Ultra cheap, charming, basic motoring.
Discussion
What do you reccomend? It doesnt have to be quick, or comfy, or any of that. Basic transport, to use as a 'spare' car, those times when I need a proper boot, a tin roof, to use when it snows, parts fetcher when working on my main car, to go to the garden centre, my 8 mile countryside commute etc.
It should sip fuel (either flavour), cost me buttons to insure, be the kind of car that might have factory options like 'headrests' or 'automatic choke'.
It probably wont go on the motorway too much but would be nice if it can cruise at 60+ without too much hassle. It will probably have multiple drivers.
I'd like it to be the kind of car that gets given a nick-name, if that makes sense. An old Fiesta would do fine no doubt but It would be nice to have something with a little more character to it (wouldnt say no to a nice granny-owned Mk2 Pop-Plus though)
I definitely dont want a bargain barge - as that sort of defeats the object of the exercise.
My initial thoughts are a Peugeot 205, a Fiat Panda/Uno (if I can find one), or maybe the
Cinquecento? I wondered about any of the small 4x4 things, (Suzuki SJ etc) but they
are likely to be a bit more money and upkeep.
MK4 Golf... not charming, but it does have a Vee Dub badge.
Well built, reliable, hatchback practicality, cheap to insure - everyone you need.
http://beta.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Well built, reliable, hatchback practicality, cheap to insure - everyone you need.
http://beta.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
I often contemplate this while being unable to resist the lure of a hot hatch.
My list would be the Fiat Panda which are down below £3k now. I find the old Punto/500/600 horrifically brittle and cheap (the original Punto was never so naff). I once had a hire Pnto Mk II and never took to it.
When in Spain, a long while ago, I hired a Saxo 1.5 diesel (n/a)and found that very engaging (I once owned a Visa diesel which was leagues ahead of the petrol version in 1986)but I despise turbodiesels.
Ford Fiestas are doubtless not bad. One car I hated with a total passion was a Corsa A I hired - horrific.
My list would be the Fiat Panda which are down below £3k now. I find the old Punto/500/600 horrifically brittle and cheap (the original Punto was never so naff). I once had a hire Pnto Mk II and never took to it.
When in Spain, a long while ago, I hired a Saxo 1.5 diesel (n/a)and found that very engaging (I once owned a Visa diesel which was leagues ahead of the petrol version in 1986)but I despise turbodiesels.
Ford Fiestas are doubtless not bad. One car I hated with a total passion was a Corsa A I hired - horrific.
Almost everyone missing the point, then.
To be clear - we are talking shed money here - 3 figures only.
We are also specifically NOT talking about Merc 190s, or Toyota Corollas...
Citroen AX is the next one that springs to mind for me.
(FYI when I say Panda i mean Fiat Panda/Seat Marbella, not new Fiat Panda)
To be clear - we are talking shed money here - 3 figures only.
We are also specifically NOT talking about Merc 190s, or Toyota Corollas...
Citroen AX is the next one that springs to mind for me.
(FYI when I say Panda i mean Fiat Panda/Seat Marbella, not new Fiat Panda)
eltax91 said:
MK1 Octavia.
This.I have a 1.6 LXi that I inherited from my mum. Easily does 35 mpg. Can carry five adults and luggage with ease. Huge boot, rear seats fold down, costs £120 a year to insure (mid forties, full ncd, Devon). Parts are dirt cheap and it's indestructable.
Only slight downside is it's '98 on a T so PLG = £220 VED per year.
snotrag said:
Almost everyone missing the point, then.
To be clear - we are talking shed money here - 3 figures only.
We are also specifically NOT talking about Merc 190s, or Toyota Corollas...
Citroen AX is the next one that springs to mind for me.
(FYI when I say Panda i mean Fiat Panda/Seat Marbella, not new Fiat Panda)
Well I reckon you'd get that Golf for 3 figures... how about a Rover Coupe?To be clear - we are talking shed money here - 3 figures only.
We are also specifically NOT talking about Merc 190s, or Toyota Corollas...
Citroen AX is the next one that springs to mind for me.
(FYI when I say Panda i mean Fiat Panda/Seat Marbella, not new Fiat Panda)
Always thought they looked better than most gave them credit for
http://beta.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Plus its got a targa roof - like a Porsche!
Dr Interceptor said:
snotrag said:
Almost everyone missing the point, then.
To be clear - we are talking shed money here - 3 figures only.
We are also specifically NOT talking about Merc 190s, or Toyota Corollas...
Citroen AX is the next one that springs to mind for me.
(FYI when I say Panda i mean Fiat Panda/Seat Marbella, not new Fiat Panda)
Well I reckon you'd get that Golf for 3 figures... how about a Rover Coupe?To be clear - we are talking shed money here - 3 figures only.
We are also specifically NOT talking about Merc 190s, or Toyota Corollas...
Citroen AX is the next one that springs to mind for me.
(FYI when I say Panda i mean Fiat Panda/Seat Marbella, not new Fiat Panda)
Always thought they looked better than most gave them credit for
http://beta.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Plus its got a targa roof - like a Porsche!
Dr Interceptor said:
It's not even a T-top let alone a Targa. It's just a wide sunroof split into two panels effectively.Dr Interceptor said:
Ignore that Rover Coupe - I've found this one... http://beta.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Now you've done it - suggesting a Rover with a K-series engine 
The anti-rover brigade will be arriving shortly shaking their pitchforks 
Edited by Mr2Mike on Tuesday 26th June 11:27
At that price level, nothing is truly cheap as you're in a constant cycle of replace and repair. I once had a Mini 1000 which was a constant cycle. Compare that to a Scirocco GTI which I made £500 on after 6 months use and was zero trouble.
I generally find age brings character but I last had a very crumbly Mk III Golf. I have enjoyed an '86 Corolla but the cambelt snapped on that and a sub-£1000 Toyota Carina II, both surprisingly characterful with the patina of age.
A friend of mine has a £600 Nissan Sunny which has also been zero maintenance and before that had an Astra Mk III which he ran to it's death with few issues.
I generally find age brings character but I last had a very crumbly Mk III Golf. I have enjoyed an '86 Corolla but the cambelt snapped on that and a sub-£1000 Toyota Carina II, both surprisingly characterful with the patina of age.
A friend of mine has a £600 Nissan Sunny which has also been zero maintenance and before that had an Astra Mk III which he ran to it's death with few issues.
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