Something cheap to run

[Robmarriott]

I’ve messed up my sums and I’m spending more money each month than I earn (even though everything works on paper...)

I had a 2015 Octavia VRS which I owned almost outright, it was costing me £85 a month for the car, £30 on insurance, tax was £30 a year and it was doing 42mpg.

Because I’m an idiot and thought I needed it, I sold it and got a GT86. It costs me £140 a month, £50 to insure, tax is £25 a month and it’s using £250 a month of fuel.

It needs to go so I need to replace it but I’m struggling to find something.

Criteria;

Hatchback, need to get a mountain bike in it (it fits in the GT86!)
Cheap tax, £30 a year preferably
Cheap to run, I do 180 miles a week minimum

That’s about it. I don’t need a quick car, I spend most of my time in traffic on a dual carriageway and I have a Clio 182 (in bits) for the fun stuff.

I’ve thought about a Panda 100hp but I’m not 100% sold on the looks and it’s not cheap cheap on tax, other suggestions would be welcome.

I’d also consider a little estate car but not something with a 1.6 HDI engine (Focus, V50 etc)

Yes I know I’m stupid but I could do with some help.

[kieranblenk]

How would a Skoda Fabia estate or SEAT Ibiza Sport Tourer stack up? Get one with the little diesel or TSI engine and it should meet your requirements. It ultimately depends on your budget though.

[Robmarriott]

Probably got £3k absolute maximum so I think either of those would be too much

[RSTurboPaul]

If you have a 182 as well, why not just sell the GT86, fix the 182 up and run that one car?

They are perfectly acceptable for longer distances, and you can look around for a bargain shed later.

I am sure a bike would fit with the seats down and the front wheel removed.

[Robmarriott]

The 182 has a cage, coilovers and bucket seats in it, it’s not at all useable on the road and I definitely can’t get a bike in it.

I’ve considered another for a runabout though but that’s maybe a bit excessive!

[xcseventy]

Quick look on AT (£30 tax, 5 doors, diesel, max £3k):

- 118d
- Hyundai i30
- Kia Ceed
- Seat Leon
- Seat Ibiza
- Toyota Yaris
- Vauxhall Astra
- Vauxhall Insignia
- VW Golf

Of that bunch I think i'd either go with a Leon or Ibiza.

[kieranblenk]

Robmarriott said:

Probably got £3k absolute maximum so I think either of those would be too much

You'd get the Fabia estate diesel quite comfortably with change. It's ungainly but perfect for the job.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2018...

Clio estate diesel would fit the bill also.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2018...

Edited by kieranblenk on Thursday 22 November 18:10

[RSTurboPaul]

Robmarriott said:

The 182 has a cage, coilovers and bucket seats in it, it’s not at all useable on the road and I definitely can’t get a bike in it.

I’ve considered another for a runabout though but that’s maybe a bit excessive!

That's the spec of half of the classic MX5s driving around

But there's no such thing as too many fast French hatchbacks!

[ZX10R NIN]

The easy answer to this is a 1.5dci Clio Dynamique:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[grant8064]

^^^ +1 - I was going to suggest a Clio 1.5dci estate, cracking things for the money.