Daily 'shed' drivers advice
Discussion
My Mazda 5 exploded on the motorway yesterday and so I need to think about looking for something else as the repair costs just aren't worth it for the car.
At the time I needed 7 seats but I think I could get away with a 5 seater now. I don't need anything fast - I don't want anything that's paying £315 tax per year like the Mazda - I'm looking for something that is reliable, relatively economic in fuel (the Mazda was sub 30mpg), a petrol engine, 5 doors and could tow a 750kg box trailer when needed. We're saving to build a house and have been for a while so I don't really want to dip into the fund too much but I'd go £4k to thereabouts.
The Mazda was a desperate purchase as my van had gone to the scrap yard the day before and having owned it for 4 years and sticking 40k on the clock I've had nothing but problems with expensive parts. Some CPU went that cost £800. The Exhaust went and I was originally quoted a stupid price for a replacement, which led me to get a SS exhaust bend while I waited (great sound though but not what you'd expect from a Dad Wagon!). Same with my wife's old Audi A4 Cab - can we get a third party replacement wing for £35 like you can with the standard A4 - can we b
ks! I get sick of trying to source hard to find/expensive parts that I can't possibly research before I buy (like with the CPU on the Mazda). I've just pre-empted the new MOT as well to make sure I'd have at least another 12 months out of it (which cost £250 to have it welded) and just last week put oil a new tyre. Bloody cars!!!!
But, despite the costs and then running yet another car into the ground it's still only really stands me at £1000-£1250/year total - so a tiny amount compared to getting into debt and paying huge depreciations and finance fees.
I was thinking Ford or Vauxhall but I'm reading that they're not as reliable as people think and that the Asian cars seems to fair better - but then am I going to get stung for stupid parts costs when something goes pop? Alocal mechanic had told me about a Kia or something that they had in for a gearbox or something like that and the price was upwards of £2k - so cheap to buy but stupid costs to repair.
Am I kidding myself and there's no such car out there...............I think I sort of am really but any advice from anyone in the know would be appreciated.
At the time I needed 7 seats but I think I could get away with a 5 seater now. I don't need anything fast - I don't want anything that's paying £315 tax per year like the Mazda - I'm looking for something that is reliable, relatively economic in fuel (the Mazda was sub 30mpg), a petrol engine, 5 doors and could tow a 750kg box trailer when needed. We're saving to build a house and have been for a while so I don't really want to dip into the fund too much but I'd go £4k to thereabouts.
The Mazda was a desperate purchase as my van had gone to the scrap yard the day before and having owned it for 4 years and sticking 40k on the clock I've had nothing but problems with expensive parts. Some CPU went that cost £800. The Exhaust went and I was originally quoted a stupid price for a replacement, which led me to get a SS exhaust bend while I waited (great sound though but not what you'd expect from a Dad Wagon!). Same with my wife's old Audi A4 Cab - can we get a third party replacement wing for £35 like you can with the standard A4 - can we b
ks! I get sick of trying to source hard to find/expensive parts that I can't possibly research before I buy (like with the CPU on the Mazda). I've just pre-empted the new MOT as well to make sure I'd have at least another 12 months out of it (which cost £250 to have it welded) and just last week put oil a new tyre. Bloody cars!!!!But, despite the costs and then running yet another car into the ground it's still only really stands me at £1000-£1250/year total - so a tiny amount compared to getting into debt and paying huge depreciations and finance fees.
I was thinking Ford or Vauxhall but I'm reading that they're not as reliable as people think and that the Asian cars seems to fair better - but then am I going to get stung for stupid parts costs when something goes pop? Alocal mechanic had told me about a Kia or something that they had in for a gearbox or something like that and the price was upwards of £2k - so cheap to buy but stupid costs to repair.
Am I kidding myself and there's no such car out there...............I think I sort of am really but any advice from anyone in the know would be appreciated.
If its needs to be cheap head for the french stuff, old shape 5008 for example can be had for that sort of money, not sure how reliable the petrols are though as ive only ever had the hdi engines. That still keeps you in 7 seats too. You might find 7 seat stuff cheaper anyways as its deemed uncool.
Your experience so far demonstrates that it's often misguided to choose (or rule out) a car because of it's reputation, particularly at the price level you are choosing.
Of course the Japanese / Far Eastern makes have a great reputation - justifiably so - but as you and the owner of the Kia with the broken gearbox have found out it doesn't guarantee that every single example will run forever without major expense.
There's no magic wand. Buy the least worn, best cared for car that will do the job in terms of space and performance. Even better if you can make it one that you like the look of, or think that you will enjoy being seen in. Then get it inspected before you buy it if you are not confident or competent to do that yourself.
To a large extent if you are not bothered about the make and the model then don't let it be an issue.
Of course the Japanese / Far Eastern makes have a great reputation - justifiably so - but as you and the owner of the Kia with the broken gearbox have found out it doesn't guarantee that every single example will run forever without major expense.
There's no magic wand. Buy the least worn, best cared for car that will do the job in terms of space and performance. Even better if you can make it one that you like the look of, or think that you will enjoy being seen in. Then get it inspected before you buy it if you are not confident or competent to do that yourself.
To a large extent if you are not bothered about the make and the model then don't let it be an issue.
This comes up a lot and there are many answers.
My first suggestion is always to try and find a solution close to home. Mention in passing to family, friends, colleagues that you are looking for a cheap car. They may have a car to sell or a relative etc etc.
People who know you aren't going to knowingly offload a total dog on you which is what a significant proportion of sellers at the bottom end of the market are trying to do.
My first suggestion is always to try and find a solution close to home. Mention in passing to family, friends, colleagues that you are looking for a cheap car. They may have a car to sell or a relative etc etc.
People who know you aren't going to knowingly offload a total dog on you which is what a significant proportion of sellers at the bottom end of the market are trying to do.
I went cheap Honda for a Daily Shed after several years of equally cheap Renault and Citroen ones.
Bad move. With less than 80k miles on the clock the gearbox is whining and rattling like a tin box of spanners, the strut top mount bushes have ground themselves to dust and it's shredding tyres and and wandering about the road like it's pissed and it collected six separate MOT advisories for corrosion on its last test.
Binning it for a equally cheap diesel Skoda on Wednesday before it dies altogether...
Bad move. With less than 80k miles on the clock the gearbox is whining and rattling like a tin box of spanners, the strut top mount bushes have ground themselves to dust and it's shredding tyres and and wandering about the road like it's pissed and it collected six separate MOT advisories for corrosion on its last test.
Binning it for a equally cheap diesel Skoda on Wednesday before it dies altogether...
Jaguar steve said:
I went cheap Honda for a Daily Shed after several years of equally cheap Renault and Citroen ones.
Bad move. With less than 80k miles on the clock the gearbox is whining and rattling like a tin box of spanners, the strut top mount bushes have ground themselves to dust and it's shredding tyres and and wandering about the road like it's pissed and it collected six separate MOT advisories for corrosion on its last test.
Binning it for a equally cheap diesel Skoda on Wednesday before it dies altogether...
PD diesel engine? They are very strong and reliable. The drivetrain in my 89k miles 2008 1.9tdi Skoda has been faultless since I got it, all the car has needed is oil, filters, a scheduled cambelt, coolant and tensioner change, and brake pads and discs. Oh, and and 2 new rear brake calipers as they got sticky and destroyed the discs. And a snapped front coil spring. And a new radiator as they rust through at the bottom corners. And a new electric window regulator as the cables snap. And a new drivers door latch as they go and the door refuses to stay shut. And 2 new boot latch actuators as they're crap. And unless you remove the bung beneath the battery water builds up and flows into the cabin through the air filter housing fBad move. With less than 80k miles on the clock the gearbox is whining and rattling like a tin box of spanners, the strut top mount bushes have ground themselves to dust and it's shredding tyres and and wandering about the road like it's pissed and it collected six separate MOT advisories for corrosion on its last test.
Binning it for a equally cheap diesel Skoda on Wednesday before it dies altogether...
king up the electrics and setting the alarm off at all hours. Front shocks could probably do with being replaced, along with some suspension bushes. a/c condenser is crumbling. Wing mirror glass fell out and needed replaced. Central locking doesn't always lock all buttons, probably due to water ingress killing the board stupidly located under the footwell carpets.But yeah, those PD engines are strong as an ox, great cars
Moral of the story; an old car is an old car, cross your fingers and hope for the best.
yellowbentines said:
Jaguar steve said:
I went cheap Honda for a Daily Shed after several years of equally cheap Renault and Citroen ones.
Bad move. With less than 80k miles on the clock the gearbox is whining and rattling like a tin box of spanners, the strut top mount bushes have ground themselves to dust and it's shredding tyres and and wandering about the road like it's pissed and it collected six separate MOT advisories for corrosion on its last test.
Binning it for a equally cheap diesel Skoda on Wednesday before it dies altogether...
PD diesel engine? They are very strong and reliable. The drivetrain in my 89k miles 2008 1.9tdi Skoda has been faultless since I got it, all the car has needed is oil, filters, a scheduled cambelt, coolant and tensioner change, and brake pads and discs. Oh, and and 2 new rear brake calipers as they got sticky and destroyed the discs. And a snapped front coil spring. And a new radiator as they rust through at the bottom corners. And a new electric window regulator as the cables snap. And a new drivers door latch as they go and the door refuses to stay shut. And 2 new boot latch actuators as they're crap. And unless you remove the bung beneath the battery water builds up and flows into the cabin through the air filter housing fBad move. With less than 80k miles on the clock the gearbox is whining and rattling like a tin box of spanners, the strut top mount bushes have ground themselves to dust and it's shredding tyres and and wandering about the road like it's pissed and it collected six separate MOT advisories for corrosion on its last test.
Binning it for a equally cheap diesel Skoda on Wednesday before it dies altogether...
king up the electrics and setting the alarm off at all hours. Front shocks could probably do with being replaced, along with some suspension bushes. a/c condenser is crumbling. Wing mirror glass fell out and needed replaced. Central locking doesn't always lock all buttons, probably due to water ingress killing the board stupidly located under the footwell carpets.But yeah, those PD engines are strong as an ox, great cars
Moral of the story; an old car is an old car, cross your fingers and hope for the best.
But it's almost a distress purchase. The Jazz gearbox isn't long for this world and there's so much else going south on it there's no way I'd sell it privately and was considering weighing it in. Fixing it isn't an option as all the suspension bolts are so corroded I've already rounded a couple off and don't have time atm for all the faffage involved.
But along came a px offer from a local trader of way, way more than I was expecting for it it'd be rude not to do the deal.
Fingers crossed.
I've run a Focus 2.0 TDCi estate from new.
It's now ten years old and has done 138k miles.
It suffered a DMF failure under warranty when it was 12 months old. Since then it has been pretty good.
It needed a new gear linkage and a bonnet release cable at 100k, has had a pair of track control arms and one wheel bearing.
Apart from that, it has just been the routine stuff. It's had a couple of sets of discs and pads, which, being Ford, are dead cheap.
I put an exhaust on it last year. That was £70 from eBay and took a couple of hours to fit. I did the timing belt and water pump at the same time. That was a three hour job and the parts were less than £80.
It has been a good car. It's an estate, with roof bars and towing kit, so has been very practical.
I'm not sure why you are particularly looking for a petrol, but the Peugeot diesel engine in the Focus is a reliable lump. It's a bit smoky if you boot it, but good for 58mpg on a gentle motorway run. It has sufficient performance and the torque makes it good for towing trailers.
It steers and handles nicely and the ride is pretty good.
If I was looking to replace it with another practical old bus, I think I would look for a Mondeo estate.
It's now ten years old and has done 138k miles.
It suffered a DMF failure under warranty when it was 12 months old. Since then it has been pretty good.
It needed a new gear linkage and a bonnet release cable at 100k, has had a pair of track control arms and one wheel bearing.
Apart from that, it has just been the routine stuff. It's had a couple of sets of discs and pads, which, being Ford, are dead cheap.
I put an exhaust on it last year. That was £70 from eBay and took a couple of hours to fit. I did the timing belt and water pump at the same time. That was a three hour job and the parts were less than £80.
It has been a good car. It's an estate, with roof bars and towing kit, so has been very practical.
I'm not sure why you are particularly looking for a petrol, but the Peugeot diesel engine in the Focus is a reliable lump. It's a bit smoky if you boot it, but good for 58mpg on a gentle motorway run. It has sufficient performance and the torque makes it good for towing trailers.
It steers and handles nicely and the ride is pretty good.
If I was looking to replace it with another practical old bus, I think I would look for a Mondeo estate.
Friends and family are good routes to sheds. My current 1.8 vvti petrol auto Toyota corrolla is a 4 door from 2001 and came with fsh (main dealer!) And 45k miles for £500 from a colleagues aunt (91 and packing in with driving)
I've done 30k miles at 33.4mpg average. It's got virtually no rust, and has cost £91 for discs and pads up front and £200 In tyres. (4 fitted).
It's burning a litre of oil per 1000m and needs an eye on that top up but other wise is still racking up the miles smoothly and comfortably.
It's got scuffs and scrapes everywhere and you can leave it anywhere you like without worry so the stress reduction factor is huge!
Being auto it's no raver but it's great for traffic and will sit at a decent motorway speed.
When it eventually breaks it will be sold for scrap and I'll hunt a similar car down.
I've done 30k miles at 33.4mpg average. It's got virtually no rust, and has cost £91 for discs and pads up front and £200 In tyres. (4 fitted).
It's burning a litre of oil per 1000m and needs an eye on that top up but other wise is still racking up the miles smoothly and comfortably.
It's got scuffs and scrapes everywhere and you can leave it anywhere you like without worry so the stress reduction factor is huge!
Being auto it's no raver but it's great for traffic and will sit at a decent motorway speed.
When it eventually breaks it will be sold for scrap and I'll hunt a similar car down.
Mondeo 2.5T Titanium X
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
2.0 Titanium X
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
2.0d Auto Titanium X
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Manual
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
508 Active
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Vauxhall Signum
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Insignia
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Accord SE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
2.0 Titanium X
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
2.0d Auto Titanium X
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Manual
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
508 Active
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Vauxhall Signum
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Insignia
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Accord SE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
I have a 2007 Renault Megane 1.5 DCi, one of the least desirable cars on the planet. Had it for a year now, done 14k miles and it passed it's not with zero advisories. 60mpg, £30 annual road tax definitely the cheapest car I have ever owned to run.
All the time nobody wants French cars I am happy to buy them for peanuts
All the time nobody wants French cars I am happy to buy them for peanuts
+1 for a Renault with a 1.5dci lump. I own a Clio with this engine and I'm constantly stumped as to why more people don't buy them?! I've done circa 30,000 miles (now at 150k) with just pads being changed and average 50mpg.
I did pay a slight premium (due to injectors, clutch, wheel bearings, suspension etc being replaced) as the car was recorded CAT, but I saw the damage caused and was very happy with the condition. Sure, the sunroof won't open fully but that's it! Buy on condition, and previous work the owner has done; the more expensive parts replaced, the better! In my experience, cheap cars with low mileage tend to be absolute dogs.
I would get a Mégane 1.5dci, or a cheap civic if you just needed to go from A to B.
I did pay a slight premium (due to injectors, clutch, wheel bearings, suspension etc being replaced) as the car was recorded CAT, but I saw the damage caused and was very happy with the condition. Sure, the sunroof won't open fully but that's it! Buy on condition, and previous work the owner has done; the more expensive parts replaced, the better! In my experience, cheap cars with low mileage tend to be absolute dogs.
I would get a Mégane 1.5dci, or a cheap civic if you just needed to go from A to B.
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff