Cheap, robust, reliable - what car?
Discussion
This is going to seem like an odd list of criteria, but I will explain at the end of the thread.
So, I need something which ticks the following boxes:
- Very robust. Must not be frightened by huge pot holes. I can't afford to be replacing suspension components. Nice big alloy wheels with low profile tyres will be no good.
- Should be able to handle frequent short journeys.
- Reliable. I want something that I will not worry about come MOT day and that will only require minimal maintenance between tests. I am tired of trying to fix things in my car park in the cold, dark and wet.
- Reasonable performance. Let's say 0-60 in under 8 seconds as a guide.
- Must be comfortable over long distances, with aircon and a decent sound system.
- Should not be too hard/expensive to insure.
- Leather would be preferable.
- Rear or four wheel drive would be preferable.
- An estate/big boot would be preferable but not essential.
- Petrol preferable.
I am not bothered if it is an auto or manual. Fuel consumption is not a high priority. Happy to consider older stuff.
I currently have a B5 Audi A4 1.8T which does the job reasonably well, but I am increasingly concerned that something is going to badly wrong. I am also tired of some of its faults and it does not seem economical to spend money fixing these faults because it is worth so little.
I have to use the car for work which means short journeys throughout the day. I drive in a city with diabolical roads (you could honestly lose a small hatchback in some of the pot holes) and horrible speed bumps everywhere. I cracked the sump of the Audi on a particularly nasty speed bump, for some context.
Because I spend lots of time in the car, it needs to be a nice place to be and comfortable. The Audi is OK, but could be better. Unsurprisingly, it has terrible traction. It is discreet, which is good.
Budget is around £2,000.
What is out there? I am tempted by an old Land Cruiser for their apparent robustness and four wheel drive, but they are expensive for what they are and seem unnecessary for my needs. Saab 9-5 Aeros appeal, but I am worried they will be a bit delicate. Similarly Imprezas and Legacys.
So, I need something which ticks the following boxes:
- Very robust. Must not be frightened by huge pot holes. I can't afford to be replacing suspension components. Nice big alloy wheels with low profile tyres will be no good.
- Should be able to handle frequent short journeys.
- Reliable. I want something that I will not worry about come MOT day and that will only require minimal maintenance between tests. I am tired of trying to fix things in my car park in the cold, dark and wet.
- Reasonable performance. Let's say 0-60 in under 8 seconds as a guide.
- Must be comfortable over long distances, with aircon and a decent sound system.
- Should not be too hard/expensive to insure.
- Leather would be preferable.
- Rear or four wheel drive would be preferable.
- An estate/big boot would be preferable but not essential.
- Petrol preferable.
I am not bothered if it is an auto or manual. Fuel consumption is not a high priority. Happy to consider older stuff.
I currently have a B5 Audi A4 1.8T which does the job reasonably well, but I am increasingly concerned that something is going to badly wrong. I am also tired of some of its faults and it does not seem economical to spend money fixing these faults because it is worth so little.
I have to use the car for work which means short journeys throughout the day. I drive in a city with diabolical roads (you could honestly lose a small hatchback in some of the pot holes) and horrible speed bumps everywhere. I cracked the sump of the Audi on a particularly nasty speed bump, for some context.
Because I spend lots of time in the car, it needs to be a nice place to be and comfortable. The Audi is OK, but could be better. Unsurprisingly, it has terrible traction. It is discreet, which is good.
Budget is around £2,000.
What is out there? I am tempted by an old Land Cruiser for their apparent robustness and four wheel drive, but they are expensive for what they are and seem unnecessary for my needs. Saab 9-5 Aeros appeal, but I am worried they will be a bit delicate. Similarly Imprezas and Legacys.
Suzuki vitara?
If it's anything like my Ignis sport, it should be basic but reliable and reasonably robust.
I use my Iggy in much the same way, lots of short trips for work on narrow, lumpy, pothole laden streets, the Iggy is light (950kg) nippy and narrow enough to avoid the biggest holes. Where it falls down is on space and comfort. It's neither.
Other option would be the petrol Rav 4.
If it's anything like my Ignis sport, it should be basic but reliable and reasonably robust.
I use my Iggy in much the same way, lots of short trips for work on narrow, lumpy, pothole laden streets, the Iggy is light (950kg) nippy and narrow enough to avoid the biggest holes. Where it falls down is on space and comfort. It's neither.
Other option would be the petrol Rav 4.
Sounds like you want to have your cake and eat it.
In the 2k budget your always going to save a few costs now and again, its all luck of the draw. You might need a sensor, maybe a spring or two, there will be costs at this price point.
I say go for a common car, ford Mondeo, Toyota avensis, honda accord. Parts should be plentiful and cheap. Ford Mondeo is best bet, top of range.
In the 2k budget your always going to save a few costs now and again, its all luck of the draw. You might need a sensor, maybe a spring or two, there will be costs at this price point.
I say go for a common car, ford Mondeo, Toyota avensis, honda accord. Parts should be plentiful and cheap. Ford Mondeo is best bet, top of range.
This one is simple there are in my mind two options:
CLK320 (haggle & you can get one with under 100k)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Mondeo Ghia X
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Of you don't mind over 8 seconds then there's these:
IS200 SE/LE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
CLK320 (haggle & you can get one with under 100k)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Mondeo Ghia X
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Of you don't mind over 8 seconds then there's these:
IS200 SE/LE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Integroo said:
You'll struggle to get quick,luxury, rwd and reliable at 2k. I second Accord/Mondeo shout.
Any Volvo with a T5 or a 2.3 HOT Aero Saab achieves all of these bar RW/AWD:-- Very robust
- Should be able to handle frequent short journeys.
- Reliable
- 8 Seconds 0-60
- Must be comfortable over long distances, with aircon and a decent sound system.
- Should not be too hard/expensive to insure.
- Leather would be preferable.
- Rear or four wheel drive would be preferable.
- An estate/big boot would be preferable but not essential.
- Petrol
Subaru Outback 3.0 RN.
We are on our 2nd - this one is a 2006, we've been running it for 8 years and has done 103000miles. Both cars have been 100% reliable with basic servicing and normal preventative maintenance. the only fault this one has had is that it didn't recognise one of the keys after it had been through the washing machine.
It's the most comfortable car we have owned and has all the nice bits, except for bluetooth and USB-in.
Thirsty 23 to 30mpg, but it's full time 4x4 and it's a flat 6, 3 litre - so that's not bad. You can find good ones for between £2000 and £3000. Buy no newer than 55reg to avoid the high road tax bracket, or buy a better one that others are avoiding if you buy a full-fat version!
Do you want a car, or a 4x4 truck? I have both, but they don't do the same jobs for me. You are very unlikely to get a good Landcruiser for £2000 - unless it's a petrol 3 litre with nomad mileage...and they are not 0-60 in 8 sec cars! You might find a Surf worth having, but watch out for cracked heads and tired auto boxes.
We are on our 2nd - this one is a 2006, we've been running it for 8 years and has done 103000miles. Both cars have been 100% reliable with basic servicing and normal preventative maintenance. the only fault this one has had is that it didn't recognise one of the keys after it had been through the washing machine.
It's the most comfortable car we have owned and has all the nice bits, except for bluetooth and USB-in.
Thirsty 23 to 30mpg, but it's full time 4x4 and it's a flat 6, 3 litre - so that's not bad. You can find good ones for between £2000 and £3000. Buy no newer than 55reg to avoid the high road tax bracket, or buy a better one that others are avoiding if you buy a full-fat version!
Do you want a car, or a 4x4 truck? I have both, but they don't do the same jobs for me. You are very unlikely to get a good Landcruiser for £2000 - unless it's a petrol 3 litre with nomad mileage...and they are not 0-60 in 8 sec cars! You might find a Surf worth having, but watch out for cracked heads and tired auto boxes.
Thanks for all the suggestions.
Are CLKs of that era robust? I had noticed them, but have all the stereotypes of Mercs of that era playing on my mind.
The linked Mondeo looks good.
I was enthusiastic about V70s until my dad got a second gen with the five cylinder petrol. He has had endless problems with warning lights. Many of the first gen V70s and 850s (especially the T5s) now seem a little worse for wear.
Lexus LS400s are very much on the list.
Are CLKs of that era robust? I had noticed them, but have all the stereotypes of Mercs of that era playing on my mind.
The linked Mondeo looks good.
I was enthusiastic about V70s until my dad got a second gen with the five cylinder petrol. He has had endless problems with warning lights. Many of the first gen V70s and 850s (especially the T5s) now seem a little worse for wear.
Lexus LS400s are very much on the list.
The CLK's are robust as long as you get 2003> (W209 Model) you'll be fine there is one issue you need to check on & that's on start up you may here a clicking noise coming from the centre of the dash if you do it's just the actuators which are cheap but is a bit labour intensive.
Bushes can wear but you can buy complete arms for a almost Ford money, there's also the spark plug change which can cost a bit as there are 12 of them.
Bushes can wear but you can buy complete arms for a almost Ford money, there's also the spark plug change which can cost a bit as there are 12 of them.
Lots about that ticks most of your boxes with a £2k budget. Reliability will just have to be a gamble, even two of the same car and mileage, one could be a lemon and one spot on.
All said above but i'd be looking at a Mondeo, V70 or a Saab 9-3/5.
Or something that hasn't been mentioned, BMW 325i touring. A 330 is a bit out of budget.
You could go down the shed route, spend <£1k and keep the remaining budget for other things. Reliability between a £1k car and a £2k can't be quantified.
Personally speaking, I have had my Saab 9-3 aero for almost 2 years and 30k miles and besides a set of front tyres and a couple of oil changes with filters, it's needed nothing. I haven't washed it since september, it's very much a shed but it starts everytime and works no matter what I throw at it. Heated seats, cruise control, dual zone climate control, all for £1300. It's re-mapped to 250bhp, in a straight line it's no slouch, but the handling in the corners is worryingly comical. The front suspension is getting very creaky and knocky but I believe this is only the droplinks.
All said above but i'd be looking at a Mondeo, V70 or a Saab 9-3/5.
Or something that hasn't been mentioned, BMW 325i touring. A 330 is a bit out of budget.
You could go down the shed route, spend <£1k and keep the remaining budget for other things. Reliability between a £1k car and a £2k can't be quantified.
Personally speaking, I have had my Saab 9-3 aero for almost 2 years and 30k miles and besides a set of front tyres and a couple of oil changes with filters, it's needed nothing. I haven't washed it since september, it's very much a shed but it starts everytime and works no matter what I throw at it. Heated seats, cruise control, dual zone climate control, all for £1300. It's re-mapped to 250bhp, in a straight line it's no slouch, but the handling in the corners is worryingly comical. The front suspension is getting very creaky and knocky but I believe this is only the droplinks.
We've a Mazda CX-7 2.3 petrol. Its been in the family for a decade - since it was new.
It is reliable (it needed a new Turbo when it was six months old) but apart from that regular servicing and consumables only.
Something like 256 BHP with a 6 speed manual and 7 something seconds to 60. Brisk enough.
AWD, it won't take you on a Paris-Dakar rally but it's never been in trouble in the snow. We abused it a bit in its first five years, lots of country tracks and fast cross-country commutes.
As happy on the motorway and an A road as it is on rough tracks down to beaches in SW Scotland or hauling up the Hartside pass in snow and ice or boiling sun.
Plenty of space, a decent boot.
Well equipped I guess for what was a £23,000 car in 2007. Leather, cruise, heated seats, electric drivers seat, ACC, xennons, auto lights and wipers, and a BOSE sound system with in-dash CD changer and iPod connector so I guess it would be possible to modify this to USB or Bluetooth. No SatNav but it'd be well out of date by now anyway.
It feels like an old car compared to my new Land Rovers. By old I mean lacking screens and stuff. Better built however. Not a single squeak or rattle ever. I guess the materials are Ford level quality though there is some sort touch stuff.
I reckon it's worth a look.
An indication of how we regard the CX-7. We usually swap main cars every 2 years. We kept this in this role for five years and it was only a minor crash - which deprived us of it for three weeks - that prompted us to replace it. When we got it back, we just didn't want to get rid so it now lives with my FIL who loves it and refuses to even consider changing it.
It is reliable (it needed a new Turbo when it was six months old) but apart from that regular servicing and consumables only.
Something like 256 BHP with a 6 speed manual and 7 something seconds to 60. Brisk enough.
AWD, it won't take you on a Paris-Dakar rally but it's never been in trouble in the snow. We abused it a bit in its first five years, lots of country tracks and fast cross-country commutes.
As happy on the motorway and an A road as it is on rough tracks down to beaches in SW Scotland or hauling up the Hartside pass in snow and ice or boiling sun.
Plenty of space, a decent boot.
Well equipped I guess for what was a £23,000 car in 2007. Leather, cruise, heated seats, electric drivers seat, ACC, xennons, auto lights and wipers, and a BOSE sound system with in-dash CD changer and iPod connector so I guess it would be possible to modify this to USB or Bluetooth. No SatNav but it'd be well out of date by now anyway.
It feels like an old car compared to my new Land Rovers. By old I mean lacking screens and stuff. Better built however. Not a single squeak or rattle ever. I guess the materials are Ford level quality though there is some sort touch stuff.
I reckon it's worth a look.
An indication of how we regard the CX-7. We usually swap main cars every 2 years. We kept this in this role for five years and it was only a minor crash - which deprived us of it for three weeks - that prompted us to replace it. When we got it back, we just didn't want to get rid so it now lives with my FIL who loves it and refuses to even consider changing it.
Edited by Wildcat45 on Wednesday 28th February 22:02
Edited by Wildcat45 on Wednesday 28th February 22:05
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