Hello, and a What Car to Start!

[TikiTaka87]

Evening all,

Long time lurker, first time poster.

I figured what better way to start than with a what car thread too..

So, I currently drive a Mk1 MX-5, which I really do love to bits.

However, a change of job means that I'll likely only need the car on weekends, with occasional use to meet clients too.

The '5 isn't really suitable now for two reasons: My niece is now coming up for 3, and I'd like to take her out on trips with the family. I may also need to fit some clients in to the car too.

My budget is around £1500.

I've so far been looking at Volvo C70s, V70s, S60s etc, and some SAABs too. I've thought of 156s and 166s too, although I worry about being at the ropey end of the market there.

I'm not worried about fuel consumption - probably about 6000 per year is fine.

The only consideration I'd make is regards insurance - ideally, I'd like to keep it within sight of the '5 (£420, 24 year old male professional). When I'm 25/26 I can always go looking for more power.

So, the floor is open..I really am totally open to suggestion on this one so by all means throw the left fielders at me if there are any.

Thanks!

[Chris944_S2]

TikiTaka87 said:

I've so far been looking at Volvo C70s, V70s, S60s etc, and some SAABs too. I've thought of 156s and 166s too, although I worry about being at the ropey end of the market there.

If you want an old 166, look at its predecessor instead, the 164. Unlike the 166, its a much more solid car so for £1500 you get either a ropey 166 or a very decent 164. Amazingly (for any car of that era, not just Italian), they have great rust protection so that won't be an issue. It won't be cheap to run compared to a modern car and you will have the odd niggle, but between that and a dodgy 166 it's a no brainer in my view.

[TikiTaka87]

Chris944_S2 said:

If you want an old 166, look at its predecessor instead, the 164. Unlike the 166, its a much more solid car so for £1500 you get either a ropey 166 or a very decent 164. Amazingly (for any car of that era, not just Italian), they have great rust protection so that won't be an issue. It won't be cheap to run compared to a modern car and you will have the odd niggle, but between that and a dodgy 166 it's a no brainer in my view.

Hadn't considered that at all, cheers. Off to the classifieds..

[Willeh85]

Also try having a play with the filters on the beta classifieds, Its amazing what you'll find that you wouldn't otherwise have thought of.

[nagsheadwarrior]

I reckon a smaller engined E39 5 Series in SE form would be quite a classy option and a decent one should be found in budget or for a leftfield choice I drove a V5 Seat Toledo a year or two back, decent spec with half leather,satnav too and pretty cheap today.

Bit pipr and slippers maybe but an early X type can be found with a 2 or 2.1 6 cylinder engine,these have got to be near or in budget and cant be too bad to insure,not a terrible steer and a lovelt interior.

[TikiTaka87]

nagsheadwarrior said:

I reckon a smaller engined E39 5 Series in SE form would be quite a classy option and a decent one should be found in budget or for a leftfield choice I drove a V5 Seat Toledo a year or two back, decent spec with half leather,satnav too and pretty cheap today.

Bit pipr and slippers maybe but an early X type can be found with a 2 or 2.1 6 cylinder engine,these have got to be near or in budget and cant be too bad to insure,not a terrible steer and a lovelt interior.

Funnily enough, I've just been checking out a couple of local X-Types. I don't have a problem with the pipe and slippers look, I've got the mountain bike to get my thrills. Just saw the V5 Passat, I'm told good things about the engine.

On another note, my ambition is to own every possible engine configuration at some point, so a 5/6 cylinder ticks that box too (Ideally Alfa V6 and one of Volvo's T5's but that can wait).

Cheers