Estates for under £1k
Discussion
KardioKate said:
Struggling to find a decent volvo under a grand, at least in my area. It's all 1.8 V40s.
I've got one of these, and as a workhorse it's fine. 40 mpg all day long and plenty of load space for a mid-size estate.I've seen a few higher-mileage (c.150k) T4s for £1-1.2k, which may be more what you're after?
Depends if you after a large estate or smaller size.
As you said you can pick up a decent V40 within your budget
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...
but decent V70s and 850s will be harder to source.
The Passat above is a good shout.
Leftfield, Sharan 1.8T
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...
Just found this Mondeo, very cheap!
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...
Avensis
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...
As you said you can pick up a decent V40 within your budget
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...
but decent V70s and 850s will be harder to source.
The Passat above is a good shout.
Leftfield, Sharan 1.8T
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...
Just found this Mondeo, very cheap!
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...
Avensis
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...
We've (her really) got a 1998 2 litre Volvo V40 which we've had for four years and is worth a grand tops.
Engine is coarse and won't rev well. The ride was renowned for being both soft and harsh / bumpy at the same time, and 13 years on the dampers and springs hasn't helped. My MG B rides better, and its front suspension was designed in 1948, the rear in the 17th century.
Despite this, it's been fantastically reliable, gets 32mpg on a mixed commute and has very comfortable seats and enough room for 2 adults, a dog and a shed load of camping and surfing kit, without having to resort to roof boxes. It's also Volvo safe, which is something my missus is concerned about despite the fact she's only ever had two minor accidents in her entire life. (She's concerned about my plans to replace the Alfa with an Elise because she perceives the Alfa to be a safer car. Fortunately, because she hasn't looked, she thinks Chimaeras are accident robust....!)
Things which have needed to be replaced over 4 years - exhaust, tyres, radiator hose, rear disks and pads, rear suspension bush. Normal wear and tear stuff in other words. Current mileage is about 112k off the top of my head.
There are worse estates to be had for a grand. I'd also be looking at old 406s, mondeos and honda accord / civic aerodecks. When we were looking for our estate, we were primarily looking for saabs, hondas and volvos.
Engine is coarse and won't rev well. The ride was renowned for being both soft and harsh / bumpy at the same time, and 13 years on the dampers and springs hasn't helped. My MG B rides better, and its front suspension was designed in 1948, the rear in the 17th century.
Despite this, it's been fantastically reliable, gets 32mpg on a mixed commute and has very comfortable seats and enough room for 2 adults, a dog and a shed load of camping and surfing kit, without having to resort to roof boxes. It's also Volvo safe, which is something my missus is concerned about despite the fact she's only ever had two minor accidents in her entire life. (She's concerned about my plans to replace the Alfa with an Elise because she perceives the Alfa to be a safer car. Fortunately, because she hasn't looked, she thinks Chimaeras are accident robust....!)
Things which have needed to be replaced over 4 years - exhaust, tyres, radiator hose, rear disks and pads, rear suspension bush. Normal wear and tear stuff in other words. Current mileage is about 112k off the top of my head.
There are worse estates to be had for a grand. I'd also be looking at old 406s, mondeos and honda accord / civic aerodecks. When we were looking for our estate, we were primarily looking for saabs, hondas and volvos.
no 850s? the 2.5 20V is a superb engine followed by the T5 Dracoro said:
Gotta be a few Omega estates for that money. Big, comfy etc.
+1 and as someone else said, the 3.0/3.2s are rather spritely. My MV6 was like a hoofing great big go-kart when I wanted it to be but would waft with he best of them the rest of the time.And old Sharan VR6 would also be a good shout. (I've just given one away as it was out of MOT/Tax.) Great sounding engine and vanesque payload capabilities with the seats removed and you can get them with 4x4.
KardioKate said:
Ok. So. Estates under £1k.
What's good and what isn't?
Just interested in people's perceptions of old estate cars, really
Did you ever get round to buying an E36 BMW, Kate?What's good and what isn't?
Just interested in people's perceptions of old estate cars, really
I was going to suggest a Touring. I've been reading up on them lately for a possible purchase and I realised I recognised your username from the huge thread on them!
Back on topic, I wouldn't say no to an old shape Mondeo either. Decent dynamics for a big FWD car, bags of space and plenty to choose from. Reasonable engine options too. The diesels of that era (assuming we're talking mk1s still for that budget) aren't the most lively, but they are pretty frugal; the petrols are usual fare.
Chris71 said:
Did you ever get round to buying an E36 BMW, Kate?
I was going to suggest a Touring. I've been reading up on them lately for a possible purchase and I realised I recognised your username from the huge thread on them!
Back on topic, I wouldn't say no to an old shape Mondeo either. Decent dynamics for a big FWD car, bags of space and plenty to choose from. Reasonable engine options too. The diesels of that era (assuming we're talking mk1s still for that budget) aren't the most lively, but they are pretty frugal; the petrols are usual fare.
Not yet - still can't shift my car to be honest! Which doesn't help.I was going to suggest a Touring. I've been reading up on them lately for a possible purchase and I realised I recognised your username from the huge thread on them!
Back on topic, I wouldn't say no to an old shape Mondeo either. Decent dynamics for a big FWD car, bags of space and plenty to choose from. Reasonable engine options too. The diesels of that era (assuming we're talking mk1s still for that budget) aren't the most lively, but they are pretty frugal; the petrols are usual fare.
If I'd have had the money I'd have snapped up mgmrw's e36 touring. I hope it's still for sale when I have the cash! Anyway. This thread is the result of hours wasted on ebay
KardioKate said:
robsco said:
She probably does yes, so the 156 still fits the bill.
Pffft. It'll only be doing 50 miles a week. Not overly worried tbh.Been looking at omegas. Plenty of cheapie ones about. BUT. They're all autos.
robsco thanks
OK, talk to my about e39 tourings?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-5-SERIES-523I-SE-TOU...
Need.
What are they like compared to the 3-er?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-5-SERIES-523I-SE-TOU...
Need.
What are they like compared to the 3-er?
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