Interim car - What would PH do??

[Bill]

My car (Disco4) has been written off and finding a replacement in a colour/spec I want isn't happening quickly, so I need to get something in the meantime to tide me over.

Cheap is good (£5k absolute maximum but prefer 1/2 that...), but must seat 4 due to school run duties.

The poll options are what have caught my eye locally, but the most sensible option - the Suzuki - is far enough away to be a pain. Part of the perils of living in rural Dorset! If it was February I'd be all over the Saab, but I'm concerned about the absolute shoeing I'll take selling it once the weather changes.

[vaud]

Saab is good call but other ideas:

Lexus IS250 or GS300
VW Phaeton (a few for <£6k)

or there is an Audi A6 2.7 multitronic (so would need a good test) with Full dealer service history on Autotrader at £3800

[BikeSausage]

If you’re after functional, something Japanese for £2.5k (Civic, Accord, CRV) should do the job.

[vaud]

Volvo V70 2.4 is boring and comfy, as well as winter proof, though it is thirsty.

[VS02]

vaud said:

Volvo V70 2.4 is boring and comfy, as well as winter proof, though it is thirsty.

If you’re going V70, might as well go XC70/ V70CC

Beware if you live in a LEZ - both are not ULEZ compliant.

[vaud]

VS02 said:

If you’re going V70, might as well go XC70/ V70CC

Beware if you live in a LEZ - both are not ULEZ compliant.

True and handy for flooded rural Dorset lanes / single track.

[robemcdonald]

Mini Cooper s

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208319...

Or if you’re feeling brave

RX8
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208218...

Both less than half your budget.

[donkmeister]

There's a few Insignia 2.8Ts on AT around £4k. These have 4wd so not a bad idea for a rural area as I guarantee you'll end up needing it until next spring (sods law).

Alternatively there's loads of Mercs with sub-100k miles and the 5.0 M113 V8. Various classes and body types. Lovely thing, unstressed and torque, and frugal for what it is.

[kiethton]

To be brutally honest I'd be plumping for £1,500's worth of 2005-2007 Ford Focus/mondeo in 1.6/1.8 petrol flavour

[Bill]

robemcdonald said:

Mini Cooper s

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208319...

Or if you’re feeling brave

RX8
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208218...

Both less than half your budget.

I'd seen the RX8 and decided I lacked the cojones. Mini with shagged Aircon and and airbag light on I'm less keen on.

Wife's just shown me a shagged 924 for sale locally within budget...

[LunarOne]

kiethton said:

To be brutally honest I'd be plumping for £1,500's worth of 2005-2007 Ford Focus/mondeo in 1.6/1.8 petrol flavour

What on earth for, when life is short and every other car is available?

[Bill]

V70 too sensible.

kiethton said:

To be brutally honest I'd be plumping for £1,500's worth of 2005-2007 Ford Focus/mondeo in 1.6/1.8 petrol flavour

And this is too. Much as it makes sense.

[robemcdonald]

Bill said:

robemcdonald said:

Mini Cooper s

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208319...

Or if you’re feeling brave

RX8
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208218...

Both less than half your budget.

I'd seen the RX8 and decided I lacked the cojones. Mini with shagged Aircon and and airbag light on I'm less keen on.

Wife's just shown me a shagged 924 for sale locally within budget...

I really must read the adverts properly…

This one might be better.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207258...

I prefer the smaller wheels too.

[LunarOne]

How about this Audi S4 Cabrio 4.2 for £4500 located in Bristol? You can probably sell it for the same price come next spring! It's not perfect by any means but it'll be fun!

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205045...

[robemcdonald]

What about a CTR? Closer to top budget, but looks great in red and importantly appears standard.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208269...
Should be reliable too being a Honda.

[braddo]

XJ8

[Shifter1]

XJ8, because life is too short.

[Super Sonic]

BikeSausage said:

If you’re after functional, something Japanese for £2.5k (Civic, Accord, CRV) should do the job.

I was gonna cay Civic as well.

[mattyprice4004]

BikeSausage said:

If you’re after functional, something Japanese for £2.5k (Civic, Accord, CRV) should do the job.

This. I bought a £1k Accord when I needed something dependable but boring - and it was both.
Bought from dodgy guy in Birmingham - check
No service history - check

Did the job well, was comfy too.
2004 Diesel 2.2 from memory (a few years back, and the car was so unmemorable it’s amusing)

[Bill]

robemcdonald said:

Bill said:

robemcdonald said:

Mini Cooper s

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208319...

Or if you’re feeling brave

RX8
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208218...

Both less than half your budget.

I'd seen the RX8 and decided I lacked the cojones. Mini with shagged Aircon and and airbag light on I'm less keen on.

Wife's just shown me a shagged 924 for sale locally within budget...

I really must read the adverts properly…

This one might be better.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207258...

I prefer the smaller wheels too.

I'm going to see the grey one in a mo. Recurrent airbag lights on previous MOTs suggest a loose wire, right??!? I've sowed the seeds of a low bid while on the phone.