What Cheap Runabout Do You Use?
Discussion
, heated screens etc). I've got an old (99) 1.8 Zetec Focus. Dirt cheap and costs me buttons to run.
In fact in the time I've had it I doubt I have spent as much as two tyres for the C4S inc servicing ex tax/insurance and fuel.
I've been thinking of looking for a replacement and will look for one of the following:
1) Another Focus. Cheap, practical and reliable.
2) Volvo S60. These are now changing hands for buttons. Circa 11k would buy a 2005 2.0T wil sub 20k. Well specced, reliable and comfortable. Expensive to service and fix though.
3) Vauxhall Signum. Unloved hence have lost a fortune off list. 7-8k will buy a 12-18 month 2.2 decent spec car.
In fact in the time I've had it I doubt I have spent as much as two tyres for the C4S inc servicing ex tax/insurance and fuel.
I've been thinking of looking for a replacement and will look for one of the following:
1) Another Focus. Cheap, practical and reliable.
2) Volvo S60. These are now changing hands for buttons. Circa 11k would buy a 2005 2.0T wil sub 20k. Well specced, reliable and comfortable. Expensive to service and fix though.
3) Vauxhall Signum. Unloved hence have lost a fortune off list. 7-8k will buy a 12-18 month 2.2 decent spec car.
Audi A4 Avant 2.4 SE Auto. Bought it last October after selling my V8 90
for an obscene amount of money
and since then have put 10k miles on it.
Costs in that time was a major service that I did all but the oil/filter myself, new leccy fan on the rad and a rear wiper motor bought 2nd hand for £45 and fitted myself. Probably less cost than a recent rear tyres change on the Porker and certainly a lot less than the 10k miles would have cost in depreciation acceleration.
Fishing gear goes in, trips to the tip with all sorts aboard and about 30mpg. It's boring but I can get an adrenalin hit anytime I need it.
for an obscene amount of money and since then have put 10k miles on it. Costs in that time was a major service that I did all but the oil/filter myself, new leccy fan on the rad and a rear wiper motor bought 2nd hand for £45 and fitted myself. Probably less cost than a recent rear tyres change on the Porker and certainly a lot less than the 10k miles would have cost in depreciation acceleration.
Fishing gear goes in, trips to the tip with all sorts aboard and about 30mpg. It's boring but I can get an adrenalin hit anytime I need it.
Only cheap because it's my company car, but the runabout is an Audi A3 2.0 Tdi (S line). It's very economical though and I did upgrade the sound system to BOSE amps etc to drown out the sound of the diesel engine!
If I had to pay for it myself, probably I'd go back to a Volvo T5 or similar. Full leather interior and all the extras, a bit of fun once the turbo kicks in but you can still get the dog/recyling/furniture etc in the back.
If I had to pay for it myself, probably I'd go back to a Volvo T5 or similar. Full leather interior and all the extras, a bit of fun once the turbo kicks in but you can still get the dog/recyling/furniture etc in the back.
All hail your choice of new car, 997 GT3 
However, with an X5 and a Defender as additional vehicles, I fear you are in danger of loosing the plot if you are also considering spending up to £20K on a 'shed'.
I'm all in favour of a 'shed' for those moments when the 911 is just not appropriate, but a lot of people on here run really lovely 911's for less than £20K.
The moral of the story is: 'PH can be a dangerous place'
However, with an X5 and a Defender as additional vehicles, I fear you are in danger of loosing the plot if you are also considering spending up to £20K on a 'shed'.
I'm all in favour of a 'shed' for those moments when the 911 is just not appropriate, but a lot of people on here run really lovely 911's for less than £20K.
The moral of the story is: 'PH can be a dangerous place'
job38 said:
All hail your choice of new car, 997 GT3
However, with an X5 and a Defender as additional vehicles, I fear you are in danger of loosing the plot if you are also considering spending up to £20K on a 'shed'.
I'm all in favour of a 'shed' for those moments when the 911 is just not appropriate, but a lot of people on here run really lovely 911's for less than £20K.
The moral of the story is: 'PH can be a dangerous place'
Ah Ha! Was just starting to wonder why no one had mentioned the P word yet - and please don't get me wrong, I def. don't regard something as a shed 'cos it's below £20K. Lots of good ideas so far chaps - of course I'm no farther forward - cheap new (Clio, Golf etc.) with depreciation but no other costs to worry about seems an option but is that making life too simple and is it too much money for the purpose? An old luxury barge appeals but could end up costing and wouldn't be ideal for slinging round my local lanes. Would an old 205 GTI be reliable enough. So how would an older 911 handle daily use and abuse. However, with an X5 and a Defender as additional vehicles, I fear you are in danger of loosing the plot if you are also considering spending up to £20K on a 'shed'.
I'm all in favour of a 'shed' for those moments when the 911 is just not appropriate, but a lot of people on here run really lovely 911's for less than £20K.
The moral of the story is: 'PH can be a dangerous place'
343bhp said:
Pugsey said:
until GT3 arrives in Sept. (haha).
Hi Pugsey - still hopeful of Sept - my OPC still on for 1st car at his place in late Nov ? Cheapo runaround and fun - my Mini Cooper S Works !
Ive just recently bought a volvo v70 2.oT with full media pack, sunroof, heated seats etc...... all for just over £16000 with only 5000miles and its on a 04 plate in preparation for the GT3.
The car is fantastic for my needs and they are a great secondhand buy, my previous car was a 535D sport touring DMS which was great but in all honestly if you take into account price between these two vehicles the volvo wins hands down.
I'm currently running a 1996 MY Subaru Impreza WRX (Jap spec/import) and a Honda DC5 Integra Type R. I will be replacing the Impreza with a Cayman S early next year. I will keep the Honda as the daily hack. It's hardly that. It is a very accomplished car and totally practical. Best handling FWD according to Evo. Due to the very low numbers in the UK the residuals are good. It's a Honda - they don't break down. 220 bhp normally aspirated, so low 30s mpg, except on track when you get 15 - 16 mpg. It revs to 8500+ rpm. Brembo brakes - it's a lot of fun.
I can also vouch for the Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9. I ran one of these for 15 years without any problems. If you can get a good one it'll do the trick.
The Impreza has also been faultless and quick into the bargain. Mine's getting a bit long in the tooth, so I'm keeping the Honda. If you want an all weather - including snow - car then you might consider an Imoreza.
I can also vouch for the Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9. I ran one of these for 15 years without any problems. If you can get a good one it'll do the trick.
The Impreza has also been faultless and quick into the bargain. Mine's getting a bit long in the tooth, so I'm keeping the Honda. If you want an all weather - including snow - car then you might consider an Imoreza.
I live in London so don't really need a daily runner - but am about to join www.streetcar.co.uk as there are plenty of brand new Golfs located near my house which I can use on an 'as needed basis' (and near the offices). I will also probably offer employees membership (ie. we pay their deposit and business miles and they can then use as needed for personal miles - and pay for that themselves).
I also pay employees 20p / mile for cycling on business - which Her Majesty allows to be paid tax-free.
Will
I also pay employees 20p / mile for cycling on business - which Her Majesty allows to be paid tax-free.
Will
Edited by wrn on Monday 14th August 23:09
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