Bulletproof Motor
Discussion
Getting shot of my Jag STR after a few months of fun and looking for something to replace it with.
Basically I need to spend a maximum of £1750 on a motor that is as the title says bulletproof!
Not bothered about speed, but I do need space so super minis and small hatchbacks are out. Would also like better fuel economy (not too hard after 15mpg) and reasonable maintenance costs (if required). Diesel or petrol I'm not too fussed.
I've been told by a friend to get a Merc 190E but I'd like some more suggestions from people in the know!
Cheers
Basically I need to spend a maximum of £1750 on a motor that is as the title says bulletproof!
Not bothered about speed, but I do need space so super minis and small hatchbacks are out. Would also like better fuel economy (not too hard after 15mpg) and reasonable maintenance costs (if required). Diesel or petrol I'm not too fussed.
I've been told by a friend to get a Merc 190E but I'd like some more suggestions from people in the know!
Cheers
I'm starting to notice Volvo's more now and I'm definitely tempted but I didn't know much about them.
I'm always being told about old mercs going forever and obviously continental taxi drivers attest to this but will it mean a service every 6 months?
Must add that most of my driving will be 30-40 miles carriageway a day so that's the biggest reason for a bigger car otherwise I'd be buying a Panda!
Thanks for suggestions so far, keep 'em coming!
I'm always being told about old mercs going forever and obviously continental taxi drivers attest to this but will it mean a service every 6 months?
Must add that most of my driving will be 30-40 miles carriageway a day so that's the biggest reason for a bigger car otherwise I'd be buying a Panda!
Thanks for suggestions so far, keep 'em coming!
mr_tony said:
Class suggestion! Wonder if it comes with any other Bondesque gadgets!
I think any car you spend 1750 on would need some work to be honest in the not too distant future...
Tough call really, Volvo, Saab, maybe a late E36 3 series with cash to spare for repairs, w123 Merc or 190e. My mate had a 190e though and it was, as he'll admit, a very untidy example. They are seemingly going up in value but e34 BMW's are generally hugely reliable, especially ones with an M30 engine in it.
All cars break.
Tough call really, Volvo, Saab, maybe a late E36 3 series with cash to spare for repairs, w123 Merc or 190e. My mate had a 190e though and it was, as he'll admit, a very untidy example. They are seemingly going up in value but e34 BMW's are generally hugely reliable, especially ones with an M30 engine in it.
All cars break.
Going against the grain of the average PHer mindset but I've been driving these for best part of ten years now and they do not come more 'bullet proof' than the Rover 620ti. Yes, the one with the Rover turbocharged engine not the Honda engined ones:~
There are still a good number of well cared for examples about which can be obtained with both MoT and Tax for rather less than £1000 if you're patient. My own cars have a mere 80,000 and drive like new whilst my son's daily workhorse he uses for work travel for many years is approaching 190,000 miles now.
Will cruise @ well over 100mph with five on board and their luggauge if you wish with a decent 0-60 time should you ever need it. Driven at legal and smooth motorway speeds, mid 30s mpg is perfectly possible.
Spares should you ever need them are both plentiful and inexpensive.
..
There are still a good number of well cared for examples about which can be obtained with both MoT and Tax for rather less than £1000 if you're patient. My own cars have a mere 80,000 and drive like new whilst my son's daily workhorse he uses for work travel for many years is approaching 190,000 miles now.
Will cruise @ well over 100mph with five on board and their luggauge if you wish with a decent 0-60 time should you ever need it. Driven at legal and smooth motorway speeds, mid 30s mpg is perfectly possible.
Spares should you ever need them are both plentiful and inexpensive.
..
I've looked at a couple of 4x4s Toyota Hilux being the main one.
Of course all cars break and I know that anything I buy might cost me something. Obviously i'm trying to reduce the costs by finding something solid. I just don't want the £500 bills every 2 weeks like I've had with the Jag!
Of course all cars break and I know that anything I buy might cost me something. Obviously i'm trying to reduce the costs by finding something solid. I just don't want the £500 bills every 2 weeks like I've had with the Jag!
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