Topgear inspired road trip round the UK with £400 cars.
Discussion
I was with friends today and we got talking (Somehow?) about doing a road trip from the south of London all the way to Scotland, coming all the way back down again on the other side, whilst stopping off at odd places on the way. Honestly, I'd love to this because its so different and mad, but of course there are few logistical problems that need to be figured out.
The plan is to buy a car for £400, that's the max price we decided. We plan to use it for the week and then sell it after, hopefully selling it for a similar price (Whats the best way to do this?)
Firstly, the car(s). I was thinking old BMW, Saab. Volvo, Honda, Merc, Preferably diesel. Just something reliable with half decent MPG. Any other suggestions? I think half the appeal is going in something a little different to what I would seriously look at owning as a day to day car. But it has to be reliable(ish)
Secondly, Running costs, cost to fuel etc. I'm not sure what insurance companies will insure you for a week on a temporary car.
Third, what could go wrong and what to plan for. Obviously there is the danger of the cars breaking down. We all have RAC/AA cover though, so we should be ok. Also the cost of staying overnight, we could camp, staying in a travel lodge or even sleep in the cars if we are desperate.
Last of all, is this a ridiculous idea just isn't practical and a waste of time? I hope not, because it sounds like a fun unique week away to remember, but we may have gone a little overboard perhaps, I want to be realistic really.
Anyway, any input would be great.
Thanks!
The plan is to buy a car for £400, that's the max price we decided. We plan to use it for the week and then sell it after, hopefully selling it for a similar price (Whats the best way to do this?)
Firstly, the car(s). I was thinking old BMW, Saab. Volvo, Honda, Merc, Preferably diesel. Just something reliable with half decent MPG. Any other suggestions? I think half the appeal is going in something a little different to what I would seriously look at owning as a day to day car. But it has to be reliable(ish)
Secondly, Running costs, cost to fuel etc. I'm not sure what insurance companies will insure you for a week on a temporary car.
Third, what could go wrong and what to plan for. Obviously there is the danger of the cars breaking down. We all have RAC/AA cover though, so we should be ok. Also the cost of staying overnight, we could camp, staying in a travel lodge or even sleep in the cars if we are desperate.
Last of all, is this a ridiculous idea just isn't practical and a waste of time? I hope not, because it sounds like a fun unique week away to remember, but we may have gone a little overboard perhaps, I want to be realistic really.
Anyway, any input would be great.
Thanks!
Jayfish said:
Why not set a total budget limit for car plus fuel plus accommodation.
Do I go cheap on the car but enjoy a big thirsty engine, do i skimp on those two and sleep in comfort or do I say feck it all and sleep in the car for a few more HP
Exactly, I was looking at a 2.0T 9-3 as they are dirt cheap to buy and nice and fast. Its very tempting Do I go cheap on the car but enjoy a big thirsty engine, do i skimp on those two and sleep in comfort or do I say feck it all and sleep in the car for a few more HP
That sounds like a good idea. I would suggest doubling up perhaps with two in each car. An £800 car would give you more options, you could share the driving and cover more miles; also being alone in a car might get a bit boring by the end of the week.
And if something did go wrong at least you wouldn't be alone. Sods law would be that you broke down in the middle of nowhere after getting separated from your mates. Something like that would be a major pain alone; with someone else in the car it might be a much better experience...
And if something did go wrong at least you wouldn't be alone. Sods law would be that you broke down in the middle of nowhere after getting separated from your mates. Something like that would be a major pain alone; with someone else in the car it might be a much better experience...
Take out a normal policy online.
You get the chance to cancel within X days, cancel on your return, paying for the time you were insured.
If you are only going for a week, I wouldn't be too worried about fuel economy, in the grand scheme of things, you'll probably only end up spending less than £100 more on fuel than a boring diesel.
You get the chance to cancel within X days, cancel on your return, paying for the time you were insured.
If you are only going for a week, I wouldn't be too worried about fuel economy, in the grand scheme of things, you'll probably only end up spending less than £100 more on fuel than a boring diesel.
Scrap the diseasal idea,youll get a lot more petrol car for £400 than diesel and have more fun driving it.
The difference in fuel costs for your circa 1500 mile total wont be huge so get something fun.
Old saabs a good shout or a useabe smaller engine e34 5 series is in budget.
Take your rover pick or be brave n get an alfa!
The difference in fuel costs for your circa 1500 mile total wont be huge so get something fun.
Old saabs a good shout or a useabe smaller engine e34 5 series is in budget.
Take your rover pick or be brave n get an alfa!
funinhounslow said:
That sounds like a good idea. I would suggest doubling up perhaps with two in each car. An £800 car would give you more options, you could share the driving and cover more miles; also being alone in a car might get a bit boring by the end of the week.
My daily drive is worth just over £400!! You can get plenty of decent motors for that money if you're careful. Ive done 20k+ miles on it on just over 2 years, cheapest thing there is. Anyway, I've done something similar I guess. Toured Oz and Nz in cars worth less than £700 a piece, often in very remote places and very badly maintained roads. You got good at roadside mechanics, but rarely was there anything terminal. As far as accommodation goes, I know TG did it last week, but the matress in the back of an estate really works. Very comfortable and if it saves £50 a night then it really works out cost wise. Go in the sea or to a local gym for showering facilities and pubs for the toilet.
funinhounslow said:
That sounds like a good idea. I would suggest doubling up perhaps with two in each car. An £800 car would give you more options, you could share the driving and cover more miles; also being alone in a car might get a bit boring by the end of the week.
And if something did go wrong at least you wouldn't be alone. Sods law would be that you broke down in the middle of nowhere after getting separated from your mates. Something like that would be a major pain alone; with someone else in the car it might be a much better experience...
This, I'd hate to be on my tod in the middle of no-where with a broken car. And if something did go wrong at least you wouldn't be alone. Sods law would be that you broke down in the middle of nowhere after getting separated from your mates. Something like that would be a major pain alone; with someone else in the car it might be a much better experience...
Edited by Grahamr123 on Wednesday 13th March 00:36
There would be loads of cars for 4/500 quid, and should easily do your proposed route.
My friends and I went from London to Split in Croatia in three 250 quid cars (amongst a group of 20ish other cars)
It's called Ramshackle Rally and an absolute blast if you are into cars and traveling.
We managed to make it up and down the Stelvio pass, which is a banger killer!
Please checkout my video:
http://vimeo.com/29893467
My friends and I went from London to Split in Croatia in three 250 quid cars (amongst a group of 20ish other cars)
It's called Ramshackle Rally and an absolute blast if you are into cars and traveling.
We managed to make it up and down the Stelvio pass, which is a banger killer!
Please checkout my video:
http://vimeo.com/29893467
tinoproductions said:
There would be loads of cars for 4/500 quid, and should easily do your proposed route.
My friends and I went from London to Split in Croatia in three 250 quid cars (amongst a group of 20ish other cars)
It's called Ramshackle Rally and an absolute blast if you are into cars and traveling.
We managed to make it up and down the Stelvio pass, which is a banger killer!
Please checkout my video:
http://vimeo.com/29893467
That is a terrific little video, well worth watching. My friends and I went from London to Split in Croatia in three 250 quid cars (amongst a group of 20ish other cars)
It's called Ramshackle Rally and an absolute blast if you are into cars and traveling.
We managed to make it up and down the Stelvio pass, which is a banger killer!
Please checkout my video:
http://vimeo.com/29893467
Didn't do it all in one go but me and a mate used to tour the UK, with a tent and my £1000 Mondeo.
Campsites were usually £10-£15 a night and all had a shower you could use and proper toilets. Never booked, we'd just turn up on a night. We'd sometimes have to try up to 3, before one had a spare pitch but we always got somewhere. Just buy a decent map which has campsites marked on it.
For £400 I'd just keep looking through Ebay or Autotrader, until something interesting caught my eye. The engine size and fuel economy would be the last thing on my my mind, as it's only a one-off trip but I fear insurance will be your biggest restriction.
ETA: Try to keep off the Motorways as much as possible, you'll obviously see more if you just stick to A and B roads. I'd also make an effort to at least drive through all the national parks.
Campsites were usually £10-£15 a night and all had a shower you could use and proper toilets. Never booked, we'd just turn up on a night. We'd sometimes have to try up to 3, before one had a spare pitch but we always got somewhere. Just buy a decent map which has campsites marked on it.
For £400 I'd just keep looking through Ebay or Autotrader, until something interesting caught my eye. The engine size and fuel economy would be the last thing on my my mind, as it's only a one-off trip but I fear insurance will be your biggest restriction.
ETA: Try to keep off the Motorways as much as possible, you'll obviously see more if you just stick to A and B roads. I'd also make an effort to at least drive through all the national parks.
Edited by TheTurbonator on Wednesday 13th March 04:13
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