Workhorse for £1500

[anonymous-user]

I’m looking for a new workhorse. Work won’t be giving me a van. So I’m looking for something I can put some DeWalt TStack Boxes in, and a few Tool Bags and small ladders.

As we tend to park outside the office then go off with the other engineers, so a van would be a waste really. I would like something that is also comfortable and is reasonable on parts etc.

[Rich1973]

75 / ZT estate?

[BlackStang5point0]

Volvo V70 D5 163 bhp manual

[anonymous-user]

BlackStang5point0 said:

Volvo V70 D5 163 bhp manual

Only do 3-4k a year. Diesel would cause me nothing but issues, not being used properly.

[VR99]

Mk2 Focus petrol hatchback..or estate if you need more room....big boot, reliable n/a petrol engines and if security is concern well nobody looks at them twice so fly under the radar and don't draw attention.
Parts should be plentiful and reasonable/cheap. I drive an mk1, mate has a MK2 that's used solely for tip runs,school runs etc..both have been abused/ragged silly but are tanks that just keep going. I can be quite certain my next car (newer more modern) won't be able to take the same level of abuse.

[anonymous-user]

VR99 said:

Mk2 Focus petrol hatchback..or estate if you need more room....big boot, reliable n/a petrol engines and if security is concern well nobody looks at them twice so fly under the radar and don't draw attention.
Parts should be plentiful and reasonable/cheap. I drive an mk1, mate has a MK2 that's used solely for tip runs,school runs etc..both have been abused/ragged silly but are tanks that just keep going. I can be quite certain my next car (newer more modern) won't be able to take the same level of abuse.

Sounds a good option. I’ve seen one that looks very good but is a Cat N so I may need advice from people on here about that.

[SCEtoAUX]

Avensis estate.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011266...

Cost of parts won't be an issue because it won't go wrong.

[ZX10R NIN]

The list is pretty much the same as it was for your work colleague that you asked for earlier.

2.0t Vauxhall Signum

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012046...

Vectra fold the seats down & you'll have all the space you'll need:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011105...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009224...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009274...

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Sunday 6th December 16:18

[anonymous-user]

SCEtoAUX said:

Avensis estate.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011266...

Cost of parts won't be an issue because it won't go wrong.

Looks good. I will see if I can find one local.

[anonymous-user]

ZX10R NIN said:

The list is pretty much the same as it was for your work colleague that you asked for earlier.

2.0t Vauxhall Signum

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012046...

Vectra fold the seats down & you'll have all the space you'll need:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011105...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009224...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009274...

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Sunday 6th December 16:18

I will have a look. Thanks for the suggestions.

[jwilco]

ZX10R NIN said:

The list is pretty much the same as it was for your work colleague that you asked for earlier.

2.0t Vauxhall Signum

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012046...

Vectra fold the seats down & you'll have all the space you'll need:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011105...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009224...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009274...

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Sunday 6th December 16:18

Ahh the Vauxhall Signum

"You can't make anything less appealing than the Vectra".

Vauxhall - "hold my beer"

[d_a_n1979]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Modern-Classic-BMW-523i...

This is a £1500 car every day of the week, seller is trying it on with the price.

Solid engine and car though

[Welshbeef]

S Max Phase 1.

You’ll get a 2.0 duratorq titanium.
Pretty much can like with the 5 rear seats flat.
Comfy to drive (had ours nearly 4 years now I think).

Or go for the bigger Galaxy loads of space generally good kit - always hold value

[boyse7en]

I'd look for a petrol Japanese estate - Toyota avensis, honda accord, Mazda 6...
They just seem to soldier on

[anonymous-user]

I’ve seen a few:

Mazda 6:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009214...

Vauxhall Astra SRI:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011306...

Mazda 3:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010064...

Ford Focus 1.6 Ghia:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010275...

Mazda 6:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011186...

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd buy a Vectra over all of those, out of your list the Mazda6's are your best bet but they won't be the easiest to get ladders in & out of.

[NordicCrankShaft]

Mr.Nobody said:

Only do 3-4k a year. Diesel would cause me nothing but issues, not being used properly.

Euro 3 engine in this vintage so no DPF, granted the mileage doesn't warrant a diesel but that 5cyl engine is marvelous!

[anonymous-user]

NordicCrankShaft said:

Euro 3 engine in this vintage so no DPF, granted the mileage doesn't warrant a diesel but that 5cyl engine is marvelous!

I’m sure they are. Will come with an experience bill when they go wrong too.

[NordicCrankShaft]

Not at all, do a bit of research and you'll see this engine is pretty solid! I paid £1500 for my 2005 2.4d nearly 2 years ago with 102k miles, it's just about to hit 155k and I've had zero problems with it and I genuinely mean zero. Some basic servicing and it's wanted for nothing apart from consumables. These particular engines are the last of the true volvo engines before they switched to Ford, hence the super reliability

[Eyersey1234]

Mr.Nobody said:

VR99 said:

Mk2 Focus petrol hatchback..or estate if you need more room....big boot, reliable n/a petrol engines and if security is concern well nobody looks at them twice so fly under the radar and don't draw attention.
Parts should be plentiful and reasonable/cheap. I drive an mk1, mate has a MK2 that's used solely for tip runs,school runs etc..both have been abused/ragged silly but are tanks that just keep going. I can be quite certain my next car (newer more modern) won't be able to take the same level of abuse.

Sounds a good option. I’ve seen one that looks very good but is a Cat N so I may need advice from people on here about that.

I second the Mk2 Focus, I paid £490 for my 1.8tdci estate 2 years ago and its proved a really good car