We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.

This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

Recomendations Needed For A New Used Car. Around £600 Please Help!

Saban
Saban Posts: 342 Forumite
Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
Hi, would anyone be able recommend something for my next car? I need something cheap and reliable. I have had awful problems with my Rover 414 and once I have gotten rid of the damn thing I need an improvement!:rolleyes:

Any suggestions would be great. We have around £600-£700 and I need something that can cope with my commute up the motorway to work but is interesting enough for the OH as we will be sharing:D! The only mod-con I would really need is power steering but electric-windows etc I can miss!

I was thinking an Astra or Escort but id like to get a few opinions first?:o

Many Thanks!:T
:dance:

Comments

  • highguyuk
    highguyuk Posts: 2,763 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    A Mark One Peugeot 306 Turbo Diesel.

    Easily cope with a commute, engines can last for miles and miles even if you buy one 100k+, interesting and enjoyable to drive!

    Check out https://www.pug306.net for more information if needbe :)
    -highguyuk-



  • Graham_Devon
    Graham_Devon Posts: 58,560 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    I'd go for a VW Golf MK3 (93-97) diesel, or preferably a TDI. My second car is a 10 year old TDI with 120k on the clock. Starts first time every time and has never given me a problem. Happy on the motorway, happy in town, 50mpg and cheap insurance, plus cheap everything else.

    Also the above 306 suggestion is a good one.

    Astras and Escorts both rust out pretty easily!
  • Hows abaout a Citroen Xantia Diesel. They're cheap as chips because they're not too popular and you'll get a lot of car for your money. Engines are rock solid, things to watch out for are the electrics and suspension.
    2009 wins: Signed Saxon CD, Solar Torch, Drumsticks, Priest Feast Tix, Watch, Hammerfest tix :beer:
  • Saban
    Saban Posts: 342 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    Thank you very much guys you've given me some great ideas!
    :dance:
  • Hows abaout a Citroen Xantia Diesel. They're cheap as chips because they're not too popular and you'll get a lot of car for your money. Engines are rock solid, things to watch out for are the electrics and suspension.

    Having owned a petrol version i can vouch for the xantia. if you prefer diesel £700 will get u a 1997 (or thereabouts) MY. U should also get if you can 12m mot, so at least mechanically the car should be ok.

    Re suspension just check all four corners move nice and soft (much softer than your rover!) other then that the suspension is trouble free.

    Oh yes check ALL the eclectics, as its French and this is the weak point. But if all eclectics are o.k. It should prove to be comfortable, reliable and a bargain.
    Insurance group is about 10, but i think it should not be much more than the rover in this respect, maybe even cheaper.
  • Quinny_2
    Quinny_2 Posts: 1,351 Forumite
    My old man got a 97 Peugeot DTurbo,brand new on an R plate.

    Went like the proverbial off a shovel,was well equipped with power steering,leccy windows,and a few other toys,and would regularly return 50mpg+ as well as being a very comfortable car in it's class.

    If there are only 2 of you,then the 3 door will suffice,as they are easily available,however,if you have kids,then go for the slightly rarer 5 door.

    You wouldn't think that a diesel car could go so quick,but believe me,with the 1.9 td lump under the bonnet,you could be in for a surprise.

    I currently own a 99 406 2.0 HDi,and I love it to bits.Probably the best car I've ever owned,and in fact,am looking for a replacement car for the wifes Micra SR,and am seriously looking at a 306 TD.

    As for an Astra or an Escort?

    I'd rather pull my own teeth.

    Ken.
    That's my mutt in the picture above.
  • Old Diesel Merc......they just keep going.....and going....and going.......
    I am NOT a Woman! - its Overland Landy (as in A Landrover that travels Overland):rolleyes:

    Better to be approximately right than precisely wrong.
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 354.8K Banking & Borrowing
  • 254.6K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 455.6K Spending & Discounts
  • 247.7K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 604.6K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 178.7K Life & Family
  • 262.3K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.7K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.