Cheap commuter
Discussion
So my Dad is looking for a sub 1k car that will be doing a 40 mile a day commute, mostly motorway, plus odd shopping trips etc.
Needs to be as reliable as possible and cheap and easy to fix when it goes wrong.
Good mpg is a must, so 50ish on a run?
Low tax would also be ideal.
My ideas so far are:
Rover 2.0d, 25 or 45
Rover 25 1.4
MG equivalents
VAG 1.9tdi, 110??
And that's as far as I've got after reading countless old threads.
He'd be happy driving a Micra so anything is a go as long as it's cheap and relatively painless to run
Needs to be as reliable as possible and cheap and easy to fix when it goes wrong.
Good mpg is a must, so 50ish on a run?
Low tax would also be ideal.
My ideas so far are:
Rover 2.0d, 25 or 45
Rover 25 1.4
MG equivalents
VAG 1.9tdi, 110??
And that's as far as I've got after reading countless old threads.
He'd be happy driving a Micra so anything is a go as long as it's cheap and relatively painless to run
magpie215 said:
answered his own question a 1.3 k11 micra all day long
Provided he fits comfortably in it, he will consider one. He's never sat in one though.wemorgan said:
306/ZX diesel?
Maybe! Also thought about the 406 but have read the HDI engines aren't as simple. Clio 1.5 Dci could be a contender but I did read a few opinions reflecting the classic "it's French" argumentOld golf with a PD engine? Sounds like it meets all your criteria?
dont get a 1.4 MG/Rover will be nearer 35mpg and headgasket could be an issue at that price range, i imagine the micra wouldnt be a pleasant place to be at 70 mph, let alone it will scream at about 3500 revs, economy same as rover.
The rovers you have mentioned with the BMW 2.0d are a good shout aswell.
dont get a 1.4 MG/Rover will be nearer 35mpg and headgasket could be an issue at that price range, i imagine the micra wouldnt be a pleasant place to be at 70 mph, let alone it will scream at about 3500 revs, economy same as rover.
The rovers you have mentioned with the BMW 2.0d are a good shout aswell.
Here's my take. I speak from experience.
Buy whatever has clearly been well looked after, is in good condition and roughly fits the requirements.
You can't really afford to be picky about makes and models in this price range.
Anything that's a desirable brand (Audi, BMW, etc) will be nasty at this price. Go for non high end. Micras seem like a good shout. Skoda/SEAT.
Also, anything with a small engine and low insurance group can be disproportionately expensive and hard to find. Because that's what EVERYONE buying a sub-1k car wants - especially young people. Therefore if you're buying for some older, who doesn't need the lowest insurance brackets, then some of the bigger engined stuff will occupy a niche that is otherwise undesirable, and you'll get a lot better condition car in this bracket, for the money. E.g. the Rover 2.0d you suggest. Tidy Mondeos and such can also be had for nothing.
All the turbo diesel stuff is what everyone and his dog is looking for, so don't rule out the petrol cars. You may get a much better petrol car because the demand there is lower. At this price the diesels may be ropey and well worn.
Good luck and do post back your experiences
.
Buy whatever has clearly been well looked after, is in good condition and roughly fits the requirements.
You can't really afford to be picky about makes and models in this price range.
Anything that's a desirable brand (Audi, BMW, etc) will be nasty at this price. Go for non high end. Micras seem like a good shout. Skoda/SEAT.
Also, anything with a small engine and low insurance group can be disproportionately expensive and hard to find. Because that's what EVERYONE buying a sub-1k car wants - especially young people. Therefore if you're buying for some older, who doesn't need the lowest insurance brackets, then some of the bigger engined stuff will occupy a niche that is otherwise undesirable, and you'll get a lot better condition car in this bracket, for the money. E.g. the Rover 2.0d you suggest. Tidy Mondeos and such can also be had for nothing.
All the turbo diesel stuff is what everyone and his dog is looking for, so don't rule out the petrol cars. You may get a much better petrol car because the demand there is lower. At this price the diesels may be ropey and well worn.
Good luck and do post back your experiences
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