Cheap car under £1000 required
Discussion
As above. Looking for something cheap as a run around.
Live in Lincolnshire and really struggling to find anything decent. Have viewed a few cars recently and each one has more than a few niggles wrong (buggered clutch, no oil in engine, non working keys???).
Travelling to see something would be ok. But I'm limited to a bit of time at the weekend as I have a young family.
Car requirement is something bigger than a Polo, petrol fine as I bike to work and it must be able to lug a tall me, tall wife and a 3 year old around. Bonus would be fitting bikes in the boot or a tow bar for a bike rack.
Any ideas anyone? I've looked locally and I really do think I'm in a bad area for car searching.
Live in Lincolnshire and really struggling to find anything decent. Have viewed a few cars recently and each one has more than a few niggles wrong (buggered clutch, no oil in engine, non working keys???).
Travelling to see something would be ok. But I'm limited to a bit of time at the weekend as I have a young family.
Car requirement is something bigger than a Polo, petrol fine as I bike to work and it must be able to lug a tall me, tall wife and a 3 year old around. Bonus would be fitting bikes in the boot or a tow bar for a bike rack.
Any ideas anyone? I've looked locally and I really do think I'm in a bad area for car searching.
Volvo V70
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Skoda Octavia
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Or I stumbled across this Nissan Primera, 76 pictures from the dealer so they are obviously keen to sell!
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Skoda Octavia
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Or I stumbled across this Nissan Primera, 76 pictures from the dealer so they are obviously keen to sell!
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
If your not wanting to travel then just buy whatever comes up, at this budget nothing is out of bounds (within reason), I've owned lots of sheds and had very few issues with them.
I'd always go petrol, petrol and Japanese is always the best combo. a well looked after diesel or a proper agricultural one shouldn't be an issue either.
I currently have a MK2 focus, 2litre Ghia I paid £1100 and 5k miles in its needed 2 tyres, it's a bit boring and needs a 6th gear for my usage but it's plodding along.
I'd always go petrol, petrol and Japanese is always the best combo. a well looked after diesel or a proper agricultural one shouldn't be an issue either.
I currently have a MK2 focus, 2litre Ghia I paid £1100 and 5k miles in its needed 2 tyres, it's a bit boring and needs a 6th gear for my usage but it's plodding along.
I've been looking at what comes up and everything so far has been utter tripe.
I'm not talking niggles I can live with either, as a car at this price will have them. I'm talking proper issues that completely put me off.
I think I need to travel.
The trouble with my location is that a lot of my searches pick up Peterborough. I've visited a few cars there and won't be bothering again.
I'm not talking niggles I can live with either, as a car at this price will have them. I'm talking proper issues that completely put me off.
I think I need to travel.
The trouble with my location is that a lot of my searches pick up Peterborough. I've visited a few cars there and won't be bothering again.
I've just been in the market for a cheap car around £1000. To me it seems that there aren't as many decent cars around in this price bracket as there used to be. My watch list always used to have about 5 possibilities in it that looked clean and had decent history.
Viewed quite a few that were absolute dogs, bottom ends knocking, various electrical issues etc. Not to mention being pretty poor condition inside and out.
Ended up with a mondeo st220, and despite most of them around £1000 being dogs, this one seems in really good condition, 2 owners, full history. Must have just been lucky, or it was the s
t wheels putting people of it.
Took about 3 weeks of looking to get something decent for the money though.
Viewed quite a few that were absolute dogs, bottom ends knocking, various electrical issues etc. Not to mention being pretty poor condition inside and out.
Ended up with a mondeo st220, and despite most of them around £1000 being dogs, this one seems in really good condition, 2 owners, full history. Must have just been lucky, or it was the s
t wheels putting people of it. Took about 3 weeks of looking to get something decent for the money though.
funkyrobot said:
The trouble with my location is that a lot of my searches pick up Peterborough.
55 Citroen C4 1.6 16v SX - Peterborough
https://www.gumtree.com/p/citroen/citroen-c4-1.6-i...
Rather than start my own thread what do you lot think to this?
https://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/hon...
I'm looking for a cheap to buy but reliable car for a daily 10 mile each way commute that can also fit 3 kids 2 adults and a dog for the odd trip out.
Also have a nice car for best/Sundays so this doesn't need to impress anyone but does need to pass the wife's "will not drive" criteria.
https://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/hon...
I'm looking for a cheap to buy but reliable car for a daily 10 mile each way commute that can also fit 3 kids 2 adults and a dog for the odd trip out.
Also have a nice car for best/Sundays so this doesn't need to impress anyone but does need to pass the wife's "will not drive" criteria.
I bought this thing of beauty today
Parked up outside my local shop.
72k miles. Only a few months test left but it dives spot on and with decent tyres and brakes can't see why it would fail a test.
Owned by a lovely older couple, their daughter gave them this car a couple of years ago then recently gave them a newer one so this is spare. They'd have kept it otherwise.
Didn't haggle on the price....£280!!
What could go wrong?
Evans halshaw online valuation puts it at £370 so I'm already up?
It's basic as fook but should sip fuel and get me to work and back cheaper than the bus.
Parked up outside my local shop.
72k miles. Only a few months test left but it dives spot on and with decent tyres and brakes can't see why it would fail a test.
Owned by a lovely older couple, their daughter gave them this car a couple of years ago then recently gave them a newer one so this is spare. They'd have kept it otherwise.
Didn't haggle on the price....£280!!
What could go wrong?
Evans halshaw online valuation puts it at £370 so I'm already up?
It's basic as fook but should sip fuel and get me to work and back cheaper than the bus.
I have been running cars at the 'budget end' for the past 14 years, after having 'company' cars for many years.
In my experience, you'll probably look at 10 nails before finding a decent motor. This isn't always the case, and luck can play a large part in car hunting, but to find decent bargain cars, I'm afraid you will invest a lot of time searching online and then travelling around. My top tip is to get yourself a list of 4 - 8 cars within a 15 mile radius - doesn't matter if you have to travel further than this, but the 15 mile radius will mean you have less travel time between cars (and expect some to have sold by the time you reach them on your list).
Auto-trader was great 20 years ago as a magazine, but as it's become more internet driven, the majority of listings are garages and independent dealers. Steer clear of these generally, as most are over-priced ; an £800 'trade sale' will be a part ex they've taken in for sub £300 and thrown a bucket of water over.
Best private sales will be gumtree, preloved and e-bay (although there are a LOT of traders cars on e-bay)
You might even find some private sales in the local paper.
Expect spots of rust, supermarket dings and dents, and the odd electrical problem - but a few weekends with the spaners, a few quid for parts, some polish and elbow grease and you can have a 'nice' car without signing yourself into perpetual debt.
I got my current car 2 years ago off the Bay - cat C, had been rear ended, damaged / repaired (ok but not great ). I was the highest bidder - £680. Bloke was fine when I went to collect (even offered to re-auction if I wasn't happy with it 'in the flesh', though legally speaking I had contractually already bought the car).
Rover 75 2.0 CDT Club Saloon, 75k, service history. Chain driven 2 litre BMW diesel engine under the bonnet.
The 1st thing I do with a 'new' car is give it a thorough clean, inspection and service. Oil, oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, pollen filter, pcv filter changed, engine flush, rad flushed, new coolant (parts ECP and E-bay = £120).
After the 1st winter, the battery was struggling, so put a new Hvy Duty in (£35/3yr warranty off internet). Fitted rear parking sensors (kit £15) + £12 for a spray can of 'manufacturers code' paint. Sensors colour coded, plus I was able to touch up bumper scratches. 2 tyres after 5k, (£84 the pair).
The offside rear door is a little 'lazy' (needs a couple of blips on the remote fob) - apart from that its a comfortable car, built like a tank, cruises the motorways, all mod cons (remote CL, 4 elec windows, elec mirrors, working air-con, 6spkr stereo).
Allow 75% of your budget to buy the car / 25% for service & repairs. Don't expect perfection - put some time & effort in, and enjoy 'Banger-nomics'
In my experience, you'll probably look at 10 nails before finding a decent motor. This isn't always the case, and luck can play a large part in car hunting, but to find decent bargain cars, I'm afraid you will invest a lot of time searching online and then travelling around. My top tip is to get yourself a list of 4 - 8 cars within a 15 mile radius - doesn't matter if you have to travel further than this, but the 15 mile radius will mean you have less travel time between cars (and expect some to have sold by the time you reach them on your list).
Auto-trader was great 20 years ago as a magazine, but as it's become more internet driven, the majority of listings are garages and independent dealers. Steer clear of these generally, as most are over-priced ; an £800 'trade sale' will be a part ex they've taken in for sub £300 and thrown a bucket of water over.
Best private sales will be gumtree, preloved and e-bay (although there are a LOT of traders cars on e-bay)
You might even find some private sales in the local paper.
Expect spots of rust, supermarket dings and dents, and the odd electrical problem - but a few weekends with the spaners, a few quid for parts, some polish and elbow grease and you can have a 'nice' car without signing yourself into perpetual debt.
I got my current car 2 years ago off the Bay - cat C, had been rear ended, damaged / repaired (ok but not great ). I was the highest bidder - £680. Bloke was fine when I went to collect (even offered to re-auction if I wasn't happy with it 'in the flesh', though legally speaking I had contractually already bought the car).
Rover 75 2.0 CDT Club Saloon, 75k, service history. Chain driven 2 litre BMW diesel engine under the bonnet.
The 1st thing I do with a 'new' car is give it a thorough clean, inspection and service. Oil, oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, pollen filter, pcv filter changed, engine flush, rad flushed, new coolant (parts ECP and E-bay = £120).
After the 1st winter, the battery was struggling, so put a new Hvy Duty in (£35/3yr warranty off internet). Fitted rear parking sensors (kit £15) + £12 for a spray can of 'manufacturers code' paint. Sensors colour coded, plus I was able to touch up bumper scratches. 2 tyres after 5k, (£84 the pair).
The offside rear door is a little 'lazy' (needs a couple of blips on the remote fob) - apart from that its a comfortable car, built like a tank, cruises the motorways, all mod cons (remote CL, 4 elec windows, elec mirrors, working air-con, 6spkr stereo).
Allow 75% of your budget to buy the car / 25% for service & repairs. Don't expect perfection - put some time & effort in, and enjoy 'Banger-nomics'
Bubbs999 said:
I have been running cars at the 'budget end' for the past 14 years, after having 'company' cars for many years.
In my experience, you'll probably look at 10 nails before finding a decent motor. This isn't always the case, and luck can play a large part in car hunting, but to find decent bargain cars, I'm afraid you will invest a lot of time searching online and then travelling around. My top tip is to get yourself a list of 4 - 8 cars within a 15 mile radius - doesn't matter if you have to travel further than this, but the 15 mile radius will mean you have less travel time between cars (and expect some to have sold by the time you reach them on your list).
Auto-trader was great 20 years ago as a magazine, but as it's become more internet driven, the majority of listings are garages and independent dealers. Steer clear of these generally, as most are over-priced ; an £800 'trade sale' will be a part ex they've taken in for sub £300 and thrown a bucket of water over.
Best private sales will be gumtree, preloved and e-bay (although there are a LOT of traders cars on e-bay)
You might even find some private sales in the local paper.
Expect spots of rust, supermarket dings and dents, and the odd electrical problem - but a few weekends with the spaners, a few quid for parts, some polish and elbow grease and you can have a 'nice' car without signing yourself into perpetual debt.
I got my current car 2 years ago off the Bay - cat C, had been rear ended, damaged / repaired (ok but not great ). I was the highest bidder - £680. Bloke was fine when I went to collect (even offered to re-auction if I wasn't happy with it 'in the flesh', though legally speaking I had contractually already bought the car).
Rover 75 2.0 CDT Club Saloon, 75k, service history. Chain driven 2 litre BMW diesel engine under the bonnet.
The 1st thing I do with a 'new' car is give it a thorough clean, inspection and service. Oil, oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, pollen filter, pcv filter changed, engine flush, rad flushed, new coolant (parts ECP and E-bay = £120).
After the 1st winter, the battery was struggling, so put a new Hvy Duty in (£35/3yr warranty off internet). Fitted rear parking sensors (kit £15) + £12 for a spray can of 'manufacturers code' paint. Sensors colour coded, plus I was able to touch up bumper scratches. 2 tyres after 5k, (£84 the pair).
The offside rear door is a little 'lazy' (needs a couple of blips on the remote fob) - apart from that its a comfortable car, built like a tank, cruises the motorways, all mod cons (remote CL, 4 elec windows, elec mirrors, working air-con, 6spkr stereo).
Allow 75% of your budget to buy the car / 25% for service & repairs. Don't expect perfection - put some time & effort in, and enjoy 'Banger-nomics'
In my experience, you'll probably look at 10 nails before finding a decent motor. This isn't always the case, and luck can play a large part in car hunting, but to find decent bargain cars, I'm afraid you will invest a lot of time searching online and then travelling around. My top tip is to get yourself a list of 4 - 8 cars within a 15 mile radius - doesn't matter if you have to travel further than this, but the 15 mile radius will mean you have less travel time between cars (and expect some to have sold by the time you reach them on your list).
Auto-trader was great 20 years ago as a magazine, but as it's become more internet driven, the majority of listings are garages and independent dealers. Steer clear of these generally, as most are over-priced ; an £800 'trade sale' will be a part ex they've taken in for sub £300 and thrown a bucket of water over.
Best private sales will be gumtree, preloved and e-bay (although there are a LOT of traders cars on e-bay)
You might even find some private sales in the local paper.
Expect spots of rust, supermarket dings and dents, and the odd electrical problem - but a few weekends with the spaners, a few quid for parts, some polish and elbow grease and you can have a 'nice' car without signing yourself into perpetual debt.
I got my current car 2 years ago off the Bay - cat C, had been rear ended, damaged / repaired (ok but not great ). I was the highest bidder - £680. Bloke was fine when I went to collect (even offered to re-auction if I wasn't happy with it 'in the flesh', though legally speaking I had contractually already bought the car).
Rover 75 2.0 CDT Club Saloon, 75k, service history. Chain driven 2 litre BMW diesel engine under the bonnet.
The 1st thing I do with a 'new' car is give it a thorough clean, inspection and service. Oil, oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, pollen filter, pcv filter changed, engine flush, rad flushed, new coolant (parts ECP and E-bay = £120).
After the 1st winter, the battery was struggling, so put a new Hvy Duty in (£35/3yr warranty off internet). Fitted rear parking sensors (kit £15) + £12 for a spray can of 'manufacturers code' paint. Sensors colour coded, plus I was able to touch up bumper scratches. 2 tyres after 5k, (£84 the pair).
The offside rear door is a little 'lazy' (needs a couple of blips on the remote fob) - apart from that its a comfortable car, built like a tank, cruises the motorways, all mod cons (remote CL, 4 elec windows, elec mirrors, working air-con, 6spkr stereo).
Allow 75% of your budget to buy the car / 25% for service & repairs. Don't expect perfection - put some time & effort in, and enjoy 'Banger-nomics'
Thanks for that.
I have never done anything mechanical on a car. However, willing to learn and a decent shed will be great for that.
On the lookout now and will hit ebay and gumtree more.
See what you mean about AT. Not the best for finding private sellers.
Saying that, I messaged someone the other day about a V reg Golf they had for sale. They replied with 'which car?' Obviously not a private seller then.
The used car market is dire I think. Seems like everything made since 2006 is poverty spec diesel unless spending £10k+ for something still 10-12 years old.
Older cars from pre 2006 look very dated now or are crap brands like Citroen, or Purgeot.
Sure an old 545i can be got for £6k which I saw someone post in another thread and whilst Id love to own that its too much risk.
Theres nothing in the 'just right' spot. £3-£4k, 8 years old with a lower mileage and a few mod cons and a bit of power to it.
Older cars from pre 2006 look very dated now or are crap brands like Citroen, or Purgeot.
Sure an old 545i can be got for £6k which I saw someone post in another thread and whilst Id love to own that its too much risk.
Theres nothing in the 'just right' spot. £3-£4k, 8 years old with a lower mileage and a few mod cons and a bit of power to it.
danlightbulb said:
The used car market is dire I think. Seems like everything made since 2006 is poverty spec diesel unless spending £10k+ for something still 10-12 years old.
Older cars from pre 2006 look very dated now or are crap brands like Citroen, or Purgeot.
Sure an old 545i can be got for £6k which I saw someone post in another thread and whilst Id love to own that its too much risk.
Theres nothing in the 'just right' spot. £3-£4k, 8 years old with a lower mileage and a few mod cons and a bit of power to it.
This seems to be everything you just describedOlder cars from pre 2006 look very dated now or are crap brands like Citroen, or Purgeot.
Sure an old 545i can be got for £6k which I saw someone post in another thread and whilst Id love to own that its too much risk.
Theres nothing in the 'just right' spot. £3-£4k, 8 years old with a lower mileage and a few mod cons and a bit of power to it.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Honda accord tourer
Dependable petrol engine
Extras you really need (heated leather, good stereo, leccy windows)
Masses of space (I just throw my bike in the back, hate roof racks)
Not too shabby to drive
Generally owned by people who don't abuse cars
Classless
Got mine for £680, best car I've ever bought.
Dependable petrol engine
Extras you really need (heated leather, good stereo, leccy windows)
Masses of space (I just throw my bike in the back, hate roof racks)
Not too shabby to drive
Generally owned by people who don't abuse cars
Classless
Got mine for £680, best car I've ever bought.
aaron_2000 said:
actually not too bad to be fair but its high miles isnt it. at 132k it has maybe 3 years before those miles start to cause issues. I know this because i bought my Honda accord at the same mileage and now 2 years later having problems.funkyrobot said:
Indeed. Going for something petrol seems difficult. There are soooo many diesels around.
There is also a hell of a lot of rubbish for sale.
I dont necessarily mind a diesel but dont want a 130bhp 4 pot one. There is a 2005 530d but its still £6.5k. thats a 13 year old car now!There is also a hell of a lot of rubbish for sale.
I have a 2.4 petrol accord tourer thats done nearly 160k now, bought 2 years ago at 133k, and needs money spending on clutch and suspension not to mention rusty rear arches.
Edited by danlightbulb on Friday 16th March 23:25
Edited by danlightbulb on Friday 16th March 23:25
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