Battle of the sheds: what should I buy?
Discussion
Dear PHers, the time has come where I am looking to move on from my first car and venture to something else. The question is what to.
Once the OH qualifies as a nurse in September, we will be saving for a house so my cash budget it limited to shed territory. But has to be somewhat reliable or at least DIY-able. Specific budget is £1200/£1400.
This is not much but does give me a lot of shed options. The ones I have considered so far are the usual:
• 9-5 Aero - The sludge issues scare me stiff but they can be had for peanuts
• V70 T5 - They can be in budget and will be reliable and comfortable but they pop up rarely)
• S40/V40 1.9t - As above
• BMW E46/E39 - Love the proposition but at this budget/age they have the potential to turn into money pits
• Lexus IS200/GS300 - Both seem like they will be more reliable and some people say are DIY-able but less common to find HS300s in budget and IS200s seem to all have had a very rough life
To give a bit more background, I am only interested in a petrol as my current commuting doesn't justify a diesel. Conversely, the commute is not long enough to scare me off more thirty cars. Also, coming from a 1.2 79bhp Punto I would ideally something a bit more spacious and a bit faster as well. Also, for some reason, I have an aversion to French cars but can be swayed.
I am really not sure what else I should be looking at, so I put myself in your hands PH-ers!
Once the OH qualifies as a nurse in September, we will be saving for a house so my cash budget it limited to shed territory. But has to be somewhat reliable or at least DIY-able. Specific budget is £1200/£1400.
This is not much but does give me a lot of shed options. The ones I have considered so far are the usual:
• 9-5 Aero - The sludge issues scare me stiff but they can be had for peanuts
• V70 T5 - They can be in budget and will be reliable and comfortable but they pop up rarely)
• S40/V40 1.9t - As above
• BMW E46/E39 - Love the proposition but at this budget/age they have the potential to turn into money pits
• Lexus IS200/GS300 - Both seem like they will be more reliable and some people say are DIY-able but less common to find HS300s in budget and IS200s seem to all have had a very rough life
To give a bit more background, I am only interested in a petrol as my current commuting doesn't justify a diesel. Conversely, the commute is not long enough to scare me off more thirty cars. Also, coming from a 1.2 79bhp Punto I would ideally something a bit more spacious and a bit faster as well. Also, for some reason, I have an aversion to French cars but can be swayed.
I am really not sure what else I should be looking at, so I put myself in your hands PH-ers!
Pothole said:
You need reliable. That may equal boring, too. Japanese or Korean is the way to go.
That doesn't put me off at all. That's probably something I should specify. Not desperate for a track weapon or B-road basher. If anything always been a fan of barges and as most weekend drives are long cruises, I would put comfort over performance.ajprice said:
Playing Autotrader for £1000-1500, petrol, 4 door brings up a few Accords, and a Legend.
Is that the burgundy red Legend? Have seen that but literally have 0 knowledge of Legends or what to expect. Certainly did have me interested!Saabs can be nice but at that money you're in 'could be brilliant, could be awful' territory. Do you live near a well-regarded Saab independent specialist? If so, could be worth considering. You might be better off at 2.0t level than Aero, mind. Find one that's got full service history and evidence that whoever's owned it has looked after it and you might be alright if you also continue to look after it yourself. You'd need a slush fund. The 9-5s I can see on AT at the moment are a mixture of promising and ropey. Sometimes in the same car.
If it were me, I'd be looking at Honda Accords or Civics, Toyota Avensis or Mazda 6. Friend of mine has a 2003 Toyota Avensis that he bought for about a grand. (His is an estate. 2.0 petrol I think.)
It isn't exciting. It is, however, weirdly zen-like to drive. It makes for very relaxing journeys. It's nicer inside than it looks outside, if that makes any sense. It's quiet, spacious and comfortable. It'll go to 70mph easily enough. There's something very freeing about tootling around in a car that most people don't even see. It's big enough that you don't get barged off the road but no one tries to race you at the lights. It's in that unfashionable gold-ish silver colour they used to come in.
It has also been reliable. In over two years, he's put good tyres and brake pads on his, quality fluids at service time and that's it. It runs like a Swiss watch.
If it were me, I'd be looking at Honda Accords or Civics, Toyota Avensis or Mazda 6. Friend of mine has a 2003 Toyota Avensis that he bought for about a grand. (His is an estate. 2.0 petrol I think.)
It isn't exciting. It is, however, weirdly zen-like to drive. It makes for very relaxing journeys. It's nicer inside than it looks outside, if that makes any sense. It's quiet, spacious and comfortable. It'll go to 70mph easily enough. There's something very freeing about tootling around in a car that most people don't even see. It's big enough that you don't get barged off the road but no one tries to race you at the lights. It's in that unfashionable gold-ish silver colour they used to come in.
It has also been reliable. In over two years, he's put good tyres and brake pads on his, quality fluids at service time and that's it. It runs like a Swiss watch.
BlameItOnGT2 said:
Is that the burgundy red Legend? Have seen that but literally have 0 knowledge of Legends or what to expect. Certainly did have me interested!
Build quality will be superb (I'm on my second 20 year old Civic and it wears its years and 130000 miles very well) but it's a 3.5 V6 FWD. Bit heavy on fuel for meThis is Mondeo/Vectra territory all day both are as reliable as any Japanese offering with N/A engines reliability really isn't a concern.
Mondeo Ghia
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Zetec S
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Ghia X
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
2.2 Vectra SRI
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Running costs will be sensible parts inexpensive & you still get a decent car to run around in whilst saving for a new home.
Mondeo Ghia
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Zetec S
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Ghia X
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
2.2 Vectra SRI
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Running costs will be sensible parts inexpensive & you still get a decent car to run around in whilst saving for a new home.
Interesting suggestions!
Not a big fan of non Type R Civics but have been looking at the 2 litre Accords (in Executive trim as it would be nice to have leather).
Toyota Avensis is also an interesting suggestion as I am attracted to Toyotas to the point that if I wasn't going to save for a house, I would be getting an import 1JZ Toyota. I just tend to fall for the adage that there is nothing like a Toyota for reliability.
Fords and Vauxhalls in general have not been on my radar as again, I have 0 knowledge of them. What is the general consensus about Mondeo STs or Vectra/Astra GSIs? Any good or dodgy on reliability?
The want for a 9-5 Aero is strong and there is a Saab specialist 10 minutes down the road. Also an estate for £465 on AT but know that the price of that very car has come down from nearly £800 so wonder why. Not really keen on rolling the dice on a Saab, which is what is holding me back.
Keep the suggestions coming!
Not a big fan of non Type R Civics but have been looking at the 2 litre Accords (in Executive trim as it would be nice to have leather).
Toyota Avensis is also an interesting suggestion as I am attracted to Toyotas to the point that if I wasn't going to save for a house, I would be getting an import 1JZ Toyota. I just tend to fall for the adage that there is nothing like a Toyota for reliability.
Fords and Vauxhalls in general have not been on my radar as again, I have 0 knowledge of them. What is the general consensus about Mondeo STs or Vectra/Astra GSIs? Any good or dodgy on reliability?
The want for a 9-5 Aero is strong and there is a Saab specialist 10 minutes down the road. Also an estate for £465 on AT but know that the price of that very car has come down from nearly £800 so wonder why. Not really keen on rolling the dice on a Saab, which is what is holding me back.
Keep the suggestions coming!
BlameItOnGT2 said:
The want for a 9-5 Aero is strong and there is a Saab specialist 10 minutes down the road. Also an estate for £465 on AT but know that the price of that very car has come down from nearly £800 so wonder why. Not really keen on rolling the dice on a Saab, which is what is holding me back.
Local Saab specialist could be positive. The thing with Saabs is that there's a strong enthusiast community still, so you can get advice or answers to questions online or from the specialists. And there are also a lot of older cars around that have been looked after, because people love and appreciate them.But I do think it's important to find one that's been cared for. Saabs can throw large bills. The ad for that £465 estate is extremely thin on detail so I think you're right to be wary. No mention of service history and it's due an MOT in April, which is a very short ticket. Its MOT history (check on the Vehicle Smart app or on the gov.uk website) shows a lot of recent fails and advisories too, many of them corrosion-related.
Some of the ones at around £1,500 look better although I still think you'd be on firmer ground with a 2.0t, or an Avensis, Accord or Volvo, or one of ZX's Mondeos (there are some very nice ones for twelve hundred quid, I hadn't realised). If you're saving for a house you've got to prioritise that, really. Your progress to that goal will be slowed if your £500 Saab needs a new gearbox before Christmas.
More broadly, around the £1,000 - £1,500 price point it becomes a bit less about specific makes and models and more about mileage, condition, service history etc, in my view. You want to look for cues that the car has been looked after. Service history. Long MOT, in an ideal world. Decent quality tyres fitted. And so on.
BlameItOnGT2 said:
Interesting suggestions!
Not a big fan of non Type R Civics but have been looking at the 2 litre Accords (in Executive trim as it would be nice to have leather).
Toyota Avensis is also an interesting suggestion as I am attracted to Toyotas to the point that if I wasn't going to save for a house, I would be getting an import 1JZ Toyota. I just tend to fall for the adage that there is nothing like a Toyota for reliability.
Fords and Vauxhalls in general have not been on my radar as again, I have 0 knowledge of them. What is the general consensus about Mondeo STs or Vectra/Astra GSIs? Any good or dodgy on reliability?
The want for a 9-5 Aero is strong and there is a Saab specialist 10 minutes down the road. Also an estate for £465 on AT but know that the price of that very car has come down from nearly £800 so wonder why. Not really keen on rolling the dice on a Saab, which is what is holding me back.
Keep the suggestions coming!
If you're trying to keep things sensible in terms of purchase price & running costs ST's/GSI's are off the menu the 2.5 Zetec SNot a big fan of non Type R Civics but have been looking at the 2 litre Accords (in Executive trim as it would be nice to have leather).
Toyota Avensis is also an interesting suggestion as I am attracted to Toyotas to the point that if I wasn't going to save for a house, I would be getting an import 1JZ Toyota. I just tend to fall for the adage that there is nothing like a Toyota for reliability.
Fords and Vauxhalls in general have not been on my radar as again, I have 0 knowledge of them. What is the general consensus about Mondeo STs or Vectra/Astra GSIs? Any good or dodgy on reliability?
The want for a 9-5 Aero is strong and there is a Saab specialist 10 minutes down the road. Also an estate for £465 on AT but know that the price of that very car has come down from nearly £800 so wonder why. Not really keen on rolling the dice on a Saab, which is what is holding me back.
Keep the suggestions coming!
is the closest you'll get.
The Avensis is an option but I'd take the Ford & Vauxhall over it:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
That is also the appeal of Saabs but asnot you said, reliability with a 9-5 would always be a big question mark. Would I be better off looking at a 9-3 Aero? Not the most 'Saab' of Saabs bur cann't findtoomamy negative reviews about reliability.
On another note, I know very well how revered the VAG 1.8t engine is but how reliable is it? Just always overlook VAGs because the ones in budget are the Aldi version of German carsand but can't imagine the love for cars to whit the engine is attached to be unjustified.
ajprice said:
Rover 75? V6 leather armchair waftmobile would be on budget. Apparently the 1.8 has iffy head gaskets, so V6 it.
Besides the grandad-spec interior, it does seem interesting!On another note, I know very well how revered the VAG 1.8t engine is but how reliable is it? Just always overlook VAGs because the ones in budget are the Aldi version of German carsand but can't imagine the love for cars to whit the engine is attached to be unjustified.
After some searching and some speaking to friends, I have been recommended a W210 E320 CI or an E46 320d.
They are both diesels, which is not what I am necessarily in need of but seems a lt of people swear on both being excellent reliable workhorses (minus rust on the Merc and swirl flaps on the BMW).
Are they right to sing their praises? As far as the Merc goes, is the petrol E320 as hardy and reliable as its diesel counterpart?
They are both diesels, which is not what I am necessarily in need of but seems a lt of people swear on both being excellent reliable workhorses (minus rust on the Merc and swirl flaps on the BMW).
Are they right to sing their praises? As far as the Merc goes, is the petrol E320 as hardy and reliable as its diesel counterpart?
Fermit and Sexy Sarah said:
That era of Mondeos really are great cars. I had three of them in succession at one point when funds were tight. They really are hard cars to fault, and genuinely a good steer if you're in the mood. Check the door bottoms, they can go there (rust)
A lot of people really do rate Mondeos if most generations really. Feels as if I should try one given how I haven't heard anyone complain about theirs, even when they are an being unreliable money pit.I have a 9-3 Aero paid £500 for it 15 months ago.
Have had some bills though. In total it has cost me about £2k in repairs but I do 20-25k miles a year so it gets used. Nearly half of that was clutch (£800). The rest has been 3 services, tyres, brakes. Some things on Saab’s are quite cheap but they can throw up bills. Turbos/gearbox’s are majors and something’s are difficult to get hold of. However it’s so comfortable to be in and it can shift when I need it to.
Yes I should have diesel but I hate diesels.
Have had some bills though. In total it has cost me about £2k in repairs but I do 20-25k miles a year so it gets used. Nearly half of that was clutch (£800). The rest has been 3 services, tyres, brakes. Some things on Saab’s are quite cheap but they can throw up bills. Turbos/gearbox’s are majors and something’s are difficult to get hold of. However it’s so comfortable to be in and it can shift when I need it to.
Yes I should have diesel but I hate diesels.
Aiminghigh123 said:
I have a 9-3 Aero paid £500 for it 15 months ago.
Have had some bills though. In total it has cost me about £2k in repairs but I do 20-25k miles a year so it gets used. Nearly half of that was clutch (£800). The rest has been 3 services, tyres, brakes. Some things on Saab’s are quite cheap but they can throw up bills. Turbos/gearbox’s are majors and something’s are difficult to get hold of. However it’s so comfortable to be in and it can shift when I need it to.
Yes I should have diesel but I hate diesels.
What bills did it throw up?Have had some bills though. In total it has cost me about £2k in repairs but I do 20-25k miles a year so it gets used. Nearly half of that was clutch (£800). The rest has been 3 services, tyres, brakes. Some things on Saab’s are quite cheap but they can throw up bills. Turbos/gearbox’s are majors and something’s are difficult to get hold of. However it’s so comfortable to be in and it can shift when I need it to.
Yes I should have diesel but I hate diesels.
I know that a major issue with the 9-3s is springs snapping and the bushings need regular attention. I also hear the the PCV can get blocked up (but can't remember if this is an old 9-3 or newer 9-3 issue).
On the subject of diesel, other Merc owner friends are chewing my ear off suggesting an old Merc diesel. Now they are suggesting a W202 C-class 250TD. As said, I don't need a diesel but growing up in the continent, I have a weird fondness for old diesels. I hear that Merc's OM60x engines will go forever and heard that a C250 TD is probably going to outlive me. Is it worth considering though?
Trade view anyone?
Some of the older (up to about 2004) VW stuff was OK, but the trouble is that's 15 years old now, and unless it's been really loved will be getting towards danger territory. The old Pug 406 was really good, but the same issue now. Sometimes it's not even as if they are unrelaible, just very tired, over used, and a right old state. Fans don't work, radiators leak, tires leak air, just all a bit of a pain unless you are willing to find a really good one.
BMW is a no-no - expensive to repair, and a load of common issues means you'll be repairing it more than driving it. I suspect the same with Merc, and certainly the younger BM and Mercs are to be avoided.
For £1500 I would be tempted with a Mk3 Megane - nice car that drives well, or a Laguna 3. Both in my mind very underrated, and therefore cheap. If you can't stand the thought of one of these, some of the Astra's are OK, and pretty decent with the 150 bhp diesel.
But for utter reliability, Toyota is the way to go.
Korean stuff is OK as well
Some of the older (up to about 2004) VW stuff was OK, but the trouble is that's 15 years old now, and unless it's been really loved will be getting towards danger territory. The old Pug 406 was really good, but the same issue now. Sometimes it's not even as if they are unrelaible, just very tired, over used, and a right old state. Fans don't work, radiators leak, tires leak air, just all a bit of a pain unless you are willing to find a really good one.
BMW is a no-no - expensive to repair, and a load of common issues means you'll be repairing it more than driving it. I suspect the same with Merc, and certainly the younger BM and Mercs are to be avoided.
For £1500 I would be tempted with a Mk3 Megane - nice car that drives well, or a Laguna 3. Both in my mind very underrated, and therefore cheap. If you can't stand the thought of one of these, some of the Astra's are OK, and pretty decent with the 150 bhp diesel.
But for utter reliability, Toyota is the way to go.
Korean stuff is OK as well
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