Best car under £1000
Discussion
I know there’s probably been threads like this in the past..
Basically just sold my 2016 Fiesta ST to help save money as I’ve just bought my first house. Out of the sale price I have £1000 after clearing the finance to buy myself a runaround.
Will do little miles, 6k a year maximum, but needs to be reliable so I’m not constantly forking out for repairs.
My shortlist was a Clio 1*2, however finding one this cheap with new belts isn’t happening and if they need doing, it’s a 600-700 quid job, and a Focus ST170 however mostve these are slowly succumbing to rust.
Any ideas?
Basically just sold my 2016 Fiesta ST to help save money as I’ve just bought my first house. Out of the sale price I have £1000 after clearing the finance to buy myself a runaround.
Will do little miles, 6k a year maximum, but needs to be reliable so I’m not constantly forking out for repairs.
My shortlist was a Clio 1*2, however finding one this cheap with new belts isn’t happening and if they need doing, it’s a 600-700 quid job, and a Focus ST170 however mostve these are slowly succumbing to rust.
Any ideas?
For a grand, you're not going to be looking at decent hot hatches... You'll find ropey ones needing lots of work, but not decent ones.
With that out of the way, and expectations duly lowered, how about a MkIV VW Golf GTi 1.8T?
Your budget should secure you a fairly presentable and serviceable car. Whilst it might not be the last word in handling prowess, it's quick enough, and prices reflect the fact it's not the most popular version of the Golf GTi.
I was quite specific with the engine size/type, as VW also made a 2.0 NA version of the MkIV GTi. Whilst not a terrible engine in isolation, it could only muster 115 ponies, which might be fine in a featherweight MkI, but wasn't much cop in the significantly heftier MkIV.
My missus has a VW Beetle with the 2.0 lump in it (it's essentially a MkIV Golf GTi in a frock), and whilst its nippy enough, it ain't no GTi!
With that out of the way, and expectations duly lowered, how about a MkIV VW Golf GTi 1.8T?
Your budget should secure you a fairly presentable and serviceable car. Whilst it might not be the last word in handling prowess, it's quick enough, and prices reflect the fact it's not the most popular version of the Golf GTi.
I was quite specific with the engine size/type, as VW also made a 2.0 NA version of the MkIV GTi. Whilst not a terrible engine in isolation, it could only muster 115 ponies, which might be fine in a featherweight MkI, but wasn't much cop in the significantly heftier MkIV.
My missus has a VW Beetle with the 2.0 lump in it (it's essentially a MkIV Golf GTi in a frock), and whilst its nippy enough, it ain't no GTi!
I’d look at something like a Civic Type R making sure mechanically it’s ok but expecting the body to be a little rough.
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2...
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2...
Had most of my cars at this price, the ones that stick out the most are definitely my mk5 zs's.
Had 2 of them and both were massive fun, cheap to run and caused me no issues. My last cost me £500 it had high mileage but it drove great.
If you see a decent one for sale they are always worth a look at. I still maintain its the most fun car I've owned (i bought another after being disappointed with an st).
Had 2 of them and both were massive fun, cheap to run and caused me no issues. My last cost me £500 it had high mileage but it drove great.
If you see a decent one for sale they are always worth a look at. I still maintain its the most fun car I've owned (i bought another after being disappointed with an st).
Scobblelotcher said:
I’d look at something like a Civic Type R making sure mechanically it’s ok but expecting the body to be a little rough.
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2...
For a grand ?https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2...
Your links up to £1300 and hasn't reached reserve price yet.
Japanese cars also have pricey parts (pricier than even BMWs) and are happier to rust to than the Clios. Anything this age will have issues. My MX-5 wasn't bulletproof but some parts on it surprised me cost wise! Wishbones are almost MB/BMW money and there's two of them each side on the front! It wasn't mileage killing that car, it was previous mechanics and age ; it's something that will affect many cars at £1k.
My money would still be towards the Clio. ST170 would the other bet but you'll have to look. FWIW £1k despite what the forum says doesn't buy you alot.
One choice could be a Focus 2.0 Zetec
My W124 was around this mainly because I knew anything else would have massive bills looming (i.e anything common rail and derv), or be too small and unsafe with the amount of clowns on the road now. To insure and tax the Merc is £350 ; Bar going for a Focus/Mondeo TDCi with the aforementioned issues or a Pug 306 HDI (they're getting long in the tooth and many have now lived hard lives) I couldn't see much stuff that much cheaper. Well, except Protons, old Hyundais or ropey scrap where people would go "it only needs an MOT" yet not mention the MOT it failed abysmally on weeks beforehand. The EML is another favourite...
I'm not saying it can't be done but it is a case of being in the right place at the right time, and generally that sort of luck comes through word of mouth now IME.
As said buy anything under this price that is good and cared for. Yes it may have mega mileage but you are buying someone's legacy at this money. So make it a good legacy to buy, not one full of shoestring budgets and cheapo bodges.
W124 200Es are around this price but truth be told rust is the biggest enemy of a W124 . Wings are livable but jacking points and subrame mounts can go badly. They're also slow and thistier and the 230Es which IMHO are a W124 to watch with them rising slowly, which oddly Keith Adams from Modern Classics said not too long ago!
My money would still be towards the Clio. ST170 would the other bet but you'll have to look. FWIW £1k despite what the forum says doesn't buy you alot.
One choice could be a Focus 2.0 Zetec
My W124 was around this mainly because I knew anything else would have massive bills looming (i.e anything common rail and derv), or be too small and unsafe with the amount of clowns on the road now. To insure and tax the Merc is £350 ; Bar going for a Focus/Mondeo TDCi with the aforementioned issues or a Pug 306 HDI (they're getting long in the tooth and many have now lived hard lives) I couldn't see much stuff that much cheaper. Well, except Protons, old Hyundais or ropey scrap where people would go "it only needs an MOT" yet not mention the MOT it failed abysmally on weeks beforehand. The EML is another favourite...
I'm not saying it can't be done but it is a case of being in the right place at the right time, and generally that sort of luck comes through word of mouth now IME.
As said buy anything under this price that is good and cared for. Yes it may have mega mileage but you are buying someone's legacy at this money. So make it a good legacy to buy, not one full of shoestring budgets and cheapo bodges.
W124 200Es are around this price but truth be told rust is the biggest enemy of a W124 . Wings are livable but jacking points and subrame mounts can go badly. They're also slow and thistier and the 230Es which IMHO are a W124 to watch with them rising slowly, which oddly Keith Adams from Modern Classics said not too long ago!
Edited by SebringMan on Saturday 24th February 22:54
I dont think some of you are helping the op
You guys are too used to nice cars and touch screens on the dash
Its very boring and some on here would say sad but the Pug 206 2.0 diesel is ultra reliable
The 307 and 406 Hdi are reliable and but not as much as the 206
I replaced the heater loom on a 307 the other day you need to be a contortionists but I did good job say it myself So I think the slightly modern pugs are a job with the electrics
I had a 2.0 Berlingo with same engine and took it to 280 K and sold it to a builder
You guys are too used to nice cars and touch screens on the dash
Its very boring and some on here would say sad but the Pug 206 2.0 diesel is ultra reliable
The 307 and 406 Hdi are reliable and but not as much as the 206
I replaced the heater loom on a 307 the other day you need to be a contortionists but I did good job say it myself So I think the slightly modern pugs are a job with the electrics
I had a 2.0 Berlingo with same engine and took it to 280 K and sold it to a builder
as one person said the sensible option is something petrol and japanese, however at that budget get whatever car you can find with good history and servicing done. you're much less likely to find a 'nice' car or hot hatch at that price range that's cared for.
clearly based on your criteria the 'best' car is a well looked after one that isn't going to be a money pit, not a specific make/model.
clearly based on your criteria the 'best' car is a well looked after one that isn't going to be a money pit, not a specific make/model.
Apologies for the standard PH answer but MX5?
If you do your research and be patient you can probably find a reasonable mk1 or mk2 for a grand. Great cars and very reliable in my experience. Just depends how much space you need and if you like them. Added bonus is girls and old people love them.
If you do your research and be patient you can probably find a reasonable mk1 or mk2 for a grand. Great cars and very reliable in my experience. Just depends how much space you need and if you like them. Added bonus is girls and old people love them.
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