Island intereasting, robust something for a toy.......12k
Discussion
Now, I am aware this is subjective surrounding what is interesting or "cool" however I am scratching my head a little.
My brother lives on an at times, fairly remote island, albeit large-ish. There are local mechanics, he is looking for something that is a little bit different up to a max of 12k. The roads can be very poor in areas and narrow in others. He doesnt have a garage at the moment but could winter it on the mainland. He does think he is Toad of Toad Hall at times with the silk scarf flapping.
Now, he likes ( and thinks he does look after) cars, however isnt exactly renowned for their upkeep, there are a litany of dead Alfa's and Saabs to attest to this.
Boils down to something with a bit of character thats robust and will put a smile on his face. I have suggested older series Land Rovers for summer roof down and ease of use. His taste has always been Italian or Swedish, or euro box SUV leases due to the island factor. Speed isnt a factor due to the roads, but character is.
An XKR has been discounted as a result of roads and upkeep for example. A Moke would fall in a hole etc etc. Such is the spectrum we have been looking at.
Any ideas from the PH masses?
My brother lives on an at times, fairly remote island, albeit large-ish. There are local mechanics, he is looking for something that is a little bit different up to a max of 12k. The roads can be very poor in areas and narrow in others. He doesnt have a garage at the moment but could winter it on the mainland. He does think he is Toad of Toad Hall at times with the silk scarf flapping.
Now, he likes ( and thinks he does look after) cars, however isnt exactly renowned for their upkeep, there are a litany of dead Alfa's and Saabs to attest to this.
Boils down to something with a bit of character thats robust and will put a smile on his face. I have suggested older series Land Rovers for summer roof down and ease of use. His taste has always been Italian or Swedish, or euro box SUV leases due to the island factor. Speed isnt a factor due to the roads, but character is.
An XKR has been discounted as a result of roads and upkeep for example. A Moke would fall in a hole etc etc. Such is the spectrum we have been looking at.
Any ideas from the PH masses?
Nissan Figaro. Micra based so should be easy enough to work on for any local mechanic. Even buying the very best example would leave him with a chunk of cash. Getting to store it on the mainland in a garage for the winter would help keep the rust away too.
Mk1 TT Convertible. Plenty of spares to go around, for half the budget it's probably giving you one of the better examples available. 1.8T of that era are pretty robust in my experience and was used in so many cars that it's probably another one most local mechanics can sort any issues easily. Might be a tad quick for island living? V6 also available if noise is wanted. Mk2 is also available for that price, personally I feel that the Mk1 had more character and design language.
Not sure if they're at that price, but the Honda S660 has always tickled my fancy. Being a Honda it will probably be mechanically unbreakable, but the rarity of it and the fact that they're import only may make getting hold of parts difficult?
Mk1 TT Convertible. Plenty of spares to go around, for half the budget it's probably giving you one of the better examples available. 1.8T of that era are pretty robust in my experience and was used in so many cars that it's probably another one most local mechanics can sort any issues easily. Might be a tad quick for island living? V6 also available if noise is wanted. Mk2 is also available for that price, personally I feel that the Mk1 had more character and design language.
Not sure if they're at that price, but the Honda S660 has always tickled my fancy. Being a Honda it will probably be mechanically unbreakable, but the rarity of it and the fact that they're import only may make getting hold of parts difficult?
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