Advice on what new motor to buy myself....
Discussion
Hi all,
I've been a 'lurker' on the site for some time. Just thought i'd introduce myself and more importantly ask you all for some advice on my next motor. I'm currently a 20 year old student at Newcastle University and drive a 58 plate Clio Campus Sport (if you can call a 1.2 a sport that is...), having previously owned a 10 year old Mk1. 16v Punto 85sx (learned all about Fix It Again Tomorrow until it ultimately blew well and truely), but i'm considering doing my PostGrad in Edinburgh. That's a fair ol' trek from where my parents house (home) and much as I adore my clio, I fancy something a little bigger and more suited to doing big miles...
My brother is learning to drive soon so the Clio will come in handy for him, but i'm looking at something a bit more substantial, a first 'proper' car if you will. I've looked at E34 5 Series, but their age, mileage, and presitge brand costs of replacement parts slightly deter me (memories of a said italian...), as my pockets aren't that deep (student). My dad's always had good experiences with Mondeos, so they're an option too.
I'd like something with a bit of power (in relative terms - i'm used to 85BHP and 75BHP respectively), that's not too expensive to run and not hideous on insurance (although I am 20...). Big asks I know, but any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Cheers Guys
Nick
I've been a 'lurker' on the site for some time. Just thought i'd introduce myself and more importantly ask you all for some advice on my next motor. I'm currently a 20 year old student at Newcastle University and drive a 58 plate Clio Campus Sport (if you can call a 1.2 a sport that is...), having previously owned a 10 year old Mk1. 16v Punto 85sx (learned all about Fix It Again Tomorrow until it ultimately blew well and truely), but i'm considering doing my PostGrad in Edinburgh. That's a fair ol' trek from where my parents house (home) and much as I adore my clio, I fancy something a little bigger and more suited to doing big miles...
My brother is learning to drive soon so the Clio will come in handy for him, but i'm looking at something a bit more substantial, a first 'proper' car if you will. I've looked at E34 5 Series, but their age, mileage, and presitge brand costs of replacement parts slightly deter me (memories of a said italian...), as my pockets aren't that deep (student). My dad's always had good experiences with Mondeos, so they're an option too.
I'd like something with a bit of power (in relative terms - i'm used to 85BHP and 75BHP respectively), that's not too expensive to run and not hideous on insurance (although I am 20...). Big asks I know, but any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Cheers Guys
Nick
How much is insurance going to set you back on an E34? I got ridiculous quotes and I've quite the no claims history (same age as you).
If you're willing to go up to 5k... well that's quite a lot. You could get a nice Nissan 200SX or a Toyota Celica for that kind of money.
If you want cheap and absolute reliability, the Mercedes Benz 190E's are indestructable.
Otherwise I'd go for a Civic or Accord. Both reliable and economical and civics certainly shouldn't be too bad on insurance, plus they can be pretty quick. A friend of mine also my age has a corsa 1.8 SRi which is a quick car and reliable. There's a huge choice available, but I'd think fuel and insurance will be the killers.
If you're willing to go up to 5k... well that's quite a lot. You could get a nice Nissan 200SX or a Toyota Celica for that kind of money.
If you want cheap and absolute reliability, the Mercedes Benz 190E's are indestructable.
Otherwise I'd go for a Civic or Accord. Both reliable and economical and civics certainly shouldn't be too bad on insurance, plus they can be pretty quick. A friend of mine also my age has a corsa 1.8 SRi which is a quick car and reliable. There's a huge choice available, but I'd think fuel and insurance will be the killers.
jimmyb said:
LOGiK said:
jimmyb said:
B6 a4 audi. Bullet proof and cheap to run if on high mileage.
until you need to change the cam belt 
LOGiK said:
jimmyb said:
LOGiK said:
jimmyb said:
B6 a4 audi. Bullet proof and cheap to run if on high mileage.
until you need to change the cam belt New clutch release bearing and clutch whilst doing so, new ballbearing and joint front left (no surprise after it took the brunt of an impact into a crash barrier and a rear anti roll bar oh and windscreen wiper arm due to it seizing.
Other than that it gets serviced every 18-20k miles at about 60-100 quid and cambelt every 60k. Never fails to start quiet and comfy on long runs. Economical 650miles on a tank.
Fabia vrs go really well lots of torque and cheap on the fuel big enough car and a Vag at the end of the day whats not to like
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1128616.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1128616.htm
LOGiK said:
How much is insurance going to set you back on an E34? I got ridiculous quotes and I've quite the no claims history (same age as you)
Well i've just run a quick online quote for a 1992K BMW 525I 4WD X SE Touring and Admiral say they're willing to cover me for £857, which is moreorless what i'm paying now on my clio...However I suspect that as usual with admiral further probing will up the cost (my original quote with Admiral on the clio was around the £600 marker, however asking questions managed to up the policy to about £800). Interestingly enough ASDA will cover me for £3800....I really like the idea of owning a beemer. Does anyone have an E34? What do you have to look out for? That VRS looks the dogs too! Tasty bit of kit...decisions, decisions...
Smiffo123 said:
LOGiK said:
How much is insurance going to set you back on an E34? I got ridiculous quotes and I've quite the no claims history (same age as you)
Well i've just run a quick online quote for a 1992K BMW 525I 4WD X SE Touring and Admiral say they're willing to cover me for £857, which is moreorless what i'm paying now on my clio...However I suspect that as usual with admiral further probing will up the cost (my original quote with Admiral on the clio was around the £600 marker, however asking questions managed to up the policy to about £800). Interestingly enough ASDA will cover me for £3800....I really like the idea of owning a beemer. Does anyone have an E34? What do you have to look out for? That VRS looks the dogs too! Tasty bit of kit...decisions, decisions...
Any fleet euro-box – Mondeo, Vectra, Omega, Saab, Volvo, E34 A4 etc,also Honda Accord, Primera etc. The world is your oyster for £5k. Look into insurance costs and fuel costs (mileage – do you need a diesel) and then look at prices of cars. The less exciting cars will be a lot cheaper to buy and run – Mondeo, Vectra, Laguna, 406 etc but should come loaded with toys and make a regular boring journey comfortable. E34’s and Omegas for example, are RWD so offer an extra dynamism compared to the other FWD saloons.
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