Advice needed - need reliable car on a budget

[Bedgar]

Hi,

I don't know much about cars I was told I could get some good advice here.

I currently commute 60 miles each way to work and my current car (a 12 year old Rover 214) has had major gearbox and clutch damage and has had to be scrapped. I need a new car to keep making the trip for the next 3 months but don't have much money. What sort of car would you recommend?

My budget is £500-£800 and I need some something with good mpg which is going to be able to make 300miles a week either without major problems or will at least be cheap and easy to fix if it does get into trouble. Also, preferably in a low insurance group as I have only had my licence for just over a year. I know its a lot to ask but the car doesn't need to be cool or pretty.

Any advice and suggestions are appreciated.

Also, I live in Bristol, if anyone knows of any particular car for sale.

Thanks in advance.

[exgtt]

I've had 2 rover 600 (1.8) that were comfy, good on juice, reasonabley presentable and utterly bombproof (bar silly stuff like drivers side window popping out of the runners and brake light bulbs blowing frequently) The first one was passed to me after my dad used it as a taxi, gave it to me @160k ish, then I bummed it sideways for the next 18 months being young and daft etc, Not one problem. the 2nd one was bought to replace the 1st one after a mate wrote it off.

£700 should see you a minter, loads out there.

Edited by exgtt on Sunday 5th September 17:49

[DrTre]

nissan primera

[samdale]

old volvos are pretty bomb-proof for reliability.
fiat cinquecento/seicento cost peanuts to run

late 90's fiesta 1.25 seems to fit the bill too

[GilbertGutbucket]

Mondeo TDi

[supersingle]

Peugeot 106 1.5 diesel.

You won't be getting any land speed records though.

[Rob_F]

brickwall said:

You can probably get an MX5 for that money

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