Advice needed - 2nd car required.
Discussion
I am in need of advice for the ideal 2nd car (budget 5k - 8k). Blinkered vision says 2003 Mondeo but perhaps I can gain an extra insight into the wacky world of mileage munchers from owners on this site.
Considered a LHD AudiTT for 8k, but I expect someone on here to tell me off for having such thoughts.
Considered a LHD AudiTT for 8k, but I expect someone on here to tell me off for having such thoughts.
Mondeo is ok, but still has the company rep tag.
I have a Focus and its one of the best handling cars I have driven for the price. If you can try and get the 2.0 version, 145bhp I think but not the ST170 as it drinks the petrol. Decent inside and goes well. mine has covered 55k in 2 years with only tyres and brakes needing changed. Zetec is probably the best trim level and comes with more supportive seats and slightly stiffer suspension. Ghia is more the old mans choice and LX is pretty basic.
Wako
I have a Focus and its one of the best handling cars I have driven for the price. If you can try and get the 2.0 version, 145bhp I think but not the ST170 as it drinks the petrol. Decent inside and goes well. mine has covered 55k in 2 years with only tyres and brakes needing changed. Zetec is probably the best trim level and comes with more supportive seats and slightly stiffer suspension. Ghia is more the old mans choice and LX is pretty basic.
Wako
I have a 6 yr old Volvo S80 T6 for a daily drive...paid £6K for it with 70K on the clock...comfy, 280bhp,takes 4 easy with loads of luggage, every toy etc
depends really - what other criteria are there? MPG, load carrying, how much to run, how much performance you want etc
For £8K you should be able to get a 4 yr old Volvo S60T5SE etc ...very nice motor for the dosh - Volvo depreciation is as bad as Ford...so you get German type toys/build (and plenty of power from the Turbo engines)for Ford money.
...for £8k you could even pick up a 5-6 year old Audi A6/A8 ........Beemers tend to hold their value to well im afraid (not that I like them myself)
depends really - what other criteria are there? MPG, load carrying, how much to run, how much performance you want etc
For £8K you should be able to get a 4 yr old Volvo S60T5SE etc ...very nice motor for the dosh - Volvo depreciation is as bad as Ford...so you get German type toys/build (and plenty of power from the Turbo engines)for Ford money.
...for £8k you could even pick up a 5-6 year old Audi A6/A8 ........Beemers tend to hold their value to well im afraid (not that I like them myself)
Hi there,
Was in a similar position last year.
Considered Fords/MG/etc High milage Volvo/Merc/BMW/etc
Fords were cheap for a reason, found them scuffy, even nearly new models, and I found the driving position variable. All the cars I tried were very different and I don't like variability in a mass produced vehicle, it implies poor production controls.
High milage Swedish/German cars offered some value, but still seemed alot for the age, and build quality remained questionable.
Most cars I felt were overpriced.
Then realised what I was missing.
Bought Subaru Legacy estate, leather, cruise, auto, air suspension etc. 1999, 47k, for £6.5k. Built like a tank, good kickdown with the 2.5 boxer engine, consumately confortable and understated, and 4 wheel drive! Drawbacks are servicing cost and fuel economy, although these are no worse than the Merc/BMW figures.
Also these are technically complicated cars (air suspension, 4wd etc.) and deserve detailed research on the subject.
If you're after a load lugger you do far worse.
I would also recommend the performance Volvo's as excellent value.
Whatever you go for be prepared to travel. I must have covered over 2000 miles when looking for the right car, and most I saw were scruffy, but mechanically sound. All were asking top book. I eventually found a car in perfect condition for the same money.
Regards, Neil
PS Love Alfas (got a 145 cloverleaf) great cars if you can find a good one, AND you have access to a good independant specialist.
>> Edited by NJS25 on Wednesday 1st June 16:24
Was in a similar position last year.
Considered Fords/MG/etc High milage Volvo/Merc/BMW/etc
Fords were cheap for a reason, found them scuffy, even nearly new models, and I found the driving position variable. All the cars I tried were very different and I don't like variability in a mass produced vehicle, it implies poor production controls.
High milage Swedish/German cars offered some value, but still seemed alot for the age, and build quality remained questionable.
Most cars I felt were overpriced.
Then realised what I was missing.
Bought Subaru Legacy estate, leather, cruise, auto, air suspension etc. 1999, 47k, for £6.5k. Built like a tank, good kickdown with the 2.5 boxer engine, consumately confortable and understated, and 4 wheel drive! Drawbacks are servicing cost and fuel economy, although these are no worse than the Merc/BMW figures.
Also these are technically complicated cars (air suspension, 4wd etc.) and deserve detailed research on the subject.
If you're after a load lugger you do far worse.
I would also recommend the performance Volvo's as excellent value.
Whatever you go for be prepared to travel. I must have covered over 2000 miles when looking for the right car, and most I saw were scruffy, but mechanically sound. All were asking top book. I eventually found a car in perfect condition for the same money.
Regards, Neil
PS Love Alfas (got a 145 cloverleaf) great cars if you can find a good one, AND you have access to a good independant specialist.
>> Edited by NJS25 on Wednesday 1st June 16:24
Looks like I'm going to have alot of thinking to do about this then.
Car cannot be more than 4.1m in length, will be the second car on a big drive, with the lotus in the garage.
Not bothered about performance, MPG or lugging things around. Looking for something I'd rather take out during the winter months, so FWD/AWD with room for golf clubs. Comfy cabin with tidy interior. Don't need 4 whole seats so considered TT.
Difficult not to look like a sales rep though in anything (budget limitations) after stepping out of my liz.
Car cannot be more than 4.1m in length, will be the second car on a big drive, with the lotus in the garage.
Not bothered about performance, MPG or lugging things around. Looking for something I'd rather take out during the winter months, so FWD/AWD with room for golf clubs. Comfy cabin with tidy interior. Don't need 4 whole seats so considered TT.
Difficult not to look like a sales rep though in anything (budget limitations) after stepping out of my liz.
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