill to pay each month £500 for £1200s worth of 1.4 Clio due to an intermittent ABS light.
Push the NSF connector back together and put it back in its clip and job jobbed.
It was put on not much use duties due to buying a Polo GTi which I always worried about getting nicked, then convinced myself it's nearly 10 years old and no one would nick it.
It got nicked.
So back on daily duties for the Clio.
It leaves a cloud of steam from the bonnet everytime I drive it stupidly hard but it hasn't ever for the Mrs who has been driving it in this heat in traffic.
It got battered the other day in Dartford, I shrugged my shoulders at the truck driver, told him it was his lucky day and kicked the arch back so the door could open.
It's bump started many loaded vans, either by shunting then or towing.
It's been left in many dodgy places and it's currently chained to my van to stop that getting stolen.
It won't die.
Push the NSF connector back together and put it back in its clip and job jobbed.
It was put on not much use duties due to buying a Polo GTi which I always worried about getting nicked, then convinced myself it's nearly 10 years old and no one would nick it.
It got nicked.
So back on daily duties for the Clio.
It leaves a cloud of steam from the bonnet everytime I drive it stupidly hard but it hasn't ever for the Mrs who has been driving it in this heat in traffic.
It got battered the other day in Dartford, I shrugged my shoulders at the truck driver, told him it was his lucky day and kicked the arch back so the door could open.
It's bump started many loaded vans, either by shunting then or towing.
It's been left in many dodgy places and it's currently chained to my van to stop that getting stolen.
It won't die.
I got my Astra Turbo 200+ for almost nothing because of a leaky radiator. A new radiator was £83 and £35 (one hour labour) to have it fitted.
It does 30mpg or more, goes well, drives perfectly and the air con is ice cold. I've done 13k miles in it since February and I feel loathe to buy a more expensive car again!
It does 30mpg or more, goes well, drives perfectly and the air con is ice cold. I've done 13k miles in it since February and I feel loathe to buy a more expensive car again!
Have been doing this for a long time. Great fun.
I am, for example, on Volvo number 19 in three years.
In fact, my profile garage section is almost always out of date due to me changing and chopping about.
There are several other examples on here:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I just picked up a manual T5 C70 cab for 600 quid due to a small dent and a part working roof and currently own seven cars. I think I have a problem
I am, for example, on Volvo number 19 in three years.
In fact, my profile garage section is almost always out of date due to me changing and chopping about.
There are several other examples on here:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I just picked up a manual T5 C70 cab for 600 quid due to a small dent and a part working roof and currently own seven cars. I think I have a problem
Yes, yes and thrice yes!
I embrace bangernomics.
I've had 22 cars over 15 years and the vast majority of them have been under £1000. Most of them under £500. Some even FOC where possible!
To be successful you have to do three things:
1) Not care too much about what people think as you drive around in a 'crap' car (that you may not think is crap at all)
2) Resist the temptation to spend anything at all. Other than absolutely necessary. Its bangernomics. It's meant to be cheap as possible, low cost, low risk, little to lose.
3) Have some luck.
I've been able to use all three of the above on most of my cars. My luck may run out, but it hasn't yet.
I too get a sense of satisfaction in having a full, working car for the same price as someone else may pay per month for a new car.
The problem for me is...I can't stay loyal. It's not long before I want to move onto the next 'shed'.
It's not as straightforward at present as my current car is a Puma 1.7 and it's so good to drive...I know whatever I have next won't feel as good.
I embrace bangernomics.
I've had 22 cars over 15 years and the vast majority of them have been under £1000. Most of them under £500. Some even FOC where possible!
To be successful you have to do three things:
1) Not care too much about what people think as you drive around in a 'crap' car (that you may not think is crap at all)
2) Resist the temptation to spend anything at all. Other than absolutely necessary. Its bangernomics. It's meant to be cheap as possible, low cost, low risk, little to lose.
3) Have some luck.
I've been able to use all three of the above on most of my cars. My luck may run out, but it hasn't yet.
I too get a sense of satisfaction in having a full, working car for the same price as someone else may pay per month for a new car.
The problem for me is...I can't stay loyal. It's not long before I want to move onto the next 'shed'.
It's not as straightforward at present as my current car is a Puma 1.7 and it's so good to drive...I know whatever I have next won't feel as good.
poing said:
Same as this for me
Dropped an old sheddy Almera at my local mechanic with one of his young lads, gave the instruction "Can I get 4 new tyres on this, either Goodyear or Continental please"
Later that day the owner of the garage calls me:
"You sure you want 4 expensive tyres on this car? I ask because that's £300 and the car is worth about £200"
It was the reality check I needed and I've realised I often spend more than a car is worth on maintenance because I can't put up with bad brakes, worn suspension and I truly run a car regardless of cost. It would be ok if I wasn't too lazy/inept to do the work myself. I still badly want another shed though, just for the freedom it brings.
It's not really bangernomics but I've changed my view on this kind of thing. So as long as you're not going to chop it in next week does it really matter? I don't care what people think that I'm driving round in something old, but I do care if it's horrible to drive because everything is knackered. After all you wouldn't blink spending that on tyres for a 20k car, they do exactly the same thing but you'd also probably be shelling out a few thousand a year in depreciation.Dropped an old sheddy Almera at my local mechanic with one of his young lads, gave the instruction "Can I get 4 new tyres on this, either Goodyear or Continental please"
Later that day the owner of the garage calls me:
"You sure you want 4 expensive tyres on this car? I ask because that's £300 and the car is worth about £200"
It was the reality check I needed and I've realised I often spend more than a car is worth on maintenance because I can't put up with bad brakes, worn suspension and I truly run a car regardless of cost. It would be ok if I wasn't too lazy/inept to do the work myself. I still badly want another shed though, just for the freedom it brings.
I love bangernomics. I've had a couple in my time, although now I try and combine bangernomics with an interesting car. I had a "banger" MX-5 last year, this year I have a slightly more expensive banger MG TF. The MX-5 cost me £350, the MG cost me £750. The Mazda is now in the hands of a good friend of mine (Synchromesh) and the TF will have its keys handed over to my mother once I'm done with it after the autumn. It's great fun being able to take an exciting car for a run and not really worry too much about binning it. I haven't had a chance to properly hoon the MG yet - planning on another trip to Wales at some point - but I remember taking the Mazda across the black mountains with some other PHers last year and having a blast. No worries about scratching the paint or overcooking it (road safety notwithstanding, of course), and when someone managed to crash into the MX-5 in a car park I found myself somewhat lacking in emotion.
I'm planning on a bangernomic vehicle every year now. I have my TVR for serious petrolhead satisfaction, my old Merc is respectable enough to turn up to work in, and I will always have some form of cheap, fun, car to tool around in and generally not be too concerned about.
I'm planning on a bangernomic vehicle every year now. I have my TVR for serious petrolhead satisfaction, my old Merc is respectable enough to turn up to work in, and I will always have some form of cheap, fun, car to tool around in and generally not be too concerned about.
I been doing it since I learned how to drive.
K11 micra for £500 was my first, sold for £150 after it completely died of rust after 1.5 years (2 MOTs)
Alfa 147, £800 had for a year just after I MOTed it the gearbox went, also had a lot of niggles, sold for £280 with it still requring £600 gearbox
Corsa SRI £800, had for 3 months, sold it to a friend for £800
Skoda fabia vrs £3250, first non-banger. Had it for just over a year, sold it when I needed cash for rent for £2900
Mg zs v6, bought for £950, sold for £500 after I found out the tank had rusted through
Subaru forester xt, £1650 with a burnt out clutch, fixxed the clutch then had a fender bender, traded it for a mitsubishi shogun because I couldnt be bothered fixxing it (thus starting my lifelong hatred of subaru)
Hoping to get something 'nice' for my next car, really enjoying this big tractor at the moment though if im honest.
K11 micra for £500 was my first, sold for £150 after it completely died of rust after 1.5 years (2 MOTs)
Alfa 147, £800 had for a year just after I MOTed it the gearbox went, also had a lot of niggles, sold for £280 with it still requring £600 gearbox
Corsa SRI £800, had for 3 months, sold it to a friend for £800
Skoda fabia vrs £3250, first non-banger. Had it for just over a year, sold it when I needed cash for rent for £2900
Mg zs v6, bought for £950, sold for £500 after I found out the tank had rusted through
Subaru forester xt, £1650 with a burnt out clutch, fixxed the clutch then had a fender bender, traded it for a mitsubishi shogun because I couldnt be bothered fixxing it (thus starting my lifelong hatred of subaru)
Hoping to get something 'nice' for my next car, really enjoying this big tractor at the moment though if im honest.
230TE said:
Me too. My £82 106 diesel has now turned into a £350 106 diesel - four new tyres from a maker I had actually heard of, new heavy duty battery (because diesel), front brake pads, oil and filters, wiper blades, and £20 for a drivers seat. The frame on the old one was bent. I never met the previous lady owner but suspect she may have been a bit on the large side. Still needs wishbone bushes to get rid of the strange creaking noise at low speeds. But I love it.
That's hardly excessive. In fact that's pure bangernomics. It needed a battery because they do, it needs tyres because they do and if it comes with 2mm of Korean ditchfinder that tries to throw you into the scenery on every damp roundabout then you have to get it done. Other stuff is safety and basic keep-it-alive servicing, and obviously the seat came from a breaker, so is 100% banger worthy.I love it too. Need to have a fun car as well though as worn shocks and suspension drives me mad. I also prefer older cars so not only are they cheaper to buy, they are what I prefer to drive over newer stuff.
Had a W124 until recently but now onto an E36 328 (not really banger money) and the wife has an Alfa 147. All my cheap cars have been brilliant - buy well and they will last.
Had a W124 until recently but now onto an E36 328 (not really banger money) and the wife has an Alfa 147. All my cheap cars have been brilliant - buy well and they will last.
count me in on the LOVE.
Moved back from the middle east last month and managed to buy a 2002 Mondeo 1.8 complete with LPG for less than a nights stay in a nice hotel!
Done 3k miles in it thus far and has mostly been excellent, I have swapped the NSF wheel for the spare as the tyre was more worn than id like and Ive cleaned it. Apart from a little tinkering here and there with zero outlay, its been great
It is tremendously satisfying to drive a car that runs really well, is comfortable and keeps up with traffic, yet really owes you nothing at all.
'Sasha' as she is affectionately known as, is my Commuter/Inner city car so Im now not at all precious about it, no more anxiety about scratches etc
Being a seriel car changer (see garage) I keep looking to replace it but a part of me wants to see how much value and use I can get from this car. LPG means it buttons to run and if the car gives up the ghost I'll probabaly take the LPG kit out and transfer it to another, albeit younger, Mondeo
Moved back from the middle east last month and managed to buy a 2002 Mondeo 1.8 complete with LPG for less than a nights stay in a nice hotel!
Done 3k miles in it thus far and has mostly been excellent, I have swapped the NSF wheel for the spare as the tyre was more worn than id like and Ive cleaned it. Apart from a little tinkering here and there with zero outlay, its been great
It is tremendously satisfying to drive a car that runs really well, is comfortable and keeps up with traffic, yet really owes you nothing at all.
'Sasha' as she is affectionately known as, is my Commuter/Inner city car so Im now not at all precious about it, no more anxiety about scratches etc
Being a seriel car changer (see garage) I keep looking to replace it but a part of me wants to see how much value and use I can get from this car. LPG means it buttons to run and if the car gives up the ghost I'll probabaly take the LPG kit out and transfer it to another, albeit younger, Mondeo
I am definitely a bangernomics type car, although I wont go very cheap..
My current car, £1650 Mazda 6...bought November 2013 have taken from 91 to 121,000 miles with very little bother... my other car, a £1200 Mazda MX-5 which I love and which would make £1200 again now if I sold it.
Just sold a Merc CLK430, which I bought in April for £1850 and sold for £1950 last week..had to spend about £275 on it though in bills in that time, but still very cheap motoring really, for a V8.
I still struggle to see the point in putting £2000 down on a brand new Focus, Astra, etc and paying £200 per month in rentals over 3 years and then still not owning the car...that's £9200 on a car which you wave goodbye to...
I know older cars cost a bit more to run, but mine wont have cost £9200 over the 3 years I've owned it and its mine.
My current car, £1650 Mazda 6...bought November 2013 have taken from 91 to 121,000 miles with very little bother... my other car, a £1200 Mazda MX-5 which I love and which would make £1200 again now if I sold it.
Just sold a Merc CLK430, which I bought in April for £1850 and sold for £1950 last week..had to spend about £275 on it though in bills in that time, but still very cheap motoring really, for a V8.
I still struggle to see the point in putting £2000 down on a brand new Focus, Astra, etc and paying £200 per month in rentals over 3 years and then still not owning the car...that's £9200 on a car which you wave goodbye to...
I know older cars cost a bit more to run, but mine wont have cost £9200 over the 3 years I've owned it and its mine.
Include me on the list, Cupids arrow is firmly stuck in my chest!
Got into it sorta by evolution, wanted something different and just a little classier than total bangers, so nearly all have been Mercedes, 190s,124s and a soft spot for an SL320 as the non-banger more barge Sundays and dry days car!
Luckily I have a mechanic who keeps me straight and I admit to stuffing them full of waxoyl so the next buyer can enjoy them too.
P
Got into it sorta by evolution, wanted something different and just a little classier than total bangers, so nearly all have been Mercedes, 190s,124s and a soft spot for an SL320 as the non-banger more barge Sundays and dry days car!
Luckily I have a mechanic who keeps me straight and I admit to stuffing them full of waxoyl so the next buyer can enjoy them too.
P
I get the banger bit, it's the 'nomics' I have trouble with. That said, compared to buying something new, I'm still winning by a country mile.
Start with a £700 Alfa. Definitely a banger, but one with a V6 and leather interior. Toss out most of the suspension and get the mechanicals spot on. The car now owes me £2000 - but for that I've got a sharp handling car that will just need routine servicing for the next 3 years. If I was able to sell it, I'd not lose much money, so proper bargain motoring.
Problems is that I can't sell them, and now have 7.
Start with a £700 Alfa. Definitely a banger, but one with a V6 and leather interior. Toss out most of the suspension and get the mechanicals spot on. The car now owes me £2000 - but for that I've got a sharp handling car that will just need routine servicing for the next 3 years. If I was able to sell it, I'd not lose much money, so proper bargain motoring.
Problems is that I can't sell them, and now have 7.
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