Cheap dependable way to cover 14,000 miles a year?

[MarshPhantom]

Colt CZT - few around from £1500 upwards.



www.autovillage.co.uk/used-car/mitsubishi/colt/sat...

76k miles, 2006, £1800.

Edited by MarshPhantom on Thursday 4th May 13:07

[300bhp/ton]

Frankthered said:

Have you looked at second hand Nissan Leafs (Leaves??). These usually seem to come with the battery paid for, so no lease or hire payments.

No I hadn't and I hadn't thought of it either. Thanks

[covmutley]

I looked at a CLS. 2007, 109k miles. £6.5k.

I do 20k year, so over 3 years, £9k in fuel. £3k in 'repairs' fund. £1k service, £600 tax

=£20,100. Assume trade value at 3yrs/160k miles is £2000, =£18,100

I test drove it and it was nice, but needed some suspension work.

I also test drove a BMW i3 (3yr pcp) £17,800, electric £2,250, service £400

=£20,450

So 65 month more for the i3.

I went for the i3 (now on order), which is not as comfortable cruiser, but is so easy and relaxing to drive, has the benefits of being new in terms of warranty, less time off the road, bluetooth, sat nav, DAB radio, spec I want, sustainable (not too bothered about this) and it is brand new. And its very smooth and quick too! 1300 kg, 170 bhp. Punching away from lights was addictive!

Maybe I could have got lucky and saved on th repairs, but I dont think you can expect to run a 10 year old complicated and heavy car for much less than 1k year? it could even be worse!!

Edited by covmutley on Thursday 4th May 13:29

Edited by covmutley on Thursday 4th May 13:30

[300bhp/ton]

To further my own research on this topic, I have this ForTwo Prime Sport for an extended test drive/demo. It goes back tomorrow.



I did speak to the smart dealer about the forthcoming electric smarts. They claim a range of 160km (I do about 72-75 miles a day). So it could be interesting.

Sadly they have no pricing plan announced yet, nor what the score is with batteries. That plus pre-orders means end of this year, or even this time next year to maybe get one. Plus I would not be willing to order one without first knowing the list price and if you have to pay for the battery extra or lease it.

[funkyrobot]

nadger said:

I have one of these -
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
I cannot recommend it enough! The diesel engine is a merc 3 cylinder diesel, chain cam engine. Mine is just about to round the 100k mark, and hasn't had a single issue.
The 3 door version is the better looking, and marginally faster of the two (sub 10 seconds 0-60.....just!). Its also a frugal little beast. Mine returns over 50mpg all day long.
The interior is a bit basic, but functional. The rear seats are a bench, and can fold flat to give you enough space to fit in a washing machine, should you chose to do so.
The multimedia system, I cannot help you with. However I use a garmin handsfree thing to connect to my phone via bluetooth which converts it to an FM signal that the radio picks up. Works fine for me, but might not for you?
This is the Honest John review of the colt. Thought it might be of use.
https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/mitsubishi/c...

These are good.

However, a colleague of mine had a major engine issue with his diesel one last year. I think the crankshaft or the big end bearings went. Seems to be an isolated incident, but something to keep an eye on:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[ZX10R NIN]

If you want a cheap reliable daily I can recommend one of these:

MG ZT Diesel

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

I sold mine with 185k on the clock I bought it with 130k I refurbed some of the suspension, changed the fluid & filters then just serviced it regularly.

I'd see low 40's on the motorway 30's around town it was an easy car to use (a more modern stereo saw my connectivity needs)

If you want a want a car that doesn't eat into your weekend fun then you won't go far wrong with one of these.

[C70R]

300bhp/ton said:

C70R said:

Have you thought about a Mustang at all? I hear the 2.3 turbo is quite frugal.

Yes it is, but dear god do people ever read the fking opening posts???

Tongue firmly in cheek. Perhaps some of your own medicine?