Most economical/reliable/easily fixable car for 5-7k?

[richneedsacar]

Hey guys, I'm basically an idiot and I've been threatening to get rid of my 2007 Mini Cooper S for about 3 years. But I never do because I chicken out and feel I can never justify actually spending money on myself!

Anyway, I guess now I really need to because it's probably going to go bang at some point. I really wanted something kind of nice and was going to get something like a 2015/2016 320d estate in m sport trim.

However, with lockdown and all this stuff, I've been in an absolutely great habit of saving and investing and I think if I hold off and wait for when the mortgage is renewed in 2 years, I should be in a good place and be able to get something that's actually really cool and that I'd actually love.

So, in the meantime, I'm thinking I want something to run for 2-3 years and is very good on fuel and is really reliable. And if something does happen, it's easy to fix.

I drive 13 miles each way to commute now, it's a 30-50 mph roads.

I don't really have much knowledge of 'standard cars' ... Things I'd consider, Focus or even a Fiesta (jesus) ... Something that would still be kinda cool is a Golf. I'm not sure about the most economical engine of these cars though.

I guess my ideal car is something that's going to depreciate about 2-2.5k over the 2-3 years, is economical and easy to fix if it goes wrong.

Is there a really obvious car out there? To me, something like a Peugeot or Vauxhall is so so unappealing, but if that's the answer - then that's the answer and I'll go with it!

Many thanks,
Rich

[A500leroy]

Dont dismiss this outright, Fiat Panda, nothing is cheaper to run and fix (if it ever went wrong) they are galvanised at the factory will return 50mpg pre 2014 cost £30 to tax and will easily do you commute.

[HustleRussell]

If you’re only trying to bridge a gap of 2-3 years, is it really worth changing?

What is currently threatening to go wrong on the Mini?

[richneedsacar]

Haha I've just checked out Pandas ... great idea, I probably won't get a Panda just because I feel it's a bit too extreme on the 'sacrifice' scale but I do appreciate the idea!

Ah, it's had loads of problems over the past few years, if my dads friend didn't run a car mechanics I think it would have had to be binned by now! It's definitely ready to go again ... oil leaks, water leaks, timing chain, engine floods ... it's had the lot!

[A500leroy]

richneedsacar said:

Haha I've just checked out Pandas ... great idea, I probably won't get a Panda just because I feel it's a bit too extreme on the 'sacrifice' scale but I do appreciate the idea!

Ah, it's had loads of problems over the past few years, if my dads friend didn't run a car mechanics I think it would have had to be binned by now! It's definitely ready to go again ... oil leaks, water leaks, timing chain, engine floods ... it's had the lot!

Mate test drive one, if you like old minis and how you have to drive them flat out you will be at home in a Panda

[ChrisH72]

Most cars priced 5-7k should really only lose 1k a year in depreciation. The less you spend the less you lose so if you can find something you’re happy with at 5k I’d do that.

Are you looking for something bigger than the mini?

If not, swift sport would tick the boxes surely.

[richneedsacar]

I'll check out the Swifts too! Thanks!

Good point on size, you know, Ideally I think slightly bigger would be a good idea - I only mean Golf or Focus sized. But Fiesta sized is fine too. I'd probably like to avoid a deliberately 'small' car if you know what I mean.

Thanks for the help!

[ZX10R NIN]

208 Feline 155

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008032...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007241...

XY

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012046...

Astra GTC SRI 140

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010295...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101278...

180

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102128...

All will depreciate at around 1k per year.

[ChrisH72]

At first I was going to suggest the fiesta ST mk7 (I have one) but even at 7k they can be a bit ropey. But 6k will get a focus zetec s with the same 1.6 182bhp engine which seems very reliable. A focus may be less likely to have been ragged or messed with not to mention a bit bigger.