Cheap daily driver - Mk3 Astra or Mk4

[andy625]

Due to issues with one of our cars during the summer, I've ended up with a 1995 Mk3 Astra 1.4, AND a 2004 Mk3 1.6. The mk3 is an 8v and has 77k, the mk4 is a 16v with 140k and full history. I've been driving the mk4 as a daily car for the last 18mths and it's been really good. They both do about 40mpg to my place of work.

One of them will shortly have to go, so as a cheap to run, and cheap to fix car, which one should I keep??

[Sensibleboy]

I'd keep the mk4 . is the mk3 rusty at all? Which is in overall better condition?

[soad]

Keep both. Mk3 is worth very little, why sell it?

[Bennet]

I think I'd sell both and buy something else.

[Lugy]

I'd keep the Mk4, they're my 'go-to' recommendation for that type of car, generally reliable and generally cheap to keep on the road, plus not a bad drive!

[andy625]

Neither are rusty. From a maintenance point of view, I was wondering if the mk3 being 8v with no electric windows immobiliser or central locking, would be a better bet? Also, the tax is half the Mk4.

[soad]

andy625 said:

Neither are rusty. From a maintenance point of view, I was wondering if the mk3 being 8v with no electric windows immobiliser or central locking, would be a better bet? Also, the tax is half the Mk4.

There's your answer then, chap.
I assume, spares are still available on the cheap? Haven't seen many Mk3's lately...

[DKS]

I'm surprised the Mk4 isn't an obviously better drive. The Mk4 was a total redesign from the ground up and is a far superior car in terms of rust protection (in short they don't unless crashed) and build quality.
I do like Mk3s don't get me wrong, but if you just want a car that works, won't rust and drives nicely, I'd stick with the Mk4, if you absolutely able to keep only one (I promised myself years ago I will never, ever endure only having one car. We got 5 between us now).
Ultimately, you must have a preference?

[andy625]

Thanks for the replies. I'm back driving he Mk3 today having driven the Mk4 at the weekend. It does feel like a more modern car, also for the same mpg, its much more lively, especially on motorway hills, so as I do a lengthy motorway commute I'm tending to think I'll keep that one and sell the Mk3.

I'd love to keep them both, but unfortunately we're getting buried in cars on the drive. I have my 94 Ford Thunderbird in the garage and its a logistical nightmare to get it out!

Its a shame, cos I've always liked the Mk3 shape, and the one I've got is a great car.

[RobinBanks]

I'd personally use the mk4. They're quite good cars.