Cheap winter runaround
Discussion
With my wife returning to work, I'm losing sole use of the family 335d so need some cheap wheels to get me through the winter months. I'm looking for something small, fun and cheap to run.
On my shortlist are the following
-Fiat Panda 100 hp - fun, light, economical and fairly reliable
-Mk3 toyota MR2 - As above, with more reliability and less boot space than my vx220!!
-Smart Roadster coupe - Fun and light without the reliability??
I commute by train/bike most days when I'm in London, but once or twice a week I commute 100+ miles per day to different sites, so need something that can deal with motorway journeys. I work on the railway, so at weekends I need something that can deal with driving through London when trains arent running
What are peoples thoughts/experiences with the above?? Is there anything that I am missing out?
On my shortlist are the following
-Fiat Panda 100 hp - fun, light, economical and fairly reliable
-Mk3 toyota MR2 - As above, with more reliability and less boot space than my vx220!!
-Smart Roadster coupe - Fun and light without the reliability??
I commute by train/bike most days when I'm in London, but once or twice a week I commute 100+ miles per day to different sites, so need something that can deal with motorway journeys. I work on the railway, so at weekends I need something that can deal with driving through London when trains arent running
What are peoples thoughts/experiences with the above?? Is there anything that I am missing out?
I really liked the panda and tried to find one about 18 months ago, saw 4 and all were rough. Shame as I liked how they drove.
In the end I went with a corolla t sport was was super reliable and almost fun.
Have you thought about Celica, lovely to drive,massive boot, handles well and super reliable (the sweet spot is a post 2003 ,140) the 190s are more expensive and gearing isn't great for the motorway
In the end I went with a corolla t sport was was super reliable and almost fun.
Have you thought about Celica, lovely to drive,massive boot, handles well and super reliable (the sweet spot is a post 2003 ,140) the 190s are more expensive and gearing isn't great for the motorway
Roboticarm said:
I really liked the panda and tried to find one about 18 months ago, saw 4 and all were rough. Shame as I liked how they drove.
In the end I went with a corolla t sport was was super reliable and almost fun.
Have you thought about Celica, lovely to drive,massive boot, handles well and super reliable (the sweet spot is a post 2003 ,140) the 190s are more expensive and gearing isn't great for the motorway
I did think about the celica - but never appealed to me as a car - that said, there is a 190hp one local to me, maybe worth a look - Anyone know what the higher output engine is like on fuel?In the end I went with a corolla t sport was was super reliable and almost fun.
Have you thought about Celica, lovely to drive,massive boot, handles well and super reliable (the sweet spot is a post 2003 ,140) the 190s are more expensive and gearing isn't great for the motorway
I ran a Panda 100hp for 3 years and racked up nearly 60k miles in that time. It was fun to drive and very light, revvy and chuckable, but the downside is it's not very relaxing to drive and the suspension is made of concrete - that may or may not be an issue for you. I'd say it may be worth looking at MINI's too. Lots to choose from and they retain the same chuckability or the Panda, but in a more grown up package with proper low-down driving position and better refinement.
Chris
Chris
ScoobyChris said:
I ran a Panda 100hp for 3 years and racked up nearly 60k miles in that time. It was fun to drive and very light, revvy and chuckable, but the downside is it's not very relaxing to drive and the suspension is made of concrete - that may or may not be an issue for you. I'd say it may be worth looking at MINI's too. Lots to choose from and they retain the same chuckability or the Panda, but in a more grown up package with proper low-down driving position and better refinement.
Chris
The stiff ride is not a massive concern - I've previously ran a vx220, ep3 type r amongst other things. I did consider the mini, but heard lots of scare stories about the "death rattle" of earlier cars! Is it a genuine concern, or is it overhyped?Chris
The Celica 190 will get you 33mpg.
I ran one for three years and no matter how I drove it the fuel economy always worked out at 33mpg over a full tank!
They are great cars. I found it fine on the motorway although most people said the 140 had better gearing. I wouldn't have swapped that VVTLI engine though, it's huge fun.
Worth noting that the Celica is FWD so was no problem to run through the winter months. I had a MK3 MR2 at the same time but only took it out on nice dry days. I think it could be a bit hairy in poor winter weather with no real driver aids, could easily catch you out. Also it was a lot less suitable for motorway use than the Celica.
I ran one for three years and no matter how I drove it the fuel economy always worked out at 33mpg over a full tank!
They are great cars. I found it fine on the motorway although most people said the 140 had better gearing. I wouldn't have swapped that VVTLI engine though, it's huge fun.
Worth noting that the Celica is FWD so was no problem to run through the winter months. I had a MK3 MR2 at the same time but only took it out on nice dry days. I think it could be a bit hairy in poor winter weather with no real driver aids, could easily catch you out. Also it was a lot less suitable for motorway use than the Celica.
Was in a very similar boat - wife monopolising family BMW diseasal, so a winter runabout was needed.
Enter a '59 Renault Twingo RS. 63k miles, £3000 from a dealer with 2 years warranty, fun little car. Fairly practical for that class of car - rear seats fold forward/backwards to increase boot space or rear leg room, car is fun on twisty backroads, and a nice little drive.
If you're willing to brave a private sale, dare say you could find one for £2k.
Enter a '59 Renault Twingo RS. 63k miles, £3000 from a dealer with 2 years warranty, fun little car. Fairly practical for that class of car - rear seats fold forward/backwards to increase boot space or rear leg room, car is fun on twisty backroads, and a nice little drive.
If you're willing to brave a private sale, dare say you could find one for £2k.
A couple of points to consider with the Celica.
If you want a 190 you’re probably best going for a facelift car with the nicer interior. It’ll be a T sport which gets you leather and boot spoiler with 17’s so a better look. I’d go for 2003 onwards. They did a GT later on 2005-06 but I don’t think it’s worth the premium although the wheels are nice.
Check for coolant leaks. The radiator is a weak point and can easily get holed by stones.
They don’t seem to suffer rust too badly for a Jap car.
Brakes can be an issue, common for calipers to seize.
Wheels are a bit weak and can buckle easily.
Most stuff is fairly cheap and easy to rectify though. The engine is very strong and will take upwards of 200k miles. High milers can burn a bit of oil and also the bolts that engage the high lift cam can snap. They cost pence to replace so worth doing as a preventative measure. When on test drive you have to check that lift works, when you hit 6700rpm it should really take off.
Of course, that top end power delivery is not too much use in the real world. It’s good for A or B road overtakes but can make you look and sound like a bit of a cock! I never got bored of it though. And the flip side is that under 6700rpm it’s just a fairly docile n/a 1.8 which means it’ll potter through town or city streets very easily and return decent economy.
If you want a 190 you’re probably best going for a facelift car with the nicer interior. It’ll be a T sport which gets you leather and boot spoiler with 17’s so a better look. I’d go for 2003 onwards. They did a GT later on 2005-06 but I don’t think it’s worth the premium although the wheels are nice.
Check for coolant leaks. The radiator is a weak point and can easily get holed by stones.
They don’t seem to suffer rust too badly for a Jap car.
Brakes can be an issue, common for calipers to seize.
Wheels are a bit weak and can buckle easily.
Most stuff is fairly cheap and easy to rectify though. The engine is very strong and will take upwards of 200k miles. High milers can burn a bit of oil and also the bolts that engage the high lift cam can snap. They cost pence to replace so worth doing as a preventative measure. When on test drive you have to check that lift works, when you hit 6700rpm it should really take off.
Of course, that top end power delivery is not too much use in the real world. It’s good for A or B road overtakes but can make you look and sound like a bit of a cock! I never got bored of it though. And the flip side is that under 6700rpm it’s just a fairly docile n/a 1.8 which means it’ll potter through town or city streets very easily and return decent economy.
fillhope02218 said:
If you don't use your car regularly, maybe an alternative is right for you? Taxi or other travel service. Since her maintenance will be needed regularly
Unfortunately with my work, neither of these is an option. In terms of maintenaince, I'm happy sorting out a lot of the minor issues myself - and in all honesty, the price of a set of tyres for the BMW will equate to 1/3 of the value of the runaround!I have to be honest if it's a winter hack I'd want something relaxing which is still a decent steer which is why I'd be buying one of these:
CLK270
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010064...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009213...
CLK270
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010064...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009213...
CMacC said:
I've started looking - and have always had a bt of a soft sport for an e46 330cd - Theres an 86k mile one for £3500 - which seems reasonable - Anyone know much about them in terms of issues, economy etc? Will it be simmilar to our 335d xdrive at 42mpg?
Is the "cheap" in the title referring to purchase price or running costs? 
Injectors, swirl flaps, EGR valves and the cooling system are all common problem areas on aging 330Ds. Suspension bushes and suspension springs are almost service items on the E46 if my brothers was anything to go by.Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff