Winter hack ideas pretty please

[karl922]

Hi guys,
Ive cirrently got a 2007 350z and its terrible in the snow/winter roads so im after something cheap to run over winter and get rid around april time. Also ill be doing a fair bit of mileage as my work has moved further away so a diesel seems the best idea.

I have upto and around £1300 to spend, would like insurance to be fairly cheap too and a big enough boot for 2 mountain bikes.

These are what ive looked at upto yet

2002 Ford Mondeo Tdi estate 130000 miles
2001 Renault Laguna diesel 100000 miles
1999 VW Passat Tdi
1998 LR Freelander
2001 MG ZT 1.8t

Any thoughts on these, or maybe some other suggestions?


cheers

[Kevin VRs]

Skoda Octavia

[karl922]

The Octavia seem to be slightly above budget, and if theyre not they are well into 200k +.

[Snowboy]

I'd go for the Freelander.
If you're planning to do some mountain biking in the winter it's have a bit more grunt and off road capabilities for the rutted lanes to the carpark.

You have the 350 for nice days, so you'll only be in the winter hack for the bad days, so you may as well get the one most suited for terrible weather.

[karl922]

I do like the idea of a free lander, just not sure how reliable it will be...

[Kam B]

Other suggestions? Hmm how about a high powere rear driver

[jon-]

I just got an S2000 as my winter hack, amazing what the right tyres can do

[Snowboy]

All your cars on the list are around 10 years old.
You're taking a bit of a punt on any of them really.

Just try and buy privately from a wholesome looking middle class family and hope they have looked after it.

If it's still running after 10 years, chances are it'll keep ticking over for another few.

[karl922]

I already have 313bhp at the rear wheels and i can say its pretty terrible in the winter.
I thought it would have been best to go to a garage, at least then i get some sort of warranty.

[siwil1]

Just picked up a Freelander for this as well as walking the dogs etc.

I got the extremely unloved 1.8k series engine one which is going to explode any minute according to the fonts of all knowledge. Well I like it, It has had a recent cambelt change and as I know how to look after the engine which is fundamentally the same as was in my Elise am quite happy that I have bot a well serviced car which has only covered 58k miles since new. I couldnt see the point of paying a couple of grand more for a leggy diesel.

[anonymous-user]

siwil1 said:

Just picked up a Freelander for this as well as walking the dogs etc.

I got the extremely unloved 1.8k series engine one which is going to explode any minute according to the fonts of all knowledge. Well I like it, It has had a recent cambelt change and as I know how to look after the engine which is fundamentally the same as was in my Elise am quite happy that I have bot a well serviced car which has only covered 58k miles since new. I couldnt see the point of paying a couple of grand more for a leggy diesel.

Bookmarked

[e8_pack]

My E300 with traction control and winter mode was great in the snow, got up hills no problem at all - will be striggling with the seats not going down though.

I also got a Xsara diesel as a banger and that was great in the snow with it's thin tyres and heavy front end and the large hatch meant i could get loads of stuff in it.

[GreatGranny]

Something like this

http://www4.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Petrol because they are cheaper with lower mileage and less to go wrong.

Still will do respectable MPG as well.

Easy fit 2 MTBs in the back with seats down.

[karl922]

Mate that mondeo looks a bargain, i may just start looking at the saloon/hatch's now. Mmm youve got me thinking.

[siwil1]

yonex said:

Bookmarked

I promise to let you know when the HG fails !

[rallycross]

1) set aside £200 for a set of lightly worn winter tyres off ebay (good brand not budget crap).

2) buy a bike rack or just go for an estate - your choice.

Try a Primera GT hatch, as new a one as you can find.
Or Mondeo Ghia X estate.
Or LPG equiped Cherokee 4x4 5 door estate

[ClaphamGT3]

Would go for either an LPG Freelander 2.5 V6 or an LPG Cherokee. Had both (albeit not with the LPG kit) and both were/are reliable, highly accomplished, uber comfy go-anywhere barges

[Mr2Mike]

karl922 said:

The Octavia seem to be slightly above budget, and if theyre not they are well into 200k +.

I'm surprised, you should be able to get a pretty tidy petrol engined one for that budget, or a leggy TDi. Even the hatch has a massive boot, and the Estates are vast considering the Golf underpinnings.

Your budget won't stretch to a 4x4 but this or this should be fine for winter duties, there is even a facelift that falls in your budget.