What car?? - need a runabout for £2k

[Fatman2]

Hi all

I'm after a bit of a runabout and am not sure which way to go. MPG isn't going to be a problem (only used for 2-5 mile trips) but other than that I just need something that will prove to be a decent drive and be reliable for about 6-12 months.

Initially I was looking for something cheap and cheerful like this Fiesta:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2931970.htm

Even if I went for an old Toyota Yaris or something similar in size it would definitely be cheap to run. However, the other side of me is thinking that I could use this opportunity to drive something far more interesting. I've always fancied a 3 series or C Class but is this completely insane? I don't mind a high miler but would it be a nightmare with big bills on the way?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2777961.htm

Any opinions appreciated

P.S. I'm not looking at these two cars specifically but are just examples of what I could get at this price range.

[Gad-Westy]

That BMW has been lowered a lot by the look of it. The E46 is a pretty robust car. You do need to look out for rust though, particularly around the boot lid. Suspension components car wear quite quickly but are reasonably cheap to keep on top of. Cooling systems are a bit weak point on the six cylinder models, not sure about the 1.8.

ETA, I'm not sure that E46 is very good value particularly in light of the faded paintwork. I'm going to be advertising my one year newer, similar mileage 330i SE Touring soon and won't be asking much more than that.

Edited by Gad-Westy on Thursday 30th June 09:17

[Justayellowbadge]

Do you need 4 seats? A hatch?

If not I'll start the countdown..

[ehonda]

Justayellowbadge said:

Do you need 4 seats? A hatch?

If not I'll start the countdown..

I was in this position a couple of months ago. Guess what I bought. Bet you can't

[DannyVTS]

inb4 Mx5/328i

[Chapppers]

Puma

[lowdrag]

Ignoring generalisations and looking for specifics, this car will last you for years.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

Seems a bit dear, but then if it lasts ten years (which I reckon it will) it'll have more than paid for itself. Admittedly I'm biased since I own one but that's why I looked for one; in eleven years and 150,000 miles I have had two non-scheduled repair bills. Cheap transport it certainly is, will last more than your time schedule and will always be resaleable.

Edited by lowdrag on Thursday 30th June 09:59

[Fatman2]

Thanks guys.

I need 4 seats I'm afraid. I already have an MR2 that I'm selling as it can't ferry the wife/kids about Otherwise I'd keep it as it's a great car.

I looked at a Puma as they look a decent proposition. However the rear seats look a bit on the small side.

[Chris71]

In your position a while back I bought a mk1 Focus. Can't bring myself to sell it - faultlessly reliable, decent to drive and sublimely comfortable (... it's a special edition with leather) and very practical. Economy is only average, especially given the torque defecit of the 1.6, but apart from that it's pretty hard to fault.

If you're not so worried about running costs - and particularly if it's an only car - then a 3-Series would be very nearly as practical (more so if its a Touring), just as comfortable and potentially better to drive. But if you've got something else for RWD thrills then a cheap hatch like a Focus still makes a good case for itself.

[BadgerBill]

I'd be after either:

a) Reliable but a touch dull like almost any Honda or Toyota.

b) Interesting like:
Pug 205 GTI,
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2919524.htm


Golf GTI,
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2878096.htm


Corrado,
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2808928.htm


Clio Williams.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2912059.htm


or
c) Retro Classic like:
SAAB 900 Turbo,
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...


Carpi 2.8i,
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C233724


Opel Monza,
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2577688.htm



Audi Coupe
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2948393.htm

[y2blade]

mmmmmm that old Saab turbo and the Audi Coupe

[300bhp/ton]

Fatman2 said:

Hi all

I'm after a bit of a runabout and am not sure which way to go. MPG isn't going to be a problem (only used for 2-5 mile trips) but other than that I just need something that will prove to be a decent drive and be reliable for about 6-12 months.

Initially I was looking for something cheap and cheerful like this Fiesta:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2931970.htm

Even if I went for an old Toyota Yaris or something similar in size it would definitely be cheap to run. However, the other side of me is thinking that I could use this opportunity to drive something far more interesting. I've always fancied a 3 series or C Class but is this completely insane? I don't mind a high miler but would it be a nightmare with big bills on the way?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2777961.htm

Any opinions appreciated

P.S. I'm not looking at these two cars specifically but are just examples of what I could get at this price range.

Yet you are looking at a Fiesta and a Yaris!!!

How about something a bit more like this:

JAGUAR XJ 3.2 SPORT 4DR AUTO (1996/N)
107 miles £1,000
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2869146.htm


or more sensible

Rover 620TI * 12 months mot * 6 months tax * (1998)
94,000 miles £1,000
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2901154.htm


200hp 2.0 turbo.

[sparks_E39]

E39 528.

[anonymous-user]

Prettiest 4 seat runabout banger going...

Alfa 156 V6, 80k. £1100.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2928676.htm

[Chrisw666]

As suggested by others, drop your budget to nearer £1k.

Then hunt out a large engined car with a years test, decent SH, and that has had some big jobs done in the last couple of years. Run it until it dies or presents a big bill and repeat.

[JC2012]

Gumtree has a few hidden gems - i know this lady would be happy with £2k as i was told to source a punto and she agreed it.

http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/fiat...

[GreatGranny]

Focus ST170 5 door

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2831754.htm

GTI-6

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2901132.htm

E39 523i

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2955903.htm

[Fatman2]

300bhp/ton said:

Fatman2 said:

Hi all

I'm after a bit of a runabout and am not sure which way to go. MPG isn't going to be a problem (only used for 2-5 mile trips) but other than that I just need something that will prove to be a decent drive and be reliable for about 6-12 months.

Initially I was looking for something cheap and cheerful like this Fiesta:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2931970.htm

Even if I went for an old Toyota Yaris or something similar in size it would definitely be cheap to run. However, the other side of me is thinking that I could use this opportunity to drive something far more interesting. I've always fancied a 3 series or C Class but is this completely insane? I don't mind a high miler but would it be a nightmare with big bills on the way?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2777961.htm

Any opinions appreciated

P.S. I'm not looking at these two cars specifically but are just examples of what I could get at this price range.

Yet you are looking at a Fiesta and a Yaris!!!

How about something a bit more like this:

JAGUAR XJ 3.2 SPORT 4DR AUTO (1996/N)
107 miles £1,000
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2869146.htm


or more sensible

Rover 620TI * 12 months mot * 6 months tax * (1998)
94,000 miles £1,000
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2901154.htm


200hp 2.0 turbo.

LOL, yeah

My initial thoughts, when thinking of a snotter, was a cheap city car (as it would likely yeild the newest car for not much cash). However, I then realised, due to the short distances, that I 'could' have something much more interesting than a city car (yeah ok my idea of interesting i.e. 3 series/C Class, needs sorting ).

I like the idea of an old barge and spending £1000 sounds good too! I think I'll adjust my Autotrader preferences.

Cheers for the replies so far

[SD1992]

Gad-Westy said:

ETA, I'm not sure that E46 is very good value particularly in light of the faded paintwork. I'm going to be advertising my one year newer, similar mileage 330i SE Touring soon and won't be asking much more than that.

Surely an afternoon with some decent polish would fix the paintwork? My mate had an old red car that looked like that, and after 3 coats of AutoGlym SRP it looked as good as new

And yes, it does look like it has been lowered a bit too much...

[sparks_E39]

E39 528.