Sensible sleeper - bangers
Discussion
OP, I see you mention MG and Rovers so with that refreshing most un-PHer openmindedness ... 
, I can recommend you condsider one of these; The Rover 620ti. Find a nice example like this which will do all you want and you'll still have a grand to play with. Exceptional value ~ we have FIVE in the family :~
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...
I'd have bid for that if I was not already fixed up.
Warning, the ultra smooth boost from the turbo can be a tad addictive which means low 20s mpg for the heavier right foot. With a tad more self restraint, mid 30s mpg on a run is possible. I do not drive my two for economy and still get 28mpg average fuel returns.
Possibly the most "Sensible sleeper ~ banger" in the known universe.
.
.
, I can recommend you condsider one of these; The Rover 620ti. Find a nice example like this which will do all you want and you'll still have a grand to play with. Exceptional value ~ we have FIVE in the family :~http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...
I'd have bid for that if I was not already fixed up.
Warning, the ultra smooth boost from the turbo can be a tad addictive which means low 20s mpg for the heavier right foot. With a tad more self restraint, mid 30s mpg on a run is possible. I do not drive my two for economy and still get 28mpg average fuel returns.
Possibly the most "Sensible sleeper ~ banger" in the known universe.
.
.
2 Wycked said:
Here's mine. E36 325i SE. 192bhp originally and I typically average 28mpg.
I couldn't sell it recently (advertised at £600 I received one phone call over the four weeks it was advertised and that person didn't turn up) so they're apparently worthless. Get out there and find a good one for well within your budget. Mine's got a 316i badge now, too, to deter thieves.
No takers at £600? Blimey. I couldn't sell it recently (advertised at £600 I received one phone call over the four weeks it was advertised and that person didn't turn up) so they're apparently worthless. Get out there and find a good one for well within your budget. Mine's got a 316i badge now, too, to deter thieves.
Garlick said:
No takers at £600? Blimey.
For numerous reasons, the past few months have not been a good time to sell a car, any car, unless you're very lucky. Two-three years ago, any half decent BMW on the local Arthur Daley used car lots would soon have a sold ticket on it. Not now, a selection of the things and they rarely move.A nice little earner ... not at the moment Arthur ..
..
Go onto autotrader or pistonheads classifieds and put in your budget, location and 'engines bigger than..' whatever you can stomach, and leave make and model blank. It might turn up some surprises.
I like 328i, well under your budget but 28mpg is normal for a run, less round town. V6 Omega is a good bet too.
I like 328i, well under your budget but 28mpg is normal for a run, less round town. V6 Omega is a good bet too.
wackojacko said:
Accord Type R ?
what plantet's version of autotrader have you been looking at?Accord Type R's start closer to £3k for a not very nice one and still £5k plus for a good one.
For your £1500 and need decent mpg I'd go for 525 sport or 528.
The Omega 3.0 v6 drinks too much fuel and is too soft compared to the Bmw (based on my 3.o elite)
LimitedSlipDisk said:
Another vote here for an e36, i've got a 328ise and it's pretty good on motion lotion and it's no slouch either at 7.3 to 60.
Ditto - got a 328SE - heated leather seats, climate, electric sunroof, limi slip diff and average a bit over 30mpg on the commute.Autocar managed a 6.1 to 60, 17 seconds to 100 and 140ish so reasonably quick
1998 BMW 5 SERIES 528i SE 4dr Auto Saloon
Private Seller
79,000 miles, 4 Door Saloon, Red ( Burgundy Metallic), Petrol, Automatic. Cream Leather Interior, Good Condition, Air Conditioning, Alloy Wheels, Power Steering. Full Service History, Tested until December 2011, Tax until July 2011. £1,600 ONO.
Private Seller
79,000 miles, 4 Door Saloon, Red ( Burgundy Metallic), Petrol, Automatic. Cream Leather Interior, Good Condition, Air Conditioning, Alloy Wheels, Power Steering. Full Service History, Tested until December 2011, Tax until July 2011. £1,600 ONO.
MGJohn said:
OP, I see you mention MG and Rovers so with that refreshing most un-PHer openmindedness ... , I can recommend you condsider one of these; The Rover 620ti. Find a nice example like this which will do all you want and you'll still have a grand to play with. Exceptional value ~ we have FIVE in the family :~
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...
I'd have bid for that if I was not already fixed up.
Warning, the ultra smooth boost from the turbo can be a tad addictive which means low 20s mpg for the heavier right foot. With a tad more self restraint, mid 30s mpg on a run is possible. I do not drive my two for economy and still get 28mpg average fuel returns.
Possibly the most "Sensible sleeper ~ banger" in the known universe.
.
.
Having covered 100k in a 620ti and a Zt190 I'd echo that recommendation. , I can recommend you condsider one of these; The Rover 620ti. Find a nice example like this which will do all you want and you'll still have a grand to play with. Exceptional value ~ we have FIVE in the family :~http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...
I'd have bid for that if I was not already fixed up.
Warning, the ultra smooth boost from the turbo can be a tad addictive which means low 20s mpg for the heavier right foot. With a tad more self restraint, mid 30s mpg on a run is possible. I do not drive my two for economy and still get 28mpg average fuel returns.
Possibly the most "Sensible sleeper ~ banger" in the known universe.
.
.
The Rover is more low profile with a little more punch at low-medium revs and 1-2mpg more economical. The ZT handles, rides, brakes & grips much better (so slightly faster point to point cross country), feels higher quality, is newer & safer & can still average 28-30mpg day to day.
Gearbox bearings tend to need replacement at 80-90k on the ti (unless you get uprated ones). ZT drivebelts need changing at 90k (£600ish at a good indy) & have it inspected for coolant leaks. Decent ZT tyres cost more too (no point compromising an excellent chassis with cheap rubber IMO).
Really enjoyed both cars, ZT nicer to drive & more accomplished, ti more fun as a q car but both able to cover ground quickly without attracting unwanted attention which is exactly what I wanted.
As well as some good previously mentioned suggestions a good low key alternative to the ti would be a Volvo S40 T4 and personally I'd look at a younger 9-5 as opposed to a 9000.
Edited by Roman on Thursday 3rd February 10:10
e36 328i Touring.
low 7s to 60, excellent handling. IMO looks far better than the saloon/coupe, and is definately more practical, some say quicker?!?
I can get 40mpg on the motorway at 65-70h. 35mpg at 85-90. around town and hills it comes back at 30mpg.
might be looking to sell mine shortly for around the 1200 mark.
low 7s to 60, excellent handling. IMO looks far better than the saloon/coupe, and is definately more practical, some say quicker?!?
I can get 40mpg on the motorway at 65-70h. 35mpg at 85-90. around town and hills it comes back at 30mpg.
might be looking to sell mine shortly for around the 1200 mark.
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