Banger economics - Volvo, Jag or Rover for £1,000

[Nick England]

I know there have been a few posts on this before. Not quite found the answer that I want from them, so I need your advice please!

I have £1,000 to spend on a banger economics car.

I've been looking at Volvo V70 estates (2001-2007), Jag XJ6 X300's and Rover 75's pre facelift.

Main criteria is something that isn't a complete heap of crap, some semblance of service history, and heated leather seats. Not too fussed about diesel or petrol. I will get a pre buy check done. And I have AA and a second car!

Am a little wary of Jags around this price range. Have had some great advice from the Jag fraternity here, and have seen a few on the web. Not sure if I would be asking for a whole heap of trouble for that price range. Would really like one though. Would need to get a proper check done on the rust. Mechanically, they're pretty sound, and fairly easy to work on though. There's a lot of ste at this entry price though.

Volvos. They seem to be holding their price rage a little higher. Possibly less hassle than the Jag if I can find one for the price.

And then we come to the dear old Rover 75. I want acres of cow and wood, so am only looking at the top spec. Which is the better engine? The 2.0 CDTI or the 2.5 V6? Horses for courses as to whether I want diesel or petrol. I understand the V6 engine is pretty bulletproof, but not as good as the diesel. Overall, they're pretty reliable cars though right?

Thoughts?

Cheers,

Nick

[larrylamb11]

The Jag is and will be an infinitely more special and luxurious place to be over the other two.... if you want gentlemanly wafting with acres of wood and cow you'll be hard pressed to top the Jag as they still feel pretty special - something about the low roof line and cocooning cabin...
X300 era rust though, as you know, so you will need to check carefully and they are nowhere near as plentiful as they were.

Given the writing on the wall and where the future of cars appears to be heading, what would you kick yourself most for NOT buying? Ultimately, at this price point you are taking a gamble whatever you pick and each one could chuck an economical write-off bill at you the day after purchase.... Electing to dabble in the 'value' end of the market liberates one from the sensible constraints of car buying so shop with your heart and buy what makes you feel good, then enjoy it while you can. That way if it all goes pear-shaped you'll still have the consolation that you ticked a box on the wish-list or scratched a long held itch...

[Nick England]

Agree, but for a year, I think I'll try out the Rover, and save up for a Jag. Still want one of those, but am also thinking of saving up for an 80's mkiii

Have got my eye on a couple of V6's, and will check them out.

[Scootersp]

I like the V70. I think post 2003-4 there are less electrical issues from memory and also if you go diesel the pre grey engine cover ones didn't have swirl flaps or something?

[ZX10R NIN]

Go for the Rover or MG equivalent.

[BopoWarls]

I just got a 2001 volvo v70 for commuting. Absolutely love it. £700 with 100k miles and really well looked after. The old boy 'lost' all the service history paperwork but I had it checked over and it had been well looked after.

[Summit_Detailing]

At £1k it has to be a 75 - less of a shed than the others will be.

Cheers,

Chris

[ZX10R NIN]

The diesel is the more hard wearing than the V6 but both are hardy foes.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2003-MG-ZT-Estate-CDTI-...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MGZT-CDTI-135/264642831...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2003-MG-ZT-T-2-5-V6-190...

75

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2004-Rover-75-Tourer-2-...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rover-75-Connoisseur-20...