Moon on a Stick?

[SiRoberts]

I drive a VW Passat Estate with 145k on the clock (I can feel the pity, please don't judge). I bought her from an auction as a temporary car after my last car died. She's been so practical and economical (1.9TD 130 Sport), that I've ended up keeping her for nearly two years.

Anyway, I'm bored. I need a change. My kids have grown up a bit and the dog has gone. I no longer need an estate or even much of a boot. I still do over 20,000 miles a year though, so mpg is a high priority. Plus, my budget is severely limited.

My wish list is as follows;

. Cheap as chips - under £3k if possible
. Back seats that can at least accommodate kids (but not necessarily adults)
. Style more important than performance
. I'd like it to look like it cost more than it did
. Comfortable on long journeys

Don't forget I do a lot of miles, so an old Porsche 944 or similar is out of the question. My initial thoughts are for an older beemer or perhaps an alfa. Bear in mind I'm single (with 2 kids) and in my 40s.

Any suggestions?

[Liquid Knight]

How about a slice of Americana?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1988-CHRYSLER-LEBARON-GT...

Cheap, classic insurance, automatic wafter, reasonable mpg, serice parts widely available, not an estate and enough room in the back for little people.

Nothing to do with a drunked bid and I'm trying to get shot before I've won it

[Benmac]

A bit big maybe but how about something like this?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3484698.htm

[soad]

Nice subtle suggestion there, Liquid Knight!!
Who wouldn't be tempted by such a beauty..

[SiRoberts]

Liquid Knight said:

How about a slice of Americana?

Nothing to do with a drunked bid and I'm trying to get shot before I've won it

What were you thinking? or perhaps more importantly

What were you drinking?

lol.

[Liquid Knight]

soad said:

Nice subtle suggestion there, Liquid Knight!!
Who wouldn't be tempted by such a beauty..

Compared to the Passat it's an automotive masterpiece.

[Steamer]

Why do I getting the feeling the Chr-sty LeBaron could well be quite popular in the next 7 days of "what Car' threads.

I just noticed... its got gold scroll font letting on the side!!

..However the seats do look mighty comfy.

[SiRoberts]

Benmac said:

A bit big maybe but how about something like this?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3484698.htm

I agree it's an improvement on the Passat, but I feel it's still a bit of a barge?

[Toaster Pilot]

Liquid Knight said:

How about a slice of Americana?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1988-CHRYSLER-LEBARON-GT...

Cheap, classic insurance, automatic wafter, reasonable mpg, serice parts widely available, not an estate and enough room in the back for little people.

Nothing to do with a drunked bid and I'm trying to get shot before I've won it

[Liquid Knight]

SiRoberts said:

What were you drinking?

:lol:

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

Unless you're interested in a Rover 213S.

[Buff Mchugelarge]

Saab 9-5
Look smart,look expensive and cost nothing to buy and insure etc

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3481208.html

Bit high on the miles but you get the idea

[stemll]

CLK 200

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2002-Mercedes-Benz-CLK20...

Edited by stemll on Saturday 10th December 16:47

[.:ian:.]

GTV fits most of those criteria, mpg is 30-33, maybe 34+ on long runs if you take it easy.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3405275.htm

This one is ok, a lot of expensive bits replaced, a few niggles left, comes with 6 teledials worth well over £600 if in reasonable condition

[Jayho]

Some sort of Volvo D5?

[Gizmo!]

stemll said:

CLK 200

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2002-Mercedes-Benz-CLK20...

Edited by stemll on Saturday 10th December 16:47

That's a CLK200K. Very decent car...

[mike9009]

Predictable for me to recommend this....

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3478598.htm

...with private plate to disguise age

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3401613.htm

Note sure, but certainly looks more modern

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3403783.htm

A bit leggy...

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3388472.htm

Mike

[Liquid Knight]

Just so you know; I've been outbid on the LeBaron so my Rover 213S then. There are only......

[JayTee94]

Toaster Pilot said:

Liquid Knight said:

How about a slice of Americana?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1988-CHRYSLER-LEBARON-GT...

Cheap, classic insurance, automatic wafter, reasonable mpg, serice parts widely available, not an estate and enough room in the back for little people.

Nothing to do with a drunked bid and I'm trying to get shot before I've won it

[SiRoberts]

stemll said:

CLK 200

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2002-Mercedes-Benz-CLK20...

Edited by stemll on Saturday 10th December 16:47

Sir,

You are a gentleman and a scholar. I didn't realise these were within my budget. This car ticks all the boxes. I like that.

I like it a lot. :O)

[Cactussed]

http://pistonheads.com/sales/3247447.htm

Its even a 6-speed?!