What type of shed should I go for?
Discussion
Looking for a second car for the daily run to work /general weekend duties. Don't want to spend any more than £1k - and really I don't want to spend that if I can help it - but looking for something with a years MOT and some decent history. Want something reliable and that has 4 seats but can I have my cake and eat it, e.g. fun/reliable/cheap?
The options at this price range are the usual suspects but fall into three categories - 206s and their ilk, repmobiles and german "premium" cars. I'm not fussed by mileage but am torn between which type to get. What are the best choices at that price range?
The most common cars are the usual suspects, e.g.
The options at this price range are the usual suspects but fall into three categories - 206s and their ilk, repmobiles and german "premium" cars. I'm not fussed by mileage but am torn between which type to get. What are the best choices at that price range?
The most common cars are the usual suspects, e.g.
- Saxo / Fiesta / 206 / Micra
- Focus / Astra / Golf / 307
- Mondeo / Vectra / S40
A Focus is both fun and cheap to run. Ok it's not exclusive and even the 2.0 isn't that quick in a straight line, but the chassis' adjustability and the ability to cock a rear wheel in tight corners will make you grin.
A Golf or Vectra at this price will be dull.
My only other thought is perhaps an E36 328i?
A Golf or Vectra at this price will be dull.
My only other thought is perhaps an E36 328i?
FWIW I had a mk1 Focus for ages and, dynamically, I much prefer the mk6 Fiesta I now have. Had a base-spec Saxo for a while and that was also a lot of fun. Personally I'd say go for something supermini sized if you're going to chuck it around a bit or think C-segment upwards if you're doing more motorway cruising.
ETA At the extreme opposite end of the scale, I had a Rover 75 CDT for a while. Absolute barge, but so so comfortable to waft around in. Easily get one for a grand.
ETA At the extreme opposite end of the scale, I had a Rover 75 CDT for a while. Absolute barge, but so so comfortable to waft around in. Easily get one for a grand.
Thanks guys - can't get at all interested in a Golf so that's reinforced my thoughts. I had a Focus before and certainly enjoyed it so it's on the list.
E36 328 also previously owned but it was rusting and had lots of gremlins so not sure I'd revisit - maybe a nice estate version however.
There are some Rover 75's out there and I like the idea of wafting round. This is part of the dilemma - whether to go for a barge or something more amusing (keep finding myself drawn to Saxo VTRs
)
E36 328 also previously owned but it was rusting and had lots of gremlins so not sure I'd revisit - maybe a nice estate version however.
There are some Rover 75's out there and I like the idea of wafting round. This is part of the dilemma - whether to go for a barge or something more amusing (keep finding myself drawn to Saxo VTRs
) I needed something for around £500 as a work daily (60 mile commute motorway and london traffic) as saving for a house, and went for that most hated of hot/warm hatches, the 206 GTI (the 140 one). Because they're so universally panned, they're cheap. In reality, they're only really cheap/hated because it could never compete with the Clio 172 and was a weak encore to the 205 GTI. As long as you look and get a mechanically decent one, then it's good for the money. As a car generally, it's got a rubbish gearbox (stick in a bucket of stones) and isn't as quick as it should've been, but for £500 it's a warm hatch that sort of does the job. Good points are that it has a nice neutral balance when pushed and the inside isn't too bad if not falling apart- roomier than the 172. It hasn't really complained much while I've had it and is only now starting to ask nicely for some new bushes/mounts and so on after some hard driving. Just accept that some things inside won't work.
I get around 30mpg mixed (more towards heavy traffic) driving. It really depends how long you want to keep it. I never intended to keep mine for more than a year or so, so had a very throw-away attitude towards it.
However for £1k you might just get a cheapish Phase 1 Clio 172, which would generally be better and great fun. You might also sneak a 306 GTI-6, which would probably keep it's value very well, would be great to drive and would be my choice (if I could've found one initially). Excellent car and turning into a bit of a modern classic.
Another option would be a Puma? You could get a really good example for that money. Also look at the Focus 2.0 Zetec as suggested earlier. Not quick but not too slow either (0-60 is around 9 seconds I think, same as the Puma) and nice handling. Had both and both were enjoyable, although the Puma is grating to drive for long journeys.
I get around 30mpg mixed (more towards heavy traffic) driving. It really depends how long you want to keep it. I never intended to keep mine for more than a year or so, so had a very throw-away attitude towards it.
However for £1k you might just get a cheapish Phase 1 Clio 172, which would generally be better and great fun. You might also sneak a 306 GTI-6, which would probably keep it's value very well, would be great to drive and would be my choice (if I could've found one initially). Excellent car and turning into a bit of a modern classic.
Another option would be a Puma? You could get a really good example for that money. Also look at the Focus 2.0 Zetec as suggested earlier. Not quick but not too slow either (0-60 is around 9 seconds I think, same as the Puma) and nice handling. Had both and both were enjoyable, although the Puma is grating to drive for long journeys.
Edited by 5RedLights on Thursday 30th January 11:22
Edited by 5RedLights on Thursday 30th January 11:24
Internet high five to you Redlights - I had seen a couple of these advertised and wondered if anyone could confirm that they were decent enough cars if not in the 172/Puma level of involvement. And reasonably well made (sounds like electrics are ropey?) I've heard the driving position is a little odd - I'm about 6 foot on a good day but with size 12 feet so pedal sizing can be an issue?
I've done the Puma thing and much as I loved it the inevitable rusty arches makes me sad. And I'd love a 172 but at my price range they are both rare and rough!
I've done the Puma thing and much as I loved it the inevitable rusty arches makes me sad. And I'd love a 172 but at my price range they are both rare and rough!
mikeyr said:
Internet high five to you Redlights - I had seen a couple of these advertised and wondered if anyone could confirm that they were decent enough cars if not in the 172/Puma level of involvement. And reasonably well made (sounds like electrics are ropey?) I've heard the driving position is a little odd - I'm about 6 foot on a good day but with size 12 feet so pedal sizing can be an issue?
I've done the Puma thing and much as I loved it the inevitable rusty arches makes me sad. And I'd love a 172 but at my price range they are both rare and rough!
You'll need to look around, pick a good one and go in eyes open, but no more than you would for any other £500 car. The steering is nice and precise and not too far from the Puma. There's very little body roll (at least on the sports pack "sp" ones), which was a surprise. The engine doesn't have as much character as the Puma, but is decent enough when pushed. The clock and rev counter didn't work on mine (easy fixes), but then it's a french car so expected something to not work. I've done the Puma thing and much as I loved it the inevitable rusty arches makes me sad. And I'd love a 172 but at my price range they are both rare and rough!
Driving position, basically the same as the 172. It's upright and knees up, but pretty standard for a small hatch like this. I'm around 6ft and size 10 feet. The pedals are close together, but nowhere as bad as people make out. Basically if you put the left side/toe of your right foot on the brake, you can roll onto the throttle with the outside of your right foot for heel and toe. Go and sit in one and then sit in a 172, I'd say the 206 has more room. The seats aren't too bad either. It won't be as roomy as the Focus though.
mikeyr said:
On the list - love the idea of one but again it's getting a decent one in price range which has been cared for. If memory serves me right they are pretty durable (other than the usual HGF worries?) but are parts hard to get hold of?
There's no issue with parts availability. The only thing I can think of is you can't get a new rear screen any more - but plenty of s/h rear screens available is needed.No issue with HGs on the V6s and the diesels. Try and avoid the 1.8 - it won't suit a ZT at all. Some members on here will tell you the V6s are as bad as the 1.8 K series. That is not so! The earlier KV6 as fitted to the Rover 800 was a dog - but the application fitted to the 75 and ZtT is reliable and durable. The only thing to watch out for with the V6 is a cracked thermostat housing. This can lead to coolant loss and overheating (and a garage trying to rip you off for a head gasket that's not needed!)
If you do get one, join the owners club. There are knowledgeable members in every part of the UK, as well as some very trusted mechanics.
Have a look at this : http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/showthread.p...
Try and bag a car from the owners club if possible - some really nice ones come up there.
Edited by SebastienClement on Thursday 30th January 12:29
I bought an Audi A4, 1997 with 156,000 miles on the clock. £300 + £100 for new brakes and other bits and pieces when I got it.
Only major cost was £300 for the exhaust - so still below your 1k budget.
It isn't exciting, but it does chomp the motorway miles well and the radio is decent quality. If you are tall, it'll give you backache but if you aren't its worthy of consideration.
Only major cost was £300 for the exhaust - so still below your 1k budget.
It isn't exciting, but it does chomp the motorway miles well and the radio is decent quality. If you are tall, it'll give you backache but if you aren't its worthy of consideration.
Leftfield choice - Mitsubishi FTO.
It's not really 4 seats, but in the same way the Puma isn't really 4 seats. Go for a manual, and try to get a Mivec, although this might push the budget.
The engine noise is insane for the price. Think of it like a shed version of the Integra DC2, or a faster Puma.
Apologies if this isn't what you're looking for, but I have a massive soft spot for them. Would be really nice to get one and try and get it as tidy as possible.
It's not really 4 seats, but in the same way the Puma isn't really 4 seats. Go for a manual, and try to get a Mivec, although this might push the budget.
The engine noise is insane for the price. Think of it like a shed version of the Integra DC2, or a faster Puma.
Apologies if this isn't what you're looking for, but I have a massive soft spot for them. Would be really nice to get one and try and get it as tidy as possible.
k-ink said:
I have owned some immaculate low milage German cars (VAG) which proceeded to cost me the price of a new car in repairs. Now I buy on engineering, not how shiny they are, what badge they have, or how nice the dash is. Lesson learned!
You were unlucky, I've owned some old German cars which have been the cheapest things I've ever run. (apart from the fuel bills on a few of them). So I'm not unbiased towards them. I also really enjoyed the driving experience.We all have different experiences. I felt awful about the Mazda, I took everyone elses view that he should buy a 6, it looked great but was rotten underneath, along with other issues.
Check out this Shed OP.
46500 verified miles. One owner and history. I'd be looking at this, and way below budget
Crack in windscreen but no the end of the world. May have happened in two months time...?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...
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