What car for £1500 (sorry)
Discussion
I know this is a topic that is done to death, but I need the collective knowledge of PH to help me come up with a short list of cars that can be had for a maximum of £1500.
The reason I ask is that I have had my Yaris T Sport for just over 3 years (my first car). While it's been a great, fun and reliable car, I feel it's time to move on and try something different. Despite me being 27, insurance companies still think I'm a risk for some reason, so some out of the box thinking may be required.
My requirements:
Nippy (no slower than the Yaris)
Fun
Would prefer RWD, but not essential
Quite reliable
Be OK parked on a main road (at home)
Be able to fit a weeks worth of shopping for two.
The only car that springs to mind at the moment is the MX5. I'm quite a large chap (6ft 2ins, 16.5 Stone) so I might struggle with some smaller cars. I discarded the idea of an MX5 a few years ago, but I was 22 stone back then.
Sorry for the life story, but I need some inspiration
The reason I ask is that I have had my Yaris T Sport for just over 3 years (my first car). While it's been a great, fun and reliable car, I feel it's time to move on and try something different. Despite me being 27, insurance companies still think I'm a risk for some reason, so some out of the box thinking may be required.
My requirements:
Nippy (no slower than the Yaris)
Fun
Would prefer RWD, but not essential
Quite reliable
Be OK parked on a main road (at home)
Be able to fit a weeks worth of shopping for two.
The only car that springs to mind at the moment is the MX5. I'm quite a large chap (6ft 2ins, 16.5 Stone) so I might struggle with some smaller cars. I discarded the idea of an MX5 a few years ago, but I was 22 stone back then.
Sorry for the life story, but I need some inspiration
I normally spend around that on my cars and I've had the following that I would consider worth looking at:
BMW 328i - Fantastic all rounder, extremely reliable, nice to drive, relatively quick, nice sound, look well with the right treatment.
Toyota MR2 - Great fun, very different experience to most with the engine being sat behind you. Reliable for an old car, fair poke but won't pin you in your seat!
BMW 328i - Fantastic all rounder, extremely reliable, nice to drive, relatively quick, nice sound, look well with the right treatment.
Toyota MR2 - Great fun, very different experience to most with the engine being sat behind you. Reliable for an old car, fair poke but won't pin you in your seat!
Don't apologise for having a £1,500 budget. A lot of fun can be had in that price range. The FWD choice could include something like a Focus 2.0 Zetec. For RWD any number of BMWs would fit the bill. Some more left-field choices could include Lexus IS, Jaguar X-Type, Subaru Legacy, or even an old Jaguar XJ X300, if barges are your thing.
I do like the idea of a nice barge, various BMW's seem like a good prospect. Just looking on Auto Trader, there seem to be a few 328's for silly cheap money. Only thing is, most of them are auto's. What are the auto's like to drive? Do these tend to do OK with a lot of mileage on them? I don't do a lot of miles, so it doesn't bother me as such.
Jonny1984 said:
I do like the idea of a nice barge, various BMW's seem like a good prospect. Just looking on Auto Trader, there seem to be a few 328's for silly cheap money. Only thing is, most of them are auto's. What are the auto's like to drive? Do these tend to do OK with a lot of mileage on them? I don't do a lot of miles, so it doesn't bother me as such.
I find that autos work best with large engines, for effortless point and squirt driving. An underpowered auto is dire. 328s, Jaguars etc will be good as an auto. The auto box in the Jaguar XJ X300 is nigh on indestructible, as is the AJ16 engine. FTO. Missing the RWD. But V6, adequate power and supposed to be a pretty good steer.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3551801.htm Bargain and at £600 I'd not bother to fix the body and just run it as it is.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3551801.htm Bargain and at £600 I'd not bother to fix the body and just run it as it is.
Madmover, sounds like a bargain!
Going to get a few insurance quotes on some of the suggestions. Looking at a few local car dealers, might see if any would be interested in a part-ex. I have a bit of a phobia when it comes to selling stuff. I start picking fault and end up selling too cheap
The FTO sounds like something I could own, but they are silly money to insure.
I have had a look at the ZS before, it's been on one of my short lists.
I don't have much experience selling/buying cars, but would it be rude to ask for a part ex with money my way if the car is a lot cheaper?
Going to get a few insurance quotes on some of the suggestions. Looking at a few local car dealers, might see if any would be interested in a part-ex. I have a bit of a phobia when it comes to selling stuff. I start picking fault and end up selling too cheap
The FTO sounds like something I could own, but they are silly money to insure.
I have had a look at the ZS before, it's been on one of my short lists.
I don't have much experience selling/buying cars, but would it be rude to ask for a part ex with money my way if the car is a lot cheaper?
madmover said:
MX5 - Picked up my MK2 facelift 1.8is with LSD , Chrome roll bars and hard top from a dealer with 12 months Mot and 4 months Tax for near as makes no difference £900 Great Cheap fun...
Go on then, how/ where did you pick it up that cheap? Mk2.5 sports are usually £2k upwards.
Not RWD and i think £1500 may be scrapping the barrel (high mileage example perhaps), but since i've already recommended it on another what car thread today how about an early SEAT Leon Cupra the 1.8 20vT 180 - insurance should be okay, but you'll obviously have to check...if you consider it that is!
how about an early SEAT Leon Cupra the 1.8 20vT 180 - insurance should be okay, but you'll obviously have to check...if you consider it that is!Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff