Some guidance needed

[Goldent147]

I've recently gone off the idea of buying something that is solely sporty and am looking for an idea of what to buy on a very strict budget.

Boxes to tick:

- £2.5-£3k budget - not a penny more
- Needs to have 4 seats (not fussy about number of doors or headroom in the back)
- Manual gearbox
- Would like to have majority of toys (A/C, E/W, C/C, etc) - I have an expensive double din sat nav/ipod stereo so would need to fit it into the dash somehow
- Insurance, tax and fuel economy not an issue (would prefer 30+ MPG if possible)
- As low mileage as possible (I'll be travelling circa 6,000 miles per year)
- Needs to be reliable enough to see me through for around 18 months

The car will only be used for a bridging period of around 1 year - 18 months until I get a company car. Any advice as to what manufacturers/models to consider?

[RobCrezz]

Honda Prelude 2.2 Vtec.

Good drive, but ultimately very reliable.

[Sam1990]

RobCrezz said:

Honda Prelude 2.2 Vtec.

Good drive, but ultimately very reliable.

Was just about to say the same. Having owned mine for over a year now I can confirm it ticks all the boxes.

£3K would get you a VERY clean one, maybe even the more sought after Type S.

[Goldent147]

There doesn't appear to be too many of them on the market though?

[EV11NED]

Prelude can't fit a double din in the dash though.

For the OP, what about a Ford Focus? Ticks all your boxes and will be fun to drive.

[Sam1990]

EV11NED said:

Prelude can't fit a double din in the dash though.

For the OP, what about a Ford Focus? Ticks all your boxes and will be fun to drive.

Nothing a new surround won't sort. As for the market, well it comes and goes. A few months ago there was double the number for sale. If you want to look more into Preludes then head over to PreludeUK, plenty of good guys on there and a good chance of finding a gem for sale.

[Goldent147]

Would rather a dash where I could just fit the stereo in without too much messing around.

Quite like the idea of the Focus. Would some older examples of the ST be in my price range?

[V88Dicky]

Here's some cars that should fit your criteria. Reliable, low miles, robust, 30+mpg achievable and some 'PH' element about them;


Obviously this one needs the mirrors fixing;

http://www2.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...


Very, very tidy;

http://www2.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...


British Racing Green with tan interior;

http://www2.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...


Excellent all weather car (as is the Jaaaag);

http://www2.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[Volvo360]

I'd be looking for a Volvo S60, a D5 if I could find one in budget.

[Goldent147]

Yes, I definitely like those BMWs - very much food for thought....

[Goldent147]

Have just been offered a Focus ST170 for £1,650.

Is an "02" plate, 79k miles, exterior and interior looks clean all round. Looks pretty standard all round apart from a new chrome exhaust and climate control additions. Needs tracking done and a new cam belt fitted.

Would this appear to be a good deal?

[Risotto]

I would have thought you could get a Clio 182 for that money by now. If not, a 172. Surprisingly well specced for their era, reasonably frugal, good fun, etc.

[Goldent147]

I simply don't like the Clios though, very poor ride from the 3/4 that I've driven in the past

[sjc]

This has appears to tick all your boxes and seems to have had all the right bits done ( belts is an expensive job)
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3209055.htm

[RobCrezz]

Goldent147 said:

Have just been offered a Focus ST170 for £1,650.

Is an "02" plate, 79k miles, exterior and interior looks clean all round. Looks pretty standard all round apart from a new chrome exhaust and climate control additions. Needs tracking done and a new cam belt fitted.

Would this appear to be a good deal?

Sounds like a bargain!

[Cockey]

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/3124322.htm

[Goldent147]

Have now been offered the Focus ST at £1,900 subject to all necessary work being completed beforehand - Imust admit I am very interested.

Have also seen a Hyundai Coupe 2.7 V6 listed at work for just shy of £2k. Haven't seen the vehicle yet so not sure of condition, etc. Any Hyundai owners out there who can vouch for them?

[Goldent147]

Anything else that ticks all of my boxes?

[sjc]

Goldent147 said:

Anything else that ticks all of my boxes?

What doesn't the MG ZT tick then?

[Goldent147]

sjc said:

What doesn't the MG ZT tick then?

The majority of vehicles that I've seen have tended to be high milers plus I'm not sure if I would be able to get my stereo into the dash without modding it?