Buying a snotter…

[Royal Jelly]

So, uncharacteristically, I’ll be spending 3-4 months in the U.K. from spring. I have a 981 Cayman S which I adore, and that does me for the 1-2 week stints I’m back. This time, though, I’ll need a heap in the 1000-1500 price bracket.

It needs 4/5 doors, because we’ve a small dog to go in the back. That’s about the only criteria. It’s a tip-run, leave anywhere vessel. I may flog it on after my stay, or keep it if it seems like it’s got lasting credentials…

I’m happy with a bit of upkeep, but am I looking at a financial black hole here? Back in the day I ran a couple of cars around this price range, and it generally went fairly well.

I’ve seen a 53ish plate 206 SW, and a couple of Octavias. Mileage seems to be 130-200k. Can the experts here (ZX10 et al) talk me into it??

Cheers. I’ll keep this updated as options crop up and you can spare your wisdom as to what to look out for.

[monthou]

The shed thread is where you'll find people running sheds.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[Mr E]

Normally, not a problem.
In the current market, a grand might not get you much.

[ncjones]

Have look at @sparkyholloway on Twitter, he comes up with an eclectic selection of ca. £1000 cars for sale, every Saturday night.

At least a couple last night that could meet what you're after.

[Jamescrs]

I'd buy an old Merc like this one

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104191...

I bought one cheap myself 6 or 7 years ago and it was a lovely drive to work and back, not fast but it was a very relaxing drive. I quite miss it really.

[ZX10R NIN]

Try finding a Vectra/Astra they'll see you right:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202022...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201211...

A bit over budget but this 2012 MG6 seems like good value at 2k:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111159...

[georgeyboy12345]

All these have long MOTs on them, so you won't have to worry about any failures on that front for the 4 months or so that you are using it

Ford Focus 1.6 Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202072...


Fiat Panda 1.1
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202102...


Hyundai i30 1.4
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201251...


Leggy Honda Civic 1.8 i-VTEC EX
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202112...


Kia Ceed 1.6
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111039...


Mazda 3 1.6 TS with a fair bit of corrosion mentioned on the MOT history
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202052...

[Audis5b9]

I wasn't in a dissimilar situation not too long ago...

I had just sold my 2018 Audi S5, and had ordered a new Porsche Macan.

Found a £1400 140k miles Honda CRV just before Christmas.. Its been an absolute trooper. No issues with it, everything works.. Its not cheap on fuel or road tax, but its bombproof (Have knocked over a bollard already, merely a flesh wound on the car). I've actually become quite fond of it.

In the meantime, I got bored of waiting for the Macan and starting searching for what I could buy for the same money. I now have a Porsche 991.1 C2S and have binned off the Macan.

I'm keeping the CRV in the meantime for all the dirty work when I need a practical car.

[ooid]

Avensis

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107275...

A clear warning though, it might be more reliable than your 981

[Mr Tidy]

I bought a 1996 Mazda 323f on 62K miles and 2 previous keepers for less than £700 out of A/T in mid 2014. It had a a stamped up service book and 3 previous keepers, but a few scrapes and scuffs.

But I ran it for 3,000 miles in 6 months with no issues at all, but it was just so boring I bought something a bit more fun!